National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-12-05
BROS, Franklin Square, N. Y.
THAT IiOUSE.


He did not know that had any particu-
lar interest in That House, when, ono
morning, among the small hours, as we
passed 1t together, he related an incident
which there occurred to himself.
81 was going home about this time In the
night, or day, having Just finished my
work." he said. ARRIVED here, woman
suddenly accosted me. had seen her issue
from the door opposite, but observed no
further, and was surprised at being spoken
to, by her.
''You may imagine the words.
scare you suffering from extreme pow
erty p replied. Something told me that
was the truth Of the case--something In
the tone Of her voice, her manner.
Il am. My little child has been three
days without food. As for me, am nothing;
l am desperate
81 will go with you
"Aud | crossed over the street, entere
the house, assembled creaking stairway
through the dark, and was admitted into q
room, neat but Of the poorest character,
its principal furniture being q ircless
stove, u bed on the floor, aud crib. The
only window Of the desolate chamber but
made II more desOlate, being curtainless
and piled half way up with snow. A small
piece Of tallow candle dimly lighted tho
dreary scene.
"Not far away, on the same street, had
noticed the illuminated labors Of a baker.
To return to his locality required but few
minutes. There | obtained readily what
was needed for the present hour;
then, leaving with the unfortunate one
money to meet immediate demand, babe
her farewell with Il few encouraging words
and promise to call again soon"
"On arriving home did you tell your wife
of your adyenturegn
"Cf course did, and at once.n
"And quiet sleep followed till breakfast
timer"
''No, not for good while, for we held
long talk on the subject, and only sought
rcpOse when our united hearts ana minds
had formed plan of happier days for my
unexpected acquaintance
at is wonderful
mot wonderful. True love casteth out
fcar.n
"The .homelike chamber became bright,
even before the next sunset gilded IL. And
the friCndlcss was no more without friends,
ind pleasant, hopeful, comforting work
Presently produced considerable pros
erltyn
81 always feel happier when I pass that
house,
And so do but my story is nothing
like yours. In date IL is many years pre-
viOus. Then II was u beautiful mansion;
never dreaming that possibly IL might be.
come half-luinCd tenement place, as now
realized.
was youth, returned home for
brief college vacation, With some message
flcm the paternal command, struck the
uld.iCsliOucd knOcker ON that door. The
summons was answered by a pretty aud
lively little girl.
"ls Mr.. Leonard imp
ayes. Pa is In the library. WIN you
please come this wayYn
Politely thus and with great dignity the
small maiden conducted me to the desig-
mated room
My business was soon over, but II lasted
long enough TO afford opportunity for
"Maye,n the merry child, TO make her sec
OEd appearance there, and for me TO learn
something Of her interesting character. 1t
so attrG ctod me that the greater part Of my
holiday was devoted to further study OF
this agreeable subject,
returned to college, finished my course,
started alone In the worll, pursuing my
profession, prospGred, bit thereafter did
not long remain alone, fOr "Mayeh ac-
Cepted my invitation, and is to-day my
favored companion, my wife.
What different stories That House has to
| tell And what stories, perhaps, beyond
anything we know Of! Moreover think OF
the romances almost every old dwelling
| place could relate!
But none can ever he so sweet 10 me as
the story of That House 5. ID.