Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-11-08
SELECTED STORY
MAY TEMPLES UMBRELLA.
BY A. e c. ANDERSON.

oio"oeo Hoo'epo o' r. oAiP' HoAu INV u" 20
down into the little gutter below, until all
the vegetable kingdom seemed bowling its
head in tears, and the little pebbles in the
street peered up from their liquid beds as
much as to say: at is enough, come. glad
sunshine. and kiss away our sorrow" But
it came not, and still the rain fell uuceas.
ingly.
At the windows of the pretty houses you
might have seen many an impatient face
looking in vain for rift ip the clouds.
Il do not intend to stay in any longer, "
said Madge Fairton, peevishly.
''Nor l." said her proud sister Helen Il
am tired to DEATH"
swell, my dears, do Tot think it would
hurt you to 60 OUT" said lady, looking up
from her sewing. Wrap up we'll in water
proofs, put on your rubbers, and each take
an umbrella"
"Of course" said Madge. Il have at
least dozen calls to make this morning,
and cannot come to any decision how to
make my last silk dress until see the dress
makers patterns"
would you like to go, May smiled
tle lady.
eyes, aunt, if there is anything down in
the kitchen to spare for my poor. It has
been raining for SO long that I fear they
may be suffering"
"You may 60 and put up as large bas-
ketful as you can carry. Madge and Helen
may do the same if they wish.''
Il rather think not" spoke up Helen
"Carry basket along the street, indeed p
"Your cousin does not mind it," replied
the lady, as her niece disappeared out Of the
open door.
.'She is poor No one would notice her
enough to know whether she had basket or
not" replied Helen.
"My daughter, for shame! 1 am glad
May did not hear your remark"
Il would not have said it before her, of
course. Madge, hurry, who knows what
an adventure we may meet this rainy morn
ing"
Soon the three girls tripped out into the
street, sweet May Temple wearing the
brightest look Of all, for under her umbrella
she carried large basket carefully covered
with white cloth. She was going on an
errand of mercy, the others for mere pleas
ure.
Two hours later and they had started on
their return home, and since "what cannot
be cured must be endured they seemed to
enjoy the walk amazingly.
May piloted the way, her cheeks glowing
and her eyes shining with the exercises as
she stepped on through the soft mud, and
occasionally shook the rain from her UNI
brela.
This what call real fun she laughed
to her cousins.
''Not so bad" said Madge 'but just to
see some one 10 the street would be re-
lief"
"Well, look at that poor dog" laughed
May ''See how meekly he carries his
head, and bis tail under his body, as if to
keep it dry"
But the merry girl was interrupted by
rude, boisterous laugh from her companions.
just as they passed her, and turned corner
Of the street and, looking for the object
of their merrment, she beheld poor old
man who had slipped upon the pavement,
and was now trying his best to regain his
footing
s'How can you! Q girls !" exclaimed
May, reproachfully, as she hastenen forward
and extended her little hand.
"Thank you! thank you!'' exclaimed the
old man, grasping firm hold with his trem-
bling, shaking fingers. "That's it. There
vas once time that little girl could not
baye raised me but now the keepers OF
the house trcmble, the strong man bows
himself, the grinders cease because they are
few, the almond tree Hourishes, and even
the grasshopper is burden to him.
IAN old crazy man" said Helen. "Come
away"
"No, be is not Crazy" said May, softly
''He is only quoting scripture. The keep
ers Of his house are his poor. trembling
hands, his grinders his teeth, and the al,
mond tree his white hairs. Poor old man
can I do anything for you? Let me wipe
this mud from your coat"
Eyes, it migh t ruin his seedy old coat, =
sneered Helen"
"Thank you" smiled the old man. turn
| ing his back to her as she took out snowy
handkerchief and carefully wiped off the
mud. "To be sure don't want to brighter
| LYDIA" and here his smiles were interrupt
ed by sharp. hacking cough.
II fear you are not we'll. sir"
"Ah no! The silver cord is becoming
thinner every day, and the wheel turns SC
feebly that it will soon cease. l am going
home to my daughter to de-
"You should not be travelling without al
umbrella"
! "It is no matter" smiled the old man