The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1877-06-23
From Peterson's Magazine.
GODS OPPORTUNITY.

Mrs. Delafield looked out the window,
as she clipped her thread, and the scissors
fell from her hand.
ooh! Maudie, | see Mr.. Brompton
coming. | haven't five dollars in the
world. What shall we do?"
Maudie was cripple. All her brief
life had been spent in that low easy
chair, save when Tom rolled her under
the naples, in her small wagon, for
her morning airing. She looked up
from her embroidery with great, wistful
eyes.
+" Poor mamma! How wish L could
help you!
"My love, you do. You help me a
great DEAL" cried the mother as she
FASTENED to the door. Walk in, Mr.
Brompton."
Mr.. Brompton walked in. A portly,
handsome gentleman, wearing a fur-lined
overcoat, and carrying gold-headcd
cane.
"Now do you do, Mrs. Delafeld!
How do you do? ALL my little pet!"
He smiled benignly, shook the widows
hand, and patted Maudie's head.
g Bad day, this, Mrs. Delafeld," ac-
cepting the chair she offered him. "Bit-
ter cold. Pm out, nevertheless, making
my collecting tour, Mrs. Delafeld
make it point never to break an estab-
lished rule, as you may have observed,
Mrs. Delafeld. Be punctual with your
tenants, and your tenants will learn to
be punctual with you. That's motto of
mine, and find it worl admirably, Mrs.
Delafield."
Mrs. Delaficld sat quite composed
not a feature of her face betraying the
flutter at her heart
Your rent comes due again to-day,
Mrs. Delafield," proceeded the landlord,
taking out notebook and pencil Last
month owing to your extreme illness,
contrary to my fixed principles, suffer
ed it to run on. Wen square up in full
to-day, if you please, my dear madam"
Mrs Delafeld caught her breath, and
pressed her hand hard upon the table.
She was too proud to betray herself by a
single tremor.
Really, Mr., Brompton, l wish /
could. But, owing to my illness, Pve
done very little sewing. The few bills
due me | tried to collect yesterday, and
failed. However, shall get the money
soon, and therc'll be enough to pay the
rent. If you'll have the kindness to
wait a week or two longer, Mr.. Bromp-
ton
Mr.. Brompton interrupted, with a
smile, and the smile was uglier than a
frown would have been.
. could wait, Mrs. Delafield. Oh,
TO be sure | couldl could make YOU a
deed of gift of the cottage, for that mat
ter I'm fully able to do it. But you
See-N
The widow rose to her feet.
You have said enough, sirl /
haven't the money to pay the rent to-
day, and if you wish to turn me and nv
children into the street, you can do So"
\ queen could not have made a
haughties answer. The landlords ford
face darkened.
You will have to leave, madam. |
told you as much a month ago. You re-
member my saying that you couldn't
stay unless the rent was forthcoming.
. Very well, sir"
:" Good day, Mrs. Delafeld. am
sorry TO be forced"
Make no excuses, Mr.. Brompton.
None are needed. bid you good even
ing
Her soft eyes flashed, her voice rang
like bugle; but the instant the door
was closed, she sunk down by Maudie's
chair.
ooh, Maudiel Poor little MaudieI
What shall we do?'
The child put aside her silks, and laid
her soft cheek against her mothers.
Toms hand was on the latch. and
feeling that her tears would not be forced
back, Mrs. Delafield jumped up, and
rushed into the next room, closing the
door after her.
Hush, Toni" said Maudie, as he
came whistling in, with his satchel on
his shoulder. Poor mammals in great
trouble"
Toms merry eyes saddened.
What's up now, Maudie7 No dinner
and no money to buy it with. | s'pose;
and fellow hungry enough to nibble
his own fingers, this bitter weather"
Maadie's soft eyes looked up at him,
full of tears.
=" Oh! Tom, the landlords been here;