The Washington critic., 1886-10-21

Gould it have growed?" suggested
libby.
NO" said Tosey.
''Or fell from the skies?"
Guess not" said Tosey, obviously.
'Or been funged?"
ooh, nor Tosey answered en-
phatically.
They both looked hungrily at the
piece of money, and began to count to-
gcther what lots of things they could
buy; and their faces grew bright in
deed as they thought of 1t.
From the shade of the opposite side
of the entrance, thin bundle of rags
slowly crept and unsteadily shuilled up
to them. Out of the dirt and rags
peercd q thin face and gllstening eyes,
and the hands Of the small bundle
wearily rubbed themselves together, to
try and stir up the blood which was not
there.
"This is a charity ball." said the
thin bundle. "Those folks dance for
the poor" The glistening eyes looked
eagerly at Tosey and Tibby, and fire.
quently glanced at the money In their
hands. 1--WE is poor, and they dances
for us, and for my mother, who Is
oiSh upeu, thCy uuuSCo w SiNC uo thC
bread which we seldom has"
Tosey looked In surprise at the thin
bundle, rubbing and rubbing its hands.
"And does they dress in fine clothes
for us, and ride in carriages. and give
lots of money, and all for us?"
The thin bundle rubbed faster and
faster.
"Yes, If there's any more then as
pays for the dancin' and dressin' I; and
the dancin' costs ten dollars apiece, and
the dressin oh, | dunno Its all for
us--if there's any left"
"But they didn't give us any when l
sang" said Tibby.
"Lors, no p said the thin bundle !;
they think beggars dom need nothin.
They has folks as hunts up poor folks
when they has time, and sews flannels
when they hasn't. Yes, they say they
does all this for us, but"-the bundle
shook its head as if 1t were doubtful,
and continued
II stood over yonder thinkin' some
body would give me somethin' but
they looked mad at me, and went
back inter the shadder and watched
| 'em. 1t was big sight, but Pm just
as hungry" The hands stopped rub
bing, and the eyes looked wet as the
bundle added: my mother is very,
very sick. Oh, we's poor-so poor"
Tosey looked at his little sister as the
rags began to shuttle away.
"Tibby," said he, 1--WE does not feel
so awful hungry"
Tibby hesitated. She looked at the
silver, and then at the slowly retreat
ing figure, and then she looked up into
Tosey's loving face.
mo, Tosey; l dunno as l does"
| Tosey turned around, and running
after the departing figure, handed her
the piece of money.
"Therel' said he, "take it, you need
il more than we does"
The bundle looked in surprise as she
took the piece, and tears fell down the
checks of the thin, pale face. But she
only said: I'm very, very grateful" "
and walked Off.
The two little musicians watched the
figure as it disappeared in the dark
ness, while the happy shuttle of the
feet grew fainter and fainter. All, here
was charity, godllke charity, in the
hearts of the beings that the rich
despised and thrust from their door!
AS the Cold Night turned toward
Kitty, he found her silently wiping her
eyes.
"Do you sec what true charity is ?"
he asked, in a sweet, sympathetic
voice.
YES, yes" murmured Kitty; 81
see, see."
| While they were talking, they had
slowly risen up, up to the brilliant
windows again.
Now look at the mockery," said
the Cold Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour of the
ball Lights from myriads Of jets, i'm.
beddcd in crystal chandeliers, sparkled
with jewels, and silks and laces were
gathered in merry groups, or joining
in pleasurable dance to the strains OF
sweet and lively music. 1t was beau
tiful sight. indeed; but somehow the
people looked heartless to Kitty, and
the jewels glittered spitefully, while
the rich silks seemed to hiss and hiss as
they rustled along, as If all were re-
belling against their false use.
"But one moro act" said the Cold
Night, gently leading her down
down, TO the opposite side of the street
| iOhl u uul II SOiuCl, WIN thCll III
twined about each others necks, the
two little beggars watched the win
dows of the brilliantly,lighted hall
away up in the sky, it seemed
watched the gay figures that frequently
appeared In rich, dainty dresses, anC
smiled to think it was all for the poor
and needy.
"They dances for us and for others,
murmured Tibby; "for those as is IL
want. Maybe the beautiful ladies viii
find us here tomorrow, and give II
some bread"
Yes" said Tosey; "and the poo
little girl as has the sick mother
rraps they'll find them, and hell
them, too"
The Cold Night waved his han,
above them, and they both shivered
and said how cold it was. Tosey triet
to play note on the violin, but tn
strings creaked so dismally that he lai
1t aside. Then they sang together tn
sweet little song of charity Tibby ha
sung to the rich people, and as the
sang the Cold Night spread his mantl
slowly around them until they wer
fast asleep.
30 sir'' cried Kitty, "spare then
and let them liyel"
mo" said the Cold Night; "the
are too poor to live. They must die,
Kitty fell on her knees before hin
30 sir" she pleaded beseechingly; "
am rich and will take care of them, an
relieve them from suffering"
But the Cold Night raised his han
and pointed upward, saying.
"Too late, too latcl"
AS he spoke, he took the beggars il
, his arms and slowly rose up towar
the stars, leaving Kitty sobbing upo