Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1883-03-07
THANK THE FLOWERS.

IHANh Iu6 tIUWthS.
In large marquee where masonic
banquet had Just been held, one of the
stewards. a man of middle age, fingered
writing something in pocket-book.
The only thing on the dismantled
table that vas left unspoiit to the eye
was the wonderful vases of splendid
tropical blossoms that were sending out
sweet breathing scents upon the smoke
laden air.
A wan-faccd waiter in 4 greasy dress
suit stood watching the gentleman i'm
patiently.
Organicaly sensitive to degree, DR..
Holt lifted his large grey eyes TO the
mans face Ind asked haughtiIv:
"Am l in your way, my good fellow"
''No, sir, certainly not, Sir" said the
waiter sheepishy, wiping his hands on
the napkin at his side; .only--"
"Ah, L understand. I'm not exactly
in the way, yet you wish me away.
Now why is that?"
"Well, if yen must know, sir, the
head waiter sill be here presently, and
shall lose my chance OF these Towers
What do You want the flowers for?'
asked the gentleman. surprised that the
coveted article was not Il game-pie close
at hand.
"Ne.l, you see, sir, in our house there
is poor foreign lady who is dying. and
she is mortal fond Of flowers, particu-
lar.y great tlauntiug flashing ones like
them there; she SAYS they remind her of
the sunny south"
The gentleman WINGED, and the wait
er continued:
My missus made me promise to
bring some home; my nissus is soft
hearted one. and has taken u fancy to
Madame Bellini."
DR.. Holt started still more, then said
Lightly:
"A soft heart is better than soft
lead. You sha,l have thc flowers"
lie took douhlehandlul Of the finest
blossoms, and picking up bis card from
beside his plate, bound them up tightly,
then said:
Take them and that jelly yonder,
and this half-bottie of vine, aaa if they
are missed, refer your employers to
me-"
Then he went out and forgot all about
the transaction over 3 rubber of whist.
At the top Of 4 house in the drearicst
part OF the big city the waiter in Gues~
ton stood beside q good-naturca come
Iy-iookiHg woman at the foot of low
white bed, where q lovely bat haGgard-
looking woman lay. supported by pill
lows: her great darl, eyes were uunat-
-irally bright, her lips vivid red. her
cheeks crimson rs the cool fresh flower
snc laid against them lovingly.
1t Was very kiEd of You, Merton, to
think Of me- The flowers make me feel
happy, they grow in my own sweet
home. One is rot so afraid Of the brown
earth when one sees the beautiful treas
ures itnurses in its warm bosom. Per-
haps when | am dead tho flowers will
talk to me and know love them"
A tiresomc hacking cough interrupt
cd her low soft speech. that had slight
~ foreign accent. Fiagetiag with the
flowers, she noticed that the stems were
too tightly compressed, and tried to uu-
wind the string with her nervous fingers.
Cut it, Merton: see how cruelty it
must bruise the stems. Why did YOU
tie them so tighuyP'
Il did not lie them, madame; the gen.
tleman who gave me leave to take them
did it.r
He must have been a kind man,
Merton"
II think he is, madame; he has kind
face. This is his name, fancy"
Madame teid out her hand for the
card. and read:
"Dr. Felix Holt"
She gave a cry of surprise, and
dropped the card as though it had stung
her
..You are in pain madame; can do
ANYTHING for yonpn asked Mrs. Merton.
"No. thanks. 'Tis an old pam.
think can sleep now."
Then she pressed the card to her lips.
and placed it in her bosom; saying to
herself softly:
IS ..Heaven iti its infinite mercy directed
this kindness from his hands," and fell
asleep wi,ha smile of divine gratitude
Oh her sweet face.
.sThe doctor gives no hope for me,
| Merton. and now | know must die
| have favor to ask OF you. Take that
/ card and that faded passion-flower, and
! seek the gentleman who gave them TO
you; tell him Mignon is diving and wish
es to say farewell to him."
| Merton nodded and left her, too
moved 10 speak.
The sick woman lay back amid the
pillows, her lips moved as though she
prayed.
| Itwas bright breezy morning and
| the generous sun sent its cheering rays
! into the sick-room; a golden canary
| that hung in a cage by the attic window
hopped and chirped, then hurst into
clear full song SO glad was he Of the
| sunshine
Madame opened her eyes and smiled.
s.Docs the bird disturb you. dearie?'
asked Mrs. Merton. ''Shali ! take ,
awa1s 5es4
'.No. 10; my plru n.s long rean s1J
ops solace. Poor pet. it is inviting au
to Join It's melody. but I shall never sing
again on earth; my soul is saving up its
! songs for Paradise"
4 The sy,n sank down reluctantly. show
ing his CORY OF gold md crirason long
after rs bonny face was hidden behind
4 bank Of clouds. Madame was look.
1 ing brighter for / long sleep. and was
listening for the footsteps that had once
auickened rs they neared her.
/ ! Now she heard them linger on tho
landing: she ciaspcd her hands Aboya