The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1878-12-25
SNOW look at the mocken-,'' said the

i Cold Night, somewhat harshIy..
i It was the most brilliant hour OF tn
ball. Light from myrlads Of jets, EN-
bedded in massive chandeliers, spa1A rle
with dazzling intensity, making IL.
brightest day Of gloomy night. People
decked with jewels and silks and laces
were gathered In merry groups, or joining
in pleasurable dance to the strains Of
sweet and lively music It was a beauti-
tul 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 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 dark corner. with their arms
twined about each others necks, tho two
little beggars watched the windows of the
brilliantly lighted hall away 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 for us and for others, )"
murmured libby, "for those as is in want.
Maybe the beautiful ladies will find us
here to- morrow, and give us some bread.p
"Yes," said Tosey; "and 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 shiveIed, and said
how cold it was. Tosey tried to play a.
note on his violin, but the strings creaked
SO 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 Cola
Night spread his mantle slowly around
them until they were fast asleep.
ooh, sir!" cried Kitty, s'spare them,
and let them I've" .- ~.
NO." said Cold Night, "they are too
poor to live. They must die.'
Kitty fell on her knees before him.
"Oh, sir" she pleaded beseechingly,
II 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!' ~ .rl-.s
AS he spoke he took the beggafs in his
aims and slowly rose up toward the stars,
leaving Kitty sobbing on the ground. AS
she knelt there she heard. high in the
skies, the song that the bege ars sang, the
song of sweet charity, swelling to a
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 great weight, as of gold,
while above the song grew fainter and
fa1nter, till at last it ceased, then she fell
into deep swoon.
1t was broad daylight when Kitty
awoke, and the sun was shining brightly
into her window. In the hall the maid
was humming a subdued song as she
went blithely about her work; while with
out the white smoke of morning fires
signs of stirring life-curled upwards
rom the chimney tops into the cool air
IS II glad to meet the light of day.
''It was only dream; vet, oh, how
7ivid?'' thought Kitty, as she rubbed her
yes again and again, surprised to see the
wallis OF her own pretty room actually
round her.
Only dream, only dream yet, how
ull OF truth" cheerily rang the nliIN-
mans bell as Kitty donned her morning
[ress; while, as she passed down the
road staircase the great hall clock seem
d to say: l.
"Only dream, only dream; yet
here's lesson, yet there's lesson;'' and
City pondered. .
A year from that time Kitty passed by
he same old clock; but this time it said,
S it licked licked awav.
''Only a dream; yet it's made her an
ngel-angel of mercy to suffering need.
Ter name, so dear to US, is a name
owe among the poor. All, happy, happy
vas the day when, to her eyes, dream
eveaied true charity,