Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-10-23


ed off.
The two little musicians watched the
figure as it disappeared in the darkness,
while the happy shuttle grew fainter and
fainter.
All, here was charity, God!ike charity,
in the hearts Of the beings the rich de-
spised and thrust from their door
AS the Cold Night turned toward
Kitty, he found hel silently wiping her
eyes.
do you see what true charity is?"
asked he, in a sweet, sympathetic voice.
Eyes, yes" murmured Kitty; 81 see,
l see."
While they were talking, they had
slowly risen up. up to the brilliant win
dOws again.
Snow look at the mockery," said the
Cold Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour of the
ball. Light from myriads of Jets, en-
bedded in massive chandeliers. sparkled
with dazzling intensity, making the
brightest day of gloomy night. People
decked with jewels and silks and laces
were gathered in merry groups, or join
ing in pleesurable dance to the strains
of sweet and lively music. 1t was Il
beautiful sight indeed but somehow the
people looked heartless to Kitty, and
the jewels glittered spitefully, while the
rich silks seemed to hiss and hiss as
they rustled along, as if all were rebel
ling against their false use.
but one more act" said the Cold
Night, gently leading her down, down to
the opposite side of the street.
From dark corner, with their arms
twined about each others necks. the
two little beggars watched the windows
of the brilliantly lighted hathaway up
in the sky it seemed, -watched the gay
figures that frequently appeared in rich,
dainty dresses, and smiled to think it
was all for the poor and needy.
"They dances Tor us and for Others"
murmured libby; "for those as is in
want. Maybe the beautiful ladies will
find us here tomorrow, and give us
some bread"
YES" said Tosey "and the poor
little girl rs has the sick mother.
Phaps they'll find them, and help them
too"
The Cold Night waved his hand above
them, and they both shivered, and said
how cold it was. Tosey tried to play q
note on the violin, but the strings creak-
ed 80 dismally that he laid it aside.
Then they sang together the sweet little
song of charity which libby had sung
to the rich people; and, as they sang,
the Cold Night spread his mantle slow
ly around them until they were fast
asleep.
ooh, sir" cried Kitty, "spare them,
and let them live!'
"No," said the Cold Night, "they are
too poor to live. They must die"
Kitty fell on her knees be ore him.
"Oh, sir" she plead, beseechingly 81
am rich and will take care of them. and
relieve them from suffering"
But the Cold Night raised his hand
and pointed upward, saying:
"To late, too latew
AS he spoke he took the beggars in
his arms and slowly rose up toward the
stars, leaving Kitty sobbing on the
ground. And as she knelt there she
heard, high in the skies, the song that
the beggars sang, the song of sweet char
ity, swelling to mighty chorus, as one
would think to celebrate mighty deed
mighty in the sight of heaven. She tried
to raise her head but could not; she
seemed bound to the earth by a great
weight, as of gold, while above the song
grew fainter and fainter, till at last
it ceased, and she fell in deep swoon.
1t was broad daylight when Kitty
awoke. and the sun was shining bright
ly into her window. In the hall the maid
was humming subdued song rs she
went blthely about her work; while
without the white smoke of morning
tires-signs Of stirring life-curled up
ward from the chimney tops into the
cool air. as if glad to meet the light of
day.
at was only dream; yet, oh, how
vivid?" thought Kitty, as she rubbed her
eyes again and again, surprised to see
the walls of her own pretty room actual.
ly around her.
"Only dream, only dream, yet
how full Of truth" cheerily rang the
milkman's bell as Kitty donned her
morning dress; while, as she passed
down the broad staircase, the great hall
clock seemed to say:
"Only dream. only a dream; yet
tllcIc ~ lcSsOl. yet tHeTe II leSSOll,
and Kitty pondered.
A year from that time Kitty passed
by the same old clock; but this time it
said, as it licked, licked away:
"Only dream; yet it's made her an
Anglican angel of mercy to suffering
need. Her name, so dear to us, is u
name of love among the poor. All, hap
Ply, happy was the day when, to her
eyes, dream revealed true charity"