Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-01-24

A Coop DEED.-At a railroad station, not
long ago, one of the beautiful lessons which all
should learn was taught in such a natural, 81 NJ
pie way, that none could forget it, 1t was
bleak, snowy day; the train was late, the ladies'
room was dark and smoky, and the dozen wom-
en-, old and young, who sat waiting impatiently,
ali looked cross, low spirited or stupid.
just then forlorn old woman, shaking with
the palsy, came in with basket Of little wares
for sale, and went about mutely offering them
to the sitters. Nobody bought anything, and
the poor old soul stood blinking at the door a
minute, as if reluctant to 20 out into the bitter
storm again. 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 sofa, opened her eyes, saw the old
woman and instantly asked in kind tone,
"EIave you lost anything, ma'amp
"No, dear, Pm looking for the heatin' place
to have a warm fore | 20 out ag'in. My eyes
are poor, and don't seem to find the furnace
nowhere"
"Here it isl and the lady led her to the steam
radiator, placed chair, and showed her how to
warm her feet.
"Wcll, now, amt that niceP sail the old
woman, spreading her ragged mittens to dry
"Thankee, dear; this is proper comfortable
amt itp I'm most froze to-day, benz lame
and aching; and not selling much made me
sort OF down hearted"
The lady smiled and went TO the counter,
bought cup of tea aud some sort of food, car
ried it herself to the old woman, and said, as
respectfully and kindly rs if the poor soul had
been dressed in silk and fur, "Won't YOU have
cup Of hot tea? It's very comforting such day
as this"
Sakes alivel Do they give tea at this de-
potP cried the old lady in a tone of innocent
SURPRISE that made a smile 90 round the room,
touching the grimmest face like streak of sun
shine. Well, now, this is just lovely" added
the old lady, slipping away with a 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 well
for them.
As watched her doing this. | though what n
sweet face she had, though I'd considered her
rather plain before. | felt dreadluly ashamed
of myself that ! had grimly shaken my head
when the basket was offered to me; and ms saw
alook OF interest, Sympathy and kindness come into
the faces around me, did wish that had been
the magician to call it ont. It was only kind
word and friendly act; but somehow il bright.
ened that dingv room wonderfully. It changed
the faces Of dozen women; and I think il
| touched dozen hearts, for saw many ewes fol.
low the plain, pale face, with sudden respect
| and when the old woman, with many thanks
| got up to 20, several persons beckoned TO her
and bought something, as if they wanted to re.
| pair their negligence.
There was no gentlemen present TO be i'm
pressed by the lady's kind act; so it was moi
done for effect, and no possible reward could be
| received for IT,, except the thanks Of poor ole
woman. But that simple little charity was n.
| good as a Sermon and | think each traveller
went on her way better for that half hour in the
| dreary station IS S. Workman.