River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-12-26

"Tosey looked in surprise at the thin
bundle rubbing its hands.
"And docs they dress il nice closes for
us, aud ride in carriages, and give lots OF
money, and all for us2'
The thin bundle rubbed faster end
faster.
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' dunno It's all for us,--if there's
any left"
"But they didn't give us any when l
sang" said Tlbby.
'Lors, no I" said the thin bundle ;"they
has folks as hunts up poor folks when
they has time, and sews hannels when
they hasn't. Yes, they says they does
all this for us but" The bundle shook
its head as il it were doubtful, and con
tinued:
81 stood over yonder ihinkin' some
body would give me somithim'; but they
MI looked mad at me, and went back
into the shadder and watched 'em, Ii
was d big sight, but I'm jest as hungry"
The hands stopped rubbing, and the ewes
looked wet, as the bundle added "My
mother is very, very sick. Oh, ives POOR,
so poorl"
Tosey looked at his little sister as the
rags began to shuttle away.
"Tibby," says he, "does we feel so aw-
full hungry"
libby hesitated. She looked at the sill
yer, and then at theslowly retreating figure
and then she looked up into Toaey s
gentle, loving lace.
"No, Tosey, dunno as does"
Tosey turned around, and running
after the departing figure, handed her
the piece of money.
"There, says he, stake it; you need it
more than we does"
The bundle looked IN surprise as she
took the piece, and tears fell down tne
thin, pale face. But she only said
I'm very, very grateful" and walked
off.
The two little musicians watched the
figure as it disappeared in the dar,Iuess,
while the happy shuttle grew fainter and
! fainter.
All, here was charity, Godlike chsJit y,
in the hearts of the beings the rich de-
spised aud thrust from their do0rl
As the Cold Night turned toNSasd
Kitty he found her silently wiping her
eyes.
"Do YOU see what true charity isl
asked he, in a sweet, sympathetic voice.
eyes, yes" murmured Kitty; 81 see, |
Sec"
While they were talking, they had
slowly risen mp, to the brilliant windows
again.
snow look at the mocEery," said the
Cold Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour of the
ball. Light from myl1ads 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 iaces
were gathered IN merry groups, or Joining
in pleasurable dance to the strains OF
sweet and lively music. 1t was be .uti-
fdl 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 ru8tled
along, as if all were rebelling against
their false use.
But one more act, said TIC 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 ghe
brilliantly lighted HALFWAY up IN the
sky it seemed watched the gay figures
tibet 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"
mmmured libby, "for those as is in want.
Maybe The beautiful ladies will fins, US
here tomorrow, and give us some brta@."
"Yes," said Tosey; land the poor yittle
girl as has the sick mother Phaps
they'll find them, and help them, tot"
The Cold Night waved his hand above
them, and they both shivered, and said
how cold if was. Tosey tried to play q
note on his violin, but the strings cTeaked
so dismally that he laid il aside. Then
they sang together the sweet little song
of charity which libby had sung IT, the
rich people; and, as they sang, the Coli
Night spread his mantle slowly AROUND
them until they were fast asleep.
"Oh, sir!" cried Kitty, "spare them,
and let them i've"
"No," said Cold Night, "they are too
poor 10 live. They must die.n
Kitty fell on her knees before him.
"Oh, sir she pleaded beaeechiNgly,
81 am rich and will take care of ITEM,
and relieve them from suffering.
But the Cold Night raised his hand
and pointed upward, saying
''Too late, too later
As he spoke he took the beegars III his
aims and slowly rose up toward tine stars,
leaving Kitty sobbing on the ground AS
she knelt there she hoard, high in the
skies, the song that the begg ars sang, the
song of sweet charity, swelling to a
mighty chorus, as one would think to
celebrate a mighty deed-mighty in the
sight of heaven. Shc tried 10 raise her
head but could not, she seemed bound 10
the earth by a great weight, as of gold, |
while above the song grew fainter and
falnter, till at last il ceased, then she fell /
into deep swoon.
It was broad daylight when Eitty |
awoke, and the sun was shining brightly |
into her window. In the hall the maid |
was cumming subdued song as she |
went blithelY about her work while With |
out the white smoke of morning frs
signs of stirring life--curled upwards
from the chimneytops into the cool air
as if glad 70 meet the Light of day.
''It was only dream; yet, or, how
vivid r. thought Kitty, as she rubbed h5r +
eyes again and again, surprised TO zee the
walls Of her own pretty room actuallyl
around her.
'Only dream, only dream yet, how
full of truth p cheerily rang the milk
mans bell as Kitty donned her morning
dress; while, as she passed down fhe
broad staircase the great ball clock seem
ed to say: +
"Only dream, only a dream yet
there's a lesson, yet there's q lesson" and
Kitty pondered.
A year from that time Kitty passed by
the same old clock; but this time il sid,
IS Il licked, licked away /,
"0Biy cream; yet its made her an /
sngel~-sngel Of mercy to suffering need