The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1872-03-15
M i S c eIIaneous
L Little Sermon.

At railroad station, not long ago, one
OF the beautiful lessons which all should
learn was taught in such natural, simple
way that none could forget it. 1t was a
bleak, snowy day; the train was late, the
ladies' room dark and smoky, and the doz-
en- women, old and young, who sat waiting
patiently, all looked cross, low spirited or
stupid.
just then a forlorn old woman shaking
with the palsy came in with basket of
little ware for sale, and went about mutely
offering them to the sitters. Nobody bought
anything and the poor old soul stood blink
ing at the door minute, as if reluctant to
go into the bitter storm gain. She turned
presently and poked about the room as if
trying to find something, and then pale
lady in black, who lay as if asleep on So
ia, opened her eyes, saw the old woman,
and instantly asked in a kind tone, Have
you lost anything, ma'am ~
"No dear. I'm looking for the heatin'
place, to have warm fore l 90 out ag'n.
My eyes are poor and don't seem to find
the furnace nowhere"
Here it is )" and the lady led her to the
steam radiator, placed a chair before her
and showed her how to warm her feet.
"Well, now, amt that nice ~ said the
old woman, spreading her ragged mittens
to dry. "Thankee, dear; this is proper
comfortable, amt 1t? I'm most troze to
day, bein' lame and aching; and not sell
ing much made me sort of down hearted"
The lady smiled, went to the counter,
bought cup of tea and some sort of food,
carried it herself to the old woman, and
said as respectfully and kindly as if the
poor soul had been dressed in silk and fur,
Wont you have a cup of hot tea ? It's
very comforting such day as this"
"Sakes alive Do they give tea at this
depot 2" cried the old lady in tone ofin-
nocent surprise that made smile 90 round
the room, touching the glummest face like
just lovely" added the old lady, slipping
away with RELISH "That does warm
my heart"
While she refreshed herself, telling her
story meanwhile, the lady looked over the
poor little wares in the basket bought
soap, pins and shoe strings, and cheered
the old soul by paying her well for them
AS watched her doing this, thought
what sweet face she had, though I'd con-
sidered her rather plain before. | felt
dreadfully ashamed of myself that l had
grimly shaken my head when the basket
was offered to me; and, as | saw look
of interest, sympathy and kindness come
into the faces around me, did wish that
had been the magician to call it out. 1t
was only kind word and friendly act !;
but some how it frightened that dingy
room wonderfully. 1t changed the faces of
IA dozen women; and l think it changed
dozen hearts, for saw many eyes follow
the plain, pale lady with sudden respect !;
and when the old woman, with many
thanks, got up to go several persons beck
oned to her and bought something, as if
they wanted to repair their negligence.
There were no gentlemen present to be
impressed 10y the lady's kind act; so it
was not done for effect, and no possible re-
ward could be received for it except the
thanks of the poor old woman. But that
simple little charity was as good as SER
mon, and think each traveller went on her
way better for that half hour in the drea-
ry room.
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