The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-09-01
Selett STORY.
THE STORY OF AN OLD COAT.
IN TEN EPISODES.

IN TEN EPISODES.
From Chamber$' JOuRdt.
Of course there was time when the
coat was new. We shall 90 further back
even than that, and speak of a period when
# had no existence-ere even the idea took
possession of the narrow brain Of stingy
Old James Gelsworthy to invest five pounds
Of his beloved money in warm garment,
Of excellent quality, wherewith to protect
his lean carcass from the chills of Decem-
Der. 1t was December in Cribble street,
Nile End, London, f., as we'll as in Cur
Dn street, Mayfair, W. Around the
mansions of the wealthy and refined, the
cruel snow laden blast howled in impotent
fury because it could not shake the mas
sive doors or make the heavy, tightly-ft-
ting windows rattle. When it discovered
stray chink, and contrived to sneak
through insidiously, thick curtains barred
its way, rich carpets checked it, blazing
fires warmed it, an equable temperature
absorbed it. The bitter herald of hard
winter had to content himself with scream
Ing viciously outside: "I'm here, and I
won't go away. I'll not leave you for
mOnths-for months. I'll bring bronchi-
It's, and inflammation, and death to some of
you yet. You shan't escape me, with all
your tricks. Whoof! Puff"
Then the wealthy and refined smiled
confidently in their comfortable apartments.
They were prepared for the siege.
Far otherwise was it with the poor and
vulgar. They shrank and shivered at the
fearful menace, for they knew it was no
idle threat The wind-fend is their savage
enemy. He rejoices at their defenceless
condition, their miserable dwellings, their
meagre food their scanty fuel, their insult
hcient clothing. He comes to kill; he tells
them 50, as he whistles through their chat
tering teeth And he never jokes.
The two rows of rickety tenements
known as Cribble street, Mile End, were
let out to the poor and vulgar, in suites,
generally comprising one room and a cup
board for each family, irrespective of size.
At No. II, 4 certain back chamber without
cupboard occupied by man, a
wife, and a very wee morsel of humanity.
The man was young-only three-and-
twenty His name was Mark Roper. The
woman was also young-some nineteen
Years, perhaps she was called Pattie.
lhe wee morsel was still younger, being
but three days old, and having no name
yet decided upon. But they thought of
calling her Pattie also-at least Mark did.
Mark Roper's misfortunes may be sum-
med up with terrible simplicity. He was
out OF wor k, and had been so for the past
SIX months, in consequence of a strike,
which he had no hand in originating, and
with which he totally disagreed. During
lllat time the neat little cottage at STRAIT
lord had been given up, the furniture had
disappeared bit by bit, the pawnshop had
swallowed up their blankets and counter
Panes and warm clothing. At present, the
room In Cribble street, whittier they had
lied as the cheapest refuge upon earth, ex-
'ep' the wOrkhouse, contained only two
clalrs, table some articles of crockery,
auu mattress on the floor, upon which
ole young wife lay with her frst-born
iolded lovingly in her arms. The parish
UOc'Or had attended her; the parish dis
peiSary had provided medicine; the parish
v'efSeer had allowed little oatmeal and a
,''e port wine-quite as a favor-to help
get up her strength. So she ought to
1,e Oeen grateful, poor thing! Well,
ruu 50 she grateful to God that her
IL husband loved her, and that her child
lived
:, MARK, can't eat any more now. Fin
l'u up this basin of Cruel for me while it's
HO' DO, dear," she said coaxingly.
Not |. | can't abide it hate it r'
He replied, trying to look nauseated by the
Very idea.
one raised herself upon one elbow.
-Ou nave had nothing but saveloy all
Tny' r9 Mark, and, if you don't swallow this,
" not taste another drop you make for
@e-there g'
Dut, dear, | don't like it.
It's story. You do. You shall.
t,nlsh 1t at once, or you'll make me i'll
''iklng about it. Go ON now"
he took few spoonfuls, and pretended
y ufaln the basin; but his wife was too
s1arped-eyed. She watched him closely,
,0 never relaxed her vigilance until the
"loe was consumed.
Now I'm satisfied she said, sinking
'''A upon the bolster. "Where is uncle's