The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-09-04
MRS. GUM MIDGE.

In the story OF "David Copperield,'
Dickens has immortalized character So
quaint, SO forlorn, and yet SO faithful,
that we wonder that she has not received
more credit than is usually awarded her.
Mrs. Gummidge is a striking illustration
of the fact that sorrow makes US all kin,
bidding us forget our own selfish griefs,
that we may minister unto the woes OF
others.
Mrs. Gummidge is the widow of an
old sea-captain, whose lamentable death
leaves his worthy mate disconsolate and
destitute The fisher partner of the de-
parted one offers her home in his poor
cabin, whose shelter she is forced through
necessity to accept. Here Mrs. Gum
nudge resides, an honored guest. But,
sad to relate, Mrs. Gummidge, at the
time of her bereavement, is not blessed
with disposition agreeable to those with
whom she associates. The poor old soul
is fretful and peevish, and often sorely
complaining. The heat is diengreeable
to her. The cold affects her more than
it does any one else, bringing "visita-
lions" to her back, suggestively called
the "creeps." In short, she is "poor,
lone, lorn creetur," with whom every
thing goes contrary.
At times, the deceased partner of her
joys and sorrows, returns in spirit to
commune with her. Upon these rapt-
urous occasions Mrs. Gummidge's spirits
sink away down to all but the freezing
point, and an old, black silk handker-
chief is brought into play to wipe away
the briny tears. But sour Mrs. Gum
nudge is yet to become comfort to her
friends. When dark days come to the
peaceful little household on the seashore;
when Emily, the pet of the house, is
tempted and falls prey to the tempter,
leaving the little home all darkened and
blighted; then it is that poor old Mrs.
Gummidge exhibits depths and strength
of character hitherto undiscovered in
her. Stunned as she is by the calamity
and dear TO her, she RECEIVERS first, to
como forevermore out Of her corner, to
be help to others. She leaves in the
past all her 'lornness and loneliness, no
longer feels herself Contrary to those
about her, but glides smoothly into the
lives of her fellow sufferers, not only
making herself happier by so doing, but
helping to fill the gaps, and giving hon.
est, cheerful sympathy, in the shape of
willing hands and loving heart. In
brief, sue becomes as utterly different
under the developing influence of SYM
pathy as is possible.
The more completely to cover the
dead past" with its troubles and dis
grace, the stricken family decide to re-
move to Australia, to live among new
scenes and new friends. II is not thought
advisable to take Mrs. Gnmmidge across
the turbulent deep, for her kind-hearted
host declared, II mean to make her a
'lowanee before go, ASH leave her pref
ty comfortable. She's the faithfnllest Of
creetnrs. 'Taint TO be expected, Of course,
at her time Of life, and being lone and
lorD, as the good old Mawther is, to be
knocked about aboard ship, and in the
woods and wilds of new, fur-away
country"
But the soul of Mrs. Gummidge rises
in rebellion against the kind decree. She
declares her determination to go with her
friends to the ends of the earth. Says
Mrs. Gummidge in a fervent burst of
pathos and devotion, 'Tll be your servant,
constant and trewl II there's slaves in
them parts where you're agoin', I'll be