St. Landry democrat., 1882-09-09
CHARITY.

CHARITY.
"Now, Aunty, how could you infict
such horrld name upon poor, innocent
me! | meant to hate you always. and
I'm dreadfully disappointed that l
can't"
Emphasizing her remark with Wig
orous hug, she dropped upon hassock
beside the nice old lady knitting con-
tentedly by the window, and folding
her arms upon the others lap com
placently surveyed the contrast of their
snowy whiteness with the heavy black
silk upon which they rested.
Aunt Charity's keen hazel eyes read
all this, and more. They were not I'M
like the brighter, browner orbs shaded
by the fluffy golden brown hair OF her
namesake; but they were misty now
with tender recollections of the letter
which, eighteen years before, had told
her of the baby-girl gladdening the old
home where she herself had grown into
maldenhood Ever since thoughts of
the little ''Charity' dancing on and out
of the familiar rooms, singing the IA
miliar songs, treading the familiar
streets, had served to brighten her own
childless lot, albeit this very week she
had looked for the first time into the
fair young face. Outwardly it was all
her fancy had fondly pictured, but
''What was that sigh for, aunty9
You don't think I'm half good enoug
for the name; do you9 But lust let me
tell you about the annual fair for our
Mission Band tonight. There's to be
supper and fancy tables, but not even
the ghost of alottery. Aren't you glad9
And oh how [ have worked! I've teaSed
Uncle Joe into buying four supper tick
cts. He hates the whole thing; so
does father; you should have heard me
coax five dollars out of him! | had to
give up my new bracelets. Isn't that
| bona Fde charity? Haven't l two pairs
already9 O, but one gets SO tired of
old things, and Temtum has such love.
iy ones! But was bound to raise the
most money. And, what's worse, I've
agreed to do all the busting and dish
washing this morning to secure batch
of Norah famous cream cakes for the
glorious cause Now what do you
think of your namesake? Isn't there a
little hope she may grow as good as this
dear old Aunt Lovely papa is always
holding up for a pattern?''
"Too faulty pattern altogether"
said aunty, shaking her head. "Better
copy after Paurs portrait of charity.
it is not pulled up .......
ooh, aunty! l didn't mean-but only
think: Ten dollars in money, nine sup
per tickets. and-cream cakes! besides
the wear and tear of hands, feet and
tongue, for I'm to help at the hall all
the afternoon. It's real fun, to be sure.
but isn't it charity OPP
"Certainly, one phase of it; and the
social gain atones for labor lost. But a
study of Paurs grand masterpiece
would suggest many improvements -
'.It's hung too high. aunty. Away
up in the clouds, for the angels and
such; makes me ache just to look at it. "
"Suppose I hold it at an easy dis
lance now and then, will you try to
work in few colors?' laughed aunty,
with very earnest look in the hazel
eyes.
"Must Ipromise solemnly? OF course
l want to make the most of my pat
ronymic-"
.:Chattyr' called mamma. from the
top of the stairs.
''That's all there is to it at present.
Here, mother bird,' and the young girl
tripped lightly into the hall.
.Chatty, dear, you will have to 60 to
town on the noon train. This plaid
must be matched. and Innings and trim
mings bought. ready for Miss Sizzors
! tomorrow.
I .'But mamma, you forget-the fes-
tiyal'' -. ~, .-.
'.No, dear; I hoped to go to the city
myself, but it is quite impossible, and
there are always enough to help at the
hall. am very sorry, Chatty dear"
| Ominous frowns were gathering un-
der the tangled brown hair. fs.a.~
i ut is so dreadfully provoking! My
plans never count for anything
s'sCharity seeketh not her own, is
not easily provoked. came softly from
the inner room. .@@~
.'Now, Aunt Lovely. you don't pre-
tend it means things like this" said
Chatty, turning. "If we could only
have our dress making done in town,
as the Terrys and Lamberts dor
".Charity envieth not, :" rejoined
the elder lady, knitting as busily as
ever.
"What does it do?'' The tone was a