Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1885-11-19
WAS SHE FR1voLoUsq:,'

WAS SHE FRIVOLOUs?
The Rev. Mr.. Shaw contrasted great
ly 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. T
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
the eldest six, the youngest a nurs-
ling baby, and q pair Of twins among
them. The rags, and, worse than all,
the dirt of poverty every where appa-
rent. 'N.0 itOI+ ~ H
An expression of almost sublime pity
rested on the countenance of the min
lister.
Tho woman, with the apron thrown
over her head rocked herself to and
fro, and walled forth her troubles -
Il 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 idiei''L & - ~ &
..Have you no fricndsp" asked Mr..
Shaw in Il low voice. g
Some, but Us bad or wuss off than
us. Yes, she said looking up with a
grateful, bright expression, stherc is
nrt xxrl,o
lot for mc-Miss Mehitable Sanks. She
sent medicine and the doctors to the
old man, and guv' me clothes and
suthin' to eat; and many's the man.
woman and child that biesses her for
takin' care Of 'emta Why, sir, she even
leaves little cards with stamps on 'em,
and Job Potter. who can write, sends
'em to her when we are in a very bad
state"
After assuring her of her sympathy,
and that he would stto what he could
for her, the minister wcnded his way
home. As he thought of those 10
whom he might appeal, vision of n
bright face haunted him, but while he
fingered over the thought most tender
ly, there was q shadow on his brow as
ii there was some slight jar that marrcd
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 parishioners.
Her face was Madonna-like in its ten
der curvesea and beauty, the large blue
eyes with just a tinge of sadness, the
perfect curve Of the red lips, a faultless
complexion and blonde har that was
like a, halo Of light round the grace
full head. But ali, when she talked it
was like damper. mist on bcauti-
full picture, marring the tints that
otherwise would have beon~perfeet..
Bright and witty, but Il butterfly;
such devotee to society that one
longed for the expression OF u single
serious thought that could leavcn into
something like common sense this per-
sonilication of frivolity. With it all,
however, she was lovely ;lu,ilovable to
every one, and MIR. Shaw had long
struggled against an interest in her,
the indulgence Of which h6 felt would
be fatal to his future happiness and
usefulness.
Absorbed. in these thoughts he found
himself in trent of Mis- Lee 'shouse, and,
obeying an impulse, he turned into the
gate and was admitted.
As Miss Lee entered the parlor he
thought he had seldom seen a fairer
vision. and wasvexed to feel his heart
throb more quickly, and thrill with a
pleasure that he felt must DO con-
trolled. She greeted him with that
easy grace which was one of her prin-
cipal charms. 9i 3J"i9 eftbr
''Ah, Mr.. Shaw! l aim so glad to see
you. had n real spell of ennui this
morning. This last novel is wretched,
rs both hero and heroine die in the
most provoking way, and because of
some overstrained ide;s of duty, and /
was just Wishing ti,at.some one would
come in and l could have cheerful
little chat to dispel the gloomy i'm
preston"
''Then I'm afraid" smilingly, "you
will not like your present visitor. I
have not come in very cheerful hui
NOR; and. besides, I.wish to ask you a
favor. ~ A--i & So --4 :
"a favor! That is too lovely. Con-
slider it granted, even to the half of my
Kingdom. am truly glad that you
wish to ask. favor of me, because l
did not think your opinion Of me was
sufficiently good for such Il thing. Do
you know" with a sudden droop of
the eyes, "that you always make me
feel as if am doing something
wrongp" " A1EFA.E9.1 1N.s q y
''Do IP Well. l shall give you gold
en- opportunity now to redeem your
self. have just been visiting some of
those wretchedly poor families in -
street, and would like it SO much if
~you could interest some ladies in their
behalf~-visit them and relieve them !: !,
eA look Of consternation oversprcad
herpretty face as she exclaimed: aH
EOh, indead, youd don't meau for me
I'd gotherePf How could ! ever stand itt
4 ean'tIbeas such aplacesA Ask me- all
most anything else. The dreadful men
aud womenp-the odor! Ughr' with a
shudder. t.Askryne galmost anything
A look . of9 Keen wv disappointment
drifted over Mr.. Shaw's face.
She suddenly frightened and said:
II do intend to do something good
next week. ! haye refused a. German, =
triumphantly hiatt may attehd )the'
Charity Calico Ball to be given. You
know all the dresses arc for the poor,
SO shall do some good. "
l...Apd wl,ut Isl yopr, dress to lbep,'
n a eiE Mr. shaw with IAtha, Iah sudaa