River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-08-29
CHARITY AT HOME.

The Forbes girls had been at recep-
ton. and were Just STEPPING to their car
riage when they saw Nellie Bigelov COM
ing up the street.
"Drive on home, Thomas; we Will walk.
oh, Nelly!-such an age since we saw
you You must 60 shopping with US"
The three had been schoolgirls togeth
er, and had never forgotten their old
friendships, although, now they seldom
met. Jenny and Dora Forbes were lead
ers in fashionable circle while Nelly
was a teacher in one or the public
schools.
The delicate silk -and-velvet costumes
of the two first contrasted oddly with
Nelly's coarse waterproof suit. But the
Forbes girls seemed never to think of
that, though Nelly, with all her good
sense, thought of it, and struggled brave
~ not to care.
At the corner a wretched deformed lad
tried to sell them some papers.
Dora cheeks flushed and her eyes fill
ed. "You poor child y she said, handing
him some money. "See, girls this IS
certainly no imposter"
Jenny also gave him some money, but
Nelly stood motionless.
$40 YOU think we were deceived2 Per-
haps you don't approve of giving aims
on the streetl" they said eagerly, appeal
ing to her for advice just as when they
were at school.
81 have no right to an opinion said
Nelly.
The sisters exchanged significant
chances.
"They thiuk it is meanness in me, ="
thought Nelly, bitterly.
They went into Sharpless's. Nelly
bought some flannel, taking out a we'll
filled purse to pay for 1t. While she still
held it, white-haired old lady, friend
Of the Forbeses, approached them.
'Ah, girls, just in time to help in q
good work. Those poor people burned
our last night, forty families. | have a
subscription paper here; how much will
you give2'
Don't put our names down. Just say
'Cash,'n said Jenny; and the warm
hearted, generous girls emptied their
purses.
"And-your young friendf' said the
motherly old lady, glancing at Nelly's
full pocket-book.
81 cannot make contribution she
said stiffly.
Mot a large che we don't ak every
body to give like these dear girls-but a
trihen
81 cannot give anything to-day" said
Nelly, turning away. AS she walked TO
the door, she heard Dora say in an indig-
nant Whisper
Nonsense nobody is SO poor that they
can't give something If they choose"
There was an embarrassed silence fol-
| few minutes rs they walked up the
street together. But Dora and Jenny
soon forgot the incident, and were as gay
and affectionate as before.
"What are you going TO do tomorrow
Nellyln SAID Dora. at is legal holi.
day, and of course your school must be
closed. | wish you would como and
spend the day with us. We are going tC
drive out on the Wissahickon IN the after
noon. and have tea and a dance in the
Sybil hoat-house in the evening. The
boys are members of the club, You know
and it is their plan. They have beer
busy decorating the boat-house all thii
week Augustine is to furnish the sup
per, and mamma is TO cnaperone US. Yot
positively must come, Nell"
There will not be more than dozen,
began Jenny, eagerly. land no no dress
ing" hesitating; '.just plain walking
dresses. Say you viii come, Nelly.
/ Nelly was only eighteen. And a driv'
all The afternoon il the park, with a dance
and perhaps Dora's handsome cade
brother Is a partner 1t was long sine
she had any glimpse of pleasure. An'
then it would not cost anything. How
could she resist!
II thin'1 / can go" she said, Ter eye
sparkling. II viii determine this even
ing, and send you o note by nail"
AS the girls lett her. she noticed hoN
people glanced at them with smile o
pleasure. With their airy dresses, sweet
| innocent faces and light-nearted voices
rhe duh street frightened as they passed
Nelly vas young and pretty As they, ye
nobody looked alter her with pleasure.
81 give nothing away-not eve
smiles" she thought as she wake
YEARLY home. In her purse was ne
quarter salary There was not penn
of it which was not appropriated IS
much for groceries, so much for the boy
clothes and shoes, not \ Jenny left
| give away.