The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1878-11-07

| VT Deeu huHSeu!
"0h, no, of course mott" Tosey an
swered, emphatically.
they both looked hungrily at the piece
of money, and began to count together
what lots of things they could buy; ana
their faces grew bright, indeed, as they
thought of it.
From the shade of the opposite side o,
the entrance, thin bundle of rags slowly
crept, and steadily shuffled up to them
Out of the dirt and rags peered a thin
face and elistening eyes. and the hands
of the small bundle YEARLY rubbed them.
selves together, to try and stir up the
blood which was not there
This is a charity ball." said the thin
bundle. These folks dance for the poor
The glistening eyes looked eagerly at
Tosey and libby, and frequently glanced
at the money in their hands. 1--WE is
poor. and they dances for us and me moth
us the bread which we seldom has,"
Tosey looked in surprise at the thin
bundle. rubbing its hands.
and does they dress in nice clothes for
us, and ride in carriages. and give lots
of money, and all for u.s."
The thin bundle rubbed faster and fast
| cT.
Yes. if there's any more than as pays
for the dancin' and the dressin'; and the
dancin' costs ten dollars apiece. and the
dressin'-oh, dunno. It's all for us,-if
there's any left
But they didn't give US any when l
sang" said libby.
..Lors, no." said the thin bundle; ''they
thinks beggars don't need nothin'. They
has folks as hunts up poor folks when
they has time, and sews fiannelS when
this for us, but" The bundle shook its
head as if it were doubtful. and continued:
IL stood over yender thinkln' somebody
would give me somethin'; but they all
looked mad at me, and went back inter
the shadder and watched EN-. 1t was a
big sight, but I'm Jest as hungry" The
hands stopped rubbing. and the eyes
looked wet, as the bundle added: My
mother is very, very sick. Oh. ives poor,
so poor."
Tosey looked at his little sister as the
rags began to shuttle away.
libby" says he. docs We feel so awful
hungry
libby hesitated. She looked at the sill
yer. and then at the slowly retreating fig-
u Z. >
gentle, loving face.
! 'No, Tosey. dunno as does
I Tosey turned around, and running after
the departing figure, handed her the
! piece of money.
There, says he, take it; you need it
more than We does
The bundle looked in surprise as she
took the piece. and tears fell down the
thin. pale face. But she only said:
I'm very. very grateful" and walk 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, Godlike 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 her silently wiping her eyes.
DO you see what true charity is?"
asked he. in a sweet. sympathetic voice
Yes, yes, murmured Kitty; Il see, |
see.
While they We're talking, they had
slowly risen up, up to the brilliant win
dows again.
Now look at the mockery," said the
Cold Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour of the
ball. Light from myriads OF Jets, embed
ded in chandeliers, sparkled with daz-
zling intensity, making the brightest day
of gloomy night. People decked with
jewels and silks and laces were gathered
in merry groups, or joining in pleasure
bic dance to the strains of sweet and live
ly music. 1twas a beautiful sight indeed;
but somehow the people looked heartless
to Kitty, and the jewels glittered spite
fully while the rich silks seemed to hiss
and hiss as they rustled along, as if all
were rebelling 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 a 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 fig
ures that frequently appeared in rich,
dainty dresses, and smiled to think it was
all for the poor and needy.
They dances for 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: land the poor little
girl as has the sick mother. P'haps 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
note on the violin, but the strings creaked
50 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 slowly around them un-
til they were fast asleep.
.Oh, sir" cried Kitty. spare them,
and let them Gve!"
NO." said the Cold Night, they are
too poor to live. They must die
KITTY fell on her knees before 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:
TOO late, too late!"
.As he spoke he took the beggacs 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 charity, swelling to |
mighty chorus, as one would think to
celebrate mighty deed in the sight of
heaven. She tried to raise her head but |
could not; she seemed bound to the earth
by great weight, as of gold. while above |
the song grew fainter and fainter, till |
at last it ceased, and she tell in deep
swoon.
It was broad daylight when Kitty |
awoke, and the sun was Ginning brightly