The Opelousas courier., 1886-09-25
HIS DISCOVERY.

The Rev. Mr.. Shaw contrasted greatly
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 be-
fore him was a forlorn group. A widow
who had just buried her husband; she
had FIVE helpless c~hildren-the eldest
six, the youngest o nursing baby, and .
pair Of twins among them. The rags,
and, worse than all, the dirt of poverty
everywhere apparent. An expression of
almost sublime pity rested on the
tenance of the minister. The woman,
with her apron thrown over her head,
rocked herself to and fro, and walled
forth her great trouble.
Have you no friendsf' asked Mr..
Shaw, in a low voice.
tfsSome, but as bad or wuss off than
us. Yes she said, looking up with a
grateful, bright expression, there is
one Lord bless herl who has done a
lot for me-Miss Mehitabel Sanks. She
sent medicine and the doctor to the
old man, and guv me clothes and
suthin' to eat; and many's the man,
woman, and child that blesses her for
taking care Of 'em. Why, sir, she even
leaves little cards with stamps on 'em,
and Job Potter, who can write, sends
'cm to her when we are In a very bad
state, and they are always answered"
After assuring her Of his sympathy,
and that he would do what he could for
her, the minister wendell his way home.
Mr.. Shaw was the rector of one of the
wealthy churches Of the city, and Mabel
Lee was one Of the parishioners. Her
face was Madonna-like in its tender
curves and beauty, the large blue eyes
with just q tinge of sadness, the perfect
curve Of the red lips, . faultless COM
plexion, and blonde hair that was like .
halo Of light round the graceful head.
But, alb, when she talked it was like .
damper, 4 mist On q beautiful picture,
rnarring the tints that otherwise would
have been perfect.
Absorbed III these thoughts he found
himself in front of Mr.. Lees house, and,
obeying an impulse, he turned into the
gate, and was admitted.
As Miss Lee entered the parlor be
thought be had seldom seen . fairer
vision, and was vexed to feel bis heart
throb more quickly and thrill with .
pleasure that lie felt must be controlled.
She greeted him With that easy grace
which WINS one Of her principal charms.
aAh, Mr.. Shawl / am 50 glad to see
yosl. T had q real spell Of ennui this
morning. This last novel Ii wretched,
as both hero and heroine die in the most
provoking way, Ill because Of soma over
strained idea Of duty; and ] was just
wishing that some d would come IN
ana I could have d cheerful little chat
toadispel tho gloomy impression
ssThen I'm afraid,n snilingly, you
VIII not ike your present visitor. ]
have not come in > very cheerful humor;
and. besides, T wish 10 ask Of you d
favor.n
tA fayorl That is too lovely. Con-
slider Ii granted, I To the half Of my
kingdom ! am truly glad that you
visa u aak = favor Of me, because ! did
not think your opinion Of me was suiIf
ciently good for such q thing. DO you
know with i sudden droop Of the eyes,
.ahas Won always made me feel d ii / am
a6o ~ wei. i shsll pive YOU ]
oalasa nn,,aytnnitv il d redeem vour-
sslf ~ ;,,st heen yis;tino ae.as y