St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-12-26

nurtured it so assduously that death
seemed but to toy with Its victim. The
room was small and destitute of furniture;
nothing save the low iron bedStead, upon
which reposed the emaciated form of the
dying woman, was there to relieve the
barrenness of the apartment. A bent and
broken candlestick stood empty upon the
broad, wooden mantelpiece. The brick
fireplace underneath contained a bed of
ashes-nothing more. Through the broken
window the wintry blasts came at will and
found a passive. unresisting subject for
their cruel sport on the Straw-covered cot.
The sound of shutting footsteps in the
corridor aroused the woman from her leth-
argic state and caused her to turn her head
eagerly toward the door as if expecting
some pleasant arrival. The iron latch was
lifted and the door swung open, admitting
the small figure of little Dan. He adj
vanced into the room softly, placed his box
on the floor at the bead of the bed, and.
kneeling down upon it. leaned over and
kissed the wan cheek of the invalid, saying
in low voice: How do you feel
mother?" The dying woman, whose eyes
were fastened intently on the face OF her
son. murmured, as with feeble motion she
strOked his curly hair: Poor little Dan,
you have been unsuccessful"
Yes. bad luck to-day, mother!' an
swered the lad. endeavOring to speak cheer
fully, but unable to suppress the sob that
struggled up from the tender heart, touched
to the quick at sight of his mothers patient
suffering: little Dams lips quivered pain
fully for an instant. and then he gave ex-
preston to his sorrow and suffering by
flood of tears 20. mother" he cried, 1--WE
are starving"
The only response that came from the
lips of the agonizeil mother-herSelf nearly
beyond the reach of the fortunes OF hunger
was: My poor child.' and, incircling
his neck with one arm she drew him close to
her and sought TO cover him with corner
of the well-worn blanket which constituted
her sole protection from the blasts Of cold
air that came through the almost CLASHES
windOw-Sash.
No, mother! no!' exclaimed the little
fellow. resolutely, starting up from his
kneelng posture and carefully replacing
the blanket over his mother, You mustn't
do that. am not very cold. and, besides,
| can build a fire." saying which he
drew from he pocket match and bit of
crnmpIed paper. which he held triumphant
IL before his mothers eyes. Then he pro-
ceeded to demolish his Improbable black
ing-box by kicking i'll the sides and pulling
the pieces apart with his hands. Soon he
had quite a pile of splnters and, building
them carefully over his bit of paper on the
dead ashes in the fireplace he set fire to
them, and cracking, cheerful blaze was
the result Look. mother, isn't that
glorious?" he cried, turning eagerly to re-
ceive his mothers appreciation, forgetful
for the moment of all his troubles in the
glowing heat
A sad tender smile rested on the mothers
face, and she was about to reply when the
door was pushed open ana wOman'S voice
exclaimed: Mercy OH us, what place"
Two richly dressed ladies' then crossed the
threshold. 1t required but glance to show
them that they stood in the presence of
sickness and restitution. They were MEN,
beers Of the Percival Square Church Relief
society, and sense OF duty had lmpelled
them to visit the old tenement building.
Little Dan advanced toward them, and with
instructive politeness notioned for them to
draw nearer to the fire. I'VE amt got no
chairs" he said. g but we are so glad that
YOU have come" Mrs. Jealous and Miss
Prim exchanged deprecatory glanceS, and
the elder lady, turning to Dams mother in
ouired feelingly. Are you i'll great need of
anything?'
1--WE have nothing. madam. but what
you see here" was the answer. Neither
nv son nor myself has tasted food since
yesterday morning"
.And my MOTHER" interposed Dan, sis
very, very sick"
This is suffering. indeed" said Mrs.
Jealous to her companion. 1--WE must do
something to relve these people"
Il do not want tor myself" said the dy-
s.To l11fl hn hntro fho
need of earthly care; but my poor boy!
him from want"
"Most assuredly we will, my good wo-
man. and we will help you also," responded
Miss Prim, with some warmth. ''Mrs.
Jealous we must bring this case to the at
tention of the society without delay"
YES. it shall receive attention the very
first thing Tomorrow, and I'm exceedingly
sorry that have no change with me, for
suppose you ale hungry, my little man."
continued Mrs. Jealous, placing her hand
OH Dams head.
'Yes'm, purity hungry" answered the
boy. with look full of disappointment and
grief.
well; keep up your courage" cheerily
responded Miss Prim, after she had
searched her portemonannaie in vain for
some money, I'VE will come tomorrow and
bring you something"
Little Dan made no reply. Long suffering
had made him patient and brave. AS the
two missionaries of organized charity de-
scended the rickety stairs to the street he
silently crept to his mothers cot, and
kneeling on the floor YEARLY laid his head
beside hers on the pillOwless straw tick.
III.
1.-The meeting will please come to order"
called the dignified matrOn who Officiated as
president of the regular weekly meeting Of
the Percival Square Church Relief society.
lat our last meeting, ladies'" spoke the
president. "a resolution was adopted pro-
viding for systematic plan of charitable
work. The city was divided into districts.
and each member of this society was as
signed one district, with the understanding
that she should confne herself to that par
ticnIarly defined field of labor. We are
now assembled for the purpose OF listening
to your several reports, and to act upon
whatever recommendations may be made
concerning the appropriation and expendi-
ture of money"
Mrs. Presidentv said one of the ladies,
''befOre you proceed any further desire to
say that my time is so fully occupied by
household and social duties that l find it
absolutely necessary to sever my connec-
ton with this excellent society. l there
fore wish to resign my district to some lady
who can give proper attention to the good
work.
And /. also, Mrs. President. shall be
compelled to give up this Christian work."
regretfully remarked second lady. such
incessant exposure during this severely cold
weather is ini1riOuS To my health.O
Il hope that the ladies will not withdraw
from the society,"" interposed Mrs. Zeal
Gus. ''Ihey are both valuable members