St. Landry democrat., 1886-09-25


crazy to see her So"
Eyes, | remember they were troub
ling her considerably some months
ago. Was it occasioned by trying
them too severely" Grace asked.
Eyes, yes; every night until almos
morning, and on very trying mate
rails, too. Do you remember that EN-.
broidered black cashmere of Mrs. Os
born s? That was the finishing stroke
| believe"
Yes, l do. No amount could pay
| the cost of that suit, [ should feel
| Does she know it?" asked Grace.
Just at that moment the door opened
and girl entered. Mrs. Harding
asked quickly:
Have you got it?''
Not cent She read Your note
and | told her how terribly Maggie was
suttering-''
God help usl What shall we do9"
groaned the mother.
What is it? Tell me, dor said
Grace, going up to Mrs. Harding and
taking her hand.
"Oh, L sent to Mrs. Osborn again. |
have been sending for weeks without
success. This time | made such an
appeal | thought she could not resist.
l begged her to send me enough only
to send Maggie to b to have her
eyes attended to. But YOU see she has
not done it. She owes us, Maggie
mostly, fifty dollars. I begged for
thirty, or, if not so much, any
amount" the poor mother sobbed
forth
Perhaps she has it not. Her hus-
band could not pay his workmen last
week Grace was saying, when the
poor woman cried out:
II know it; and | know more than
that. | know that the same week he
bought and paid for pearl cross and
chain, that cost hundred and twenty
five dollars. My neighbours boy is en-
ployed in Grey's, where it was bought,
He told me. And now, now, nay poor
child is almost dying with pain and
quite blind. They will not pay US a
dollar. How can she wear that cross,
knowing this?'
MAY 60 and see Maggie?" Grace
asked.
Yes; but it is no use to have you
distressed about her"
Poor Maggie had heard the girls re-
ply when she returned. All, what
heavy cross she had to bear then. She
had hoped so much. She was so conf
dent of the skill of the oculist whom
she was advised to seek.
She was praying for strength when
Grace came in:
"Dear Lord, give me strength to
bear my suffering! Saviour, help me
bear my crossr' Grace heard her
whisper.
So pale, so wan, SO thin, so patient!
All, Grace saw what suffering was then.
Il can not see you, but | hear you,
dear lady. Come, sit close by me; I'm
glad you are here. Poor mother is al
most broken down. Try to cheer her a
little
Grace's tears were fiowing-she
could not answer just then. After a
little she asked: because she knew not
what else to say. think:
''What is the doctors name-the
one you wish to consult?'
doctor Mason, Maggie answered.
doctor Mason! Charles Mason!n
Grace asked, quickly.
''Yes, madam.
"Then, my dear, my patient little
Maggie, you shall 60 to him tomorrow
or just as soon as you can. He is
my fathers dearest friend and distant
relative. Maggie, you shall 60 right
to him. 1t will cost only the fare to
b, and we will manage that" Grace
said, kissing the pale brow of patient
Maggie, and adding, II have enough
for that now with me. Mrs. |
Harding, come here" Grace called.
Mother, God has helped US quickly"
Maggie said.
Again kissing the gentle girl, Grace
hurried off with the mothers blessing !
GLOWING her. She would not tell the |
mother of what she was about that
light. mot until get Maggie off,"
he said.
Grace then consulted Nora about the
of getting one of her nieces
o go and help Mrs. Harding for few
lays. '.Do you think either of them
would 60, Nora?"
"Sure and / know they will, and for
lot rid clint of pay, but one of your
'wn blessed smiles. And if you would
70 for thin yourself, sure, and it's the
Whole OF thin that'll be after following
on to the ind of the earth, if you CO."
Jora answered.
'.Then l viii go myself, Nora" Grace
aid.
1t was Saturday afternoon again.
Suffering enough everywhere now,
think said Grace, as she sat in
Tora's brothers home.
"Just wait bit till the father comes,
nd then Katie'll go with you. She be
fter waitin to know if it's any pay
aat he gifts" said the mother