The Indiana State sentinel., 1885-09-09
WAS SHE FRIVOLOUS?

Rev. Mr.. Shaw contrasted greatly with his
surroundings-his .spotless cloth fitting so
we'll his strong, manly figure; his ciear-cut
Grecian features and dark, wavy hair thrown
back with careless grace from his smooth
brow
He was visiting one of those wretched ten
ement houses used by the very poor, and be-
fore him was fOrlorn group.
A widow who bad just buried he husband;
she had five helpless children-the eldest six,
the youngest a nurseling babe and pair of
twins among them. The rags, and, worse
than all, the dirt of poverty, everywhere ap-
parent.
An expression of almost sublime pity
rested on the cOuntenance of the minister.
The woman with her apron thrown over
her head, rocked herself to and fro, and
walled forth her troubles.
II don't know what I'm a-gOin' to do for
myself and the little 'uns. Though my old
man would have his drink, he didn't beat
US, and brought enough to us to keep body
and soul together, but now know we can't
do nOthin' but starye and diei'
Have YOU no friendS%' asked Mr. Shaw
in a low tone.
''Some. but as bad or wuss off than us
Yes" she said, looking up with grateful,
bright expression There is One-LOrd
bless heri-whO has done a lot for me-Miss
Mehitable Shanks. She sent medicine and
the doctor to the old man, and guy me
clothes and suthin' to eat; and many's the
man, woman and child what blesses her for
takin' care of 'em. Why, sir, she even leaves
little cards with stamps on EN-. and Job
Potter, who can write. sends EN- TO her when
we are in a very bad state
Alter assuring her OF his sympathy and
that he would do what he could for her, the
minister wended his way home. As he
thought of those 10 whom he might appeal, a
vision of a sweet bright face haunted him,
but while he fingered over the thought most
tenderly there was shadow on his brow as
if there was some slight jar that marred the
harmony of his thoughts.
Mr. Shaw was rector of one of the wealthy
churches of the city. and Ma Belle Lee was
one of his parishiOners. Her face was Madon-
nalike in its tender curves and beauty, the
large blue eyes with just tinge of sadness,
the perfect curve of the red lips, a faultless
complexion, and blonde hair that was like
halo of light round the graceful head. But
ah, when she talked it Eas like damper. a
mist on a beautiful picture, marring the tints
that otherwise would have been perfect.
Bright and witty, but butterfly; such a
devotee to society that one lOnged for the
expression of a single serious thought that
could leayen into something like common
sense this personificatiOn OF frivolity. With
it ALL however, she was lovely and lOveable
TO every one, and Mr.. Shaw had long strug-
gled against interest in her the indulg
ance of which he felt would be fatal to his
future happiness and usefulness.
Absorbed in these thoughts he found him.
self in front of Mr.. Lees house, and, obey
ing an impulse, he turned into the gate and
was admitted.
As Miss Lee entered the parlor he thought
he had seldom seen q fairer vision, and was
vexed to feel his heart throb more quickly.
and thrill with pleasure that he felt must
be controlled. She greeted him with that
easy grace which was one of her principal
charms.
"Ah Mr.. Shaw / am so glad to see you.
have had a real spell of ennui this morn-
ing. The last novel is wretched, as both hero
and heroine die in the most provoking way.
all because of some Overstrained idea of duty,
and was just wishing that some one would
come in and / could have a cheerful little
chat to diSsel the gloomy impression
''Then I'm afraid, smilingly, ''yOu will
not like your present visitor. l have not
come in a very cheerful humor; and, besides,
| wish to ask a favor"
"A favor. That is too lovely Consider it
granted, even to the half of my kingdom. l
am truly glad that you wish to ask favor
of me, because i did not think your opinion
| OF. me was sufficiently good for such a thing.
| Do you know" with a sudden droop of the
| eyes, that you always make me feel as If i
am doing something wrong"
DO L? Well. / shall give YOU a golden
| opportunity now TO redeem yourself. / have
| just been visiting some OF those wretchedly
| IOOr families in - street. and / would like
so much if you could interest some ladies in
their behalf; visit them and relieve them.
A look of CONSERVATION Overspread her
| pretty face as she exclaimed:
| "Oh, indeed, you don't mean for me to 20
| there, How could / ever stand it? / cant
bear such places, Ask me almost anything
- Il
| OdOT. gh." with a shudder ASK me al
most anything else.i
look of keen disappointment drifted
| over Mr.. Shaw's face
She suddenly frightened and said:
| i do intend to do something good next
| week. j have refused german triumph
antly, 'that | may attend the charity calico
| ball 10 be given. You know all the dresses
| are Tor the poor so J shall do some good
And what is your dress TO be% asked Mr.
shaw, with rather an indescribable inhectior
| TO his voice.
"Tbe loyeliest light blue silesia With &
hOwered cretonne 'front.' she replied enthusi
astically, sleeveless waist, Medici collar
shirred and very bOuiiant draperies. 1t vii
be beautiful, and ! know il will seem very
nice to some poor woman who has never haC
anything like it,"
Yes, he said in a tone quite saturated
with irony, II don't doubt its usefulness
1 uut uOl AOu tnAllk Ou OtHllt W sttb ~ rev
yards of illusion TO make some warm bodies
for those who have no fires, and few yard
of ribbon to decorate the little freezing
armsy'
Now you are angry with me, Mr. Shaw.
she said hesitatingly. Don't think me ut
terly heartless, but can't go to - street
1t would really give me blue chill"
Il could never consent to such q crue
thing "a that" he said with an unpleasan
smile. Il really feel that / owe you al
apology for intruding such disagreeabl'
subject, particularly after your nerves wer
shattered with your novel, Good morning.
and he bowed himself out rather abrupt!
with a strange little pain in his heart
He did not again allude TO the subject t
her. but found other ladies who intereste,
themselves most warmly in the work.
Everywhere that he went in his charit'
rounds, he could see and feel the influence
of Miss Shanks good acts. She seemed Il
be an angel of mercy, who never tired, an,
/ a., 81. A