Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1885-08-06

BY ERNEST GILMORE.

Two gentlemen friends who had
been parted for years, met in a crowd
ed city thoroughfaro. The one who
lived in the city was on his way to
meet a business engagement. After a
few expressions Of delight, he said d.,
We'll, I'm or. I'm sorry, but it
cant be helped. I will look for YOU
tomorrow at dinner. Remember. 2
o'clock sharp. I'm anxious for YOU to
see my wife and child
'Cnly one child ? asked the other
Only one, came the answer, tender
ly-'a daughter. She's dalling, do
assure you. j..
And then they parted, the stranger
in the city getting into a street car
bound for the park, whittier he desired
to 90.
After Il block or two, group Of
girl, entered the car they were all
young, anG evidently belonged to fam
lies of wealth and culturc-that is,
intellectual culture-.as they converscd
we'll, Each carried a very elaborately
decorated lunch basket; each was at
tired in Il very becoming spring suit.
Doubtless they, too, were going to the
Park for a spring picnic. The seemed
very happy and amiable, until the car
again stopped, this time letting in a
pale-faced girl Of about eleven and a
sickly boy of FOUR. These children were
shabbily dressed, and upon their faces
there were looks OF distress mingled
with some expectancy. Were they,
too, on their way to the Park ? The
gentleman thought so so did the
group Of girls, for he heard. one Of
them say, with IA look Of disdain
I suppose those rasmuhins are Gu
an excursion, too
I shouldn't want to leave my door
if | had to look like that. Would
you?' This from another girl.
NO, indeed !. But there is TO ac-
counting for tastes. | think there
ought to be a special line of cars for
the lower classes. -,
All this conversation went on in a
low tone, but the gentleman had heard
it. Had the child, too9 He glanced
at the pale face and saw tears glisten-
ing in the eyes. Then he looked at
the group Of huelydressed girls, who
had moved as far from the piebean as
the limits of the car would allow. He
was angry. He longed to tell them
they were vain and hcartless, as they
drew their costly trappings closer about
them, as if fearful Of contact with pow
erty's children.
just then an cXclamation-'Why
there is Nettie. Wonder where she is
going ?'-caused him to look out upon
the corner where a sweet-faced young
girl stood beckoning to the car driver.
When she entered the Car She was
warmly greeted by the five, and they
made room for her beside them. They
were profusc in their cxclanatlons and
questions.
Where are you going?' asked one.
oh, what lovely flowers" Who are
they for:' questioned another.
I'm on my way to Belle Clark s.
She's sick, you know, and the flowers
are for her.
She answered both questions at once
and then, glaning toward the door OF
the car, she saw the pale girl looking
wistfully at her. She smiled at the
child, a tender look beaming from her
beautiful eyes, and then, forgetting
that she, too wore a handsome velvet
skirt and costly jacket, and that her
shapely hands were covered with we'll
fitting gloves, she left her seat and
crossed over to the little ones.
The little boy is sick, is he not: And
he is YOUR brother, am sure; he clings
SO to you,
1t seemed hard for the girl to an
swcr, but finally she said: