The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1884-12-27
"Luke, what do you mean 2"

this morning as the lesson. I have
been thinking of it all day." What
time he had one could hardly see, but
Luke Berry could think of two things
at once. :" tAnd thou shalt be bless
ed, for they cannot recompense thee,
for thou shalt be recompensed at the
resurrection of the just 1t has been
ringing in my ears all the morning.
Why should not we call the poor, the
manned, the lame and the blind, and
treat them as well as we do our rich
friends ?"
1t was no objection to Mrs. Berry
that it would be odd-she was quite
famous for doing odd things-neither
was she afraid her elegant home would
be harmed in its costly appointments:
She had it to live in, and she knew
there was an inmate refinement with
such people, often putting to shame the
more fashionable habit of the hour.
They discussed the question thoroughly.
She took day to consider it and then
they determined to do it. They would
follow the Master in every word. Once
undertaken there was no delay or him
drance. Mrs. Berry determined that no
one should be patronized or their self
respect offended. She would provide
an entertainment in every way equal to
her accustomed efforts, the caterer had
carte blanche. The people must be in
vited, and that was the hardest matter.
Luke and his wife, with his pastor
and the assistance of friend who was
much among the poor, made out the
list. What company it was Never
had Mrs. Berry's great house held such
a queer assemblage. Parlors, conser-
vatory were filled. Luke, Jr's young
lady friends were there to wait on the
guests. There was music and reading,
and such viands as many of them had
never tasted before. Mrs. Berry found
her eyes full more than once, and Luke
was actually obliged to go to the libra.
ny to quiet his emotions.
John Tracy and all his family were
there, seven of them. They were in
telligent and appreciative the children
were really uncommonly attractive;
poverty had placed its iron heel upon
them, but they had made brave fight
of it and were to be respected. Then
there was old Granny Cole, who had a
son at sea that she had not heard from
for three years. What matter if her
dress was ancient and she said "that
ere and "pears like" ; she had sweet
old face. Then there was Katie Gray,
who was compositor in the Aa00cate
office. She had dreams of better things,
wrote little herself, but an old mother
and invalid sister kept her a. the types.
Then there was Charles Lynde, col
lege graduate, but broken down and
discouraged those who knew his his
tory pitied him; fate had used him
badly. Ike DAILY was there, stamping
about on his wooden leg, his eyes shin
ing. This was better than the best run
of papers he ever had; he has news
boy who was trying to support himself
and little sister. "Aint it prime r.
he said to a companion, bootblacR,
who was quite dazed with the magnifi-
cence. We must not forget Jim Finn
on his crutches; or old Blind Dennis,
who had stand on Devon street; or
cripple Andy, who was broug hit there
by the Irish washer woman who took
care of him; he made fancy work with
his jack knife and old cigar boxes, and
they were really artistic. "Say,
Granny" he remarked to the good soul
that came with him, edo yer see that
work box amt she a beauty; l believe
l could do that"
But l cannot tell of 1.-THE of the
hundred that were there, who looked
at the pictures, handled the books, or
were content to simply rest in the light
and perfume. The young ladies were
attentive and courteous; every one was
attended to; every one was at ease;
no accidents happened of a serious
nature; all were on their good beha-
vior. And then at last Deacon Luke
called them to order as they were about
to part. His face shone with a pathetic
light, and the eyes of his good wife
beside him were misty with tears.
eve have tried" he said, "to have
gospel feast to night. We thank you
for your attendance"
awe ought to be thanking We,
broke in Granny Cole.
"We trust you have passed a pleasant
evening. You will receive little token
of our remembrance when you pass out.
We have your names; we shall remem-
Der you; if you come to any trouble
and who does not in this world-come
to us; and now kind goodnight. +"
"Three cheers !'' shouted cripple
Andy, forgetting himself for moment;
But when they came to bid Mr.. and
Mrs. Berry good night, the Deacon
thought the recompense was coming
here. The words were but few, but the
faces spoke with the eloquence of graft
| tude.
Mrs. Luke Berry never had happier
company pass down her marble steps
she never had more successful party,
and believe there was joy in the pres
ence of the angels of God.
Handsome Women I'm Chicago.