Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1885-07-24
WAS SHE FRIVOLOUS?

ne Rev. Mr.. 6naW cOntfaSCcu gTea&~
" with his surroundings-hiS spotless
cloth fitting so well his strong, manly
figure, his clear cut, Grecian features,
and dark wavy hair, thrown back with
careless grace from his smooth brow.
He was visiting one of those wretched
tenement houses used by the very poor,
and before him was forlorn group.
A widow who had just buried her
husband; she had five helpless children
tho eldest six, the youngest nurs-
ling baby, and pair of twins among
them. The rags, and, worse than all,
the dirt of poverty every where appa-
rent.
An expression of almost sublime pity
rested on the countenancc of the min
lister.
Tho woman, with the 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 keep body and soul together
but now know we can't do nothin'
but starve and die!'
''Have you no friends?" asked Mr..
Shaw in a low voice.
Some, but as bad or wuss off than
us. Yes, " she said looking up with q
grateful, bright expression, ''there is
onc-Lord bless heri who has done q
lot for me-Miss Mehitablc Sanks. She
sent medicine and the doctors to the
old man, and guv' mo clothes and
suthin' to eat; and many's the man,
woman and child that blcsses her for
takin' care of EN-. Why, sir, she even
leaves little cards with stamps on 'em,
and Job Potter, who can write, sends
'em to her when we arc in very bad
state.
After assuring her of her sympathy,
and that he would do what he could
for her, the minister wended his way
home. As he thought of those TO
whom he might appeal, vision of a
bright face haunted him, but while he
fingered over the thought most tender
ly, there was a shadow his brow as
if there was some slight jar that marred
the harmony of his thoughts.
Mr.. Shaw was the rectorof one of the
wealthy churches of the city, and Ma
Belle Lee was one of the parishioncrs.
Her face was Madonna-like in its ten
der curves and beauty, the large blue
eyes with just tinge of sadness, the
perfect curve of the red lips, faultless
complexion and blonde hair that was
like halo of light round the grace
ful head. But all, when she talked it
was like damper, mist on beauti-
ful picture, marring the tints that
otherwise would have been perfect.
Bright and witty, but q butterfly;
such q devotee to society that one
longed for the expression of single
serious thought that could leaven into
something like common sense this per-
sonification of frivolity. With it all,
however, she was lovely and lovablc to
every one, and Mr.. Shaw had long
struggled against an interest in her,
the indulgence of which he felt would
be fatal to his future happiness and
usefulness.
Absorbed in these thoughts he found
himself in front of Mr.. Lee shouse, and,
obeying an impulse, he tarncd into the
gate and was admitted.
As Miss Lee entered tho parlor he
thought he had seldom seen a fairer
vision, and was vexed to feel his heart
throb more quickly, and thrill with q
pleasure that he felt must be con-
trolled. She greeted him with that
easy grace which was one Of her prin-
cipal charms.
'.Ah, Mr.. Shaw! / am so glad to see
you. had real spell OF cnnui this
morning. This last novel is wretched,
as both hero and heroine die in the
most provoking way, and because OF
some Overstraincd idea of duty, and
was just wishing that some one would
come in and / could have cheerful
little chat to dispel tho gloomy im-
preston.
Then I'm afraid, smilingly, s.you
viii not like your present visitor. /
have not come in very cheerful hue
NOR; and, besides. / wish to ask you .
favor"
"A favor! That Is too lovely. Con-
slider il granted. even to the half Of my
Kingdom. an truly glad that you
wish to ask q favor Of me. because /
did not think your opinion of me was
sufficiently good for such 4 thing. Do
you know, with sudden dr0op Of
the eyes, that you always make me
feel = Il 1 am doing something
wrongg''
..D0 II Well, shall give ron ; gold
en opportunity now - redeem your.