The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-09-15
MRS. PALMER'S OLD CLOAK.
BY KATE SUMNER GATES.

"Some how I don't feel satisfied. 1
should like for once to really and truly
give something myself, John. I keep
thinking of that verse: Neither will
offer to the Lord that which cost me moth
ing That is just exactly what I do
when give your money"
"All right, little woman said Mr.. Pal
mer, lido as you please and think best.
What is mine is yours fully and freely,
but if you aren't content or quite satis-
fed to give that, why, as say, do as you
like best. And now here is the money
for that new cloak $125, think you
said it would he; and must be off.
Good by, dear heart"
There was loving kiss, and Mrs. Pal
mer was by herself.
II think I'll go down to-day and get
my cloak" she said to herself. cit seems
too good to be true. though, that am
really going to have it. have wanted it
so long. Oh, therel while I am out 1
must go round by Mrs. HetzsPs, and see
if she can come and sew for me next week.
I'll go there first, 80 as to make sure
of it,"
1t was little narrow street where the
dressmaker lived; the houses were as
close together as possible, and looked I'M
inviting and poverty stricken.
81 should not like to live here" thought
Mrs. Palmer, as she picked her way dain-
tily. II don't wonder the people have
such woe-begone faces. should, I
know, if were in their places o, dear
mel it makes me more than ashamed to
think how have complained sometimes.
Why, I'm rich as Cfe,ue, compar-
atively speakingl There, believe that
is Mrs. Hetzsps. hope she is at home.''
1t was the lady herself who answered
Mrs. Palmer's knock, and cordially invit-
ed her in, but the visitors kind heart was
touched by the unmistakable signs of dis.
tress in her hostess face. She did her
errand, and then fingered hesitatingly.
"Pardon me, Mrs. HetzeI," she said,
kindly; don't think me inquisitive, but
are you not in trouble? Gould help
you in any way? should be glad to, if
could"
"Oh, no, but thank you for your SYM
pathy," replied Mrs. Hetzel, the tears fill
ing her eyes. "Roddie, my only child, is
cripple, and suffers terribly sometimes.
The doctor told me yesterday that if I
could send him to the hospital for treat
ment, he thought he could be cured, but
it would cost one hundred dollars any
way, and it is utterly impossible for me
to raise SO much money. suppose it is
all for the best, but it comes pretty hard"
The poor little mother broke down
completely, and Mrs. Palmer's eyes were
full. All words of sympathy seemed
empty and useless, and presently she took
her departure. 1t was not until she was
out in the street that she thought of the
money in her pocket. One hundred and
twenty. five dollarsl What godsend it
would be to poor Mrs. Hetzsll And then
all at once Mrs. Palmer stopped just
where she was. sob, dearl" she ex-
claimed softly, in dismsy. Oh, dearl
Why couldn't-but I might. 1t would
be an Offering that really cost me some
thing, though, and John would be will
ing, know; but, oh, I'm so wickedl 1
do want tho cloak 80 badlyl"
That was what Mrs. Palmer, in rather
incoherent fashion thought as she stood
there; but one could easily surmise what
idea had suggested itself to her. In
moment she started again. but now she
went slowly, and was evidently deep in
thought.
Perhaps he wouldn't be cured after
all" she argued. But then his mother
would always have the satisfaction of
knowing that the attempt had been made.
My old cloak isn't really bad at all, only
the new plush would be SO nice. Oh,
dearl hadn't an idea 1 was so selfish
and badl don't see how can hesitate
for an instant, and won't any more. if
John is willing"
A little later Mrs. Palmer presented
herself at her husbands Office. Her face
was flashed and her eyes very bright.
"Well, little woman, what is it ?" said
her husband. Couldn't you find what
you wanted, or does it cost more than you
thought? guess we can manage it, if it
isn't too much. You know we are going
to be perfectly happy when we have this
wonderful cloak, so we can afford to put
ourselves out little"
so john" said Mrs. Palmer, earnestly,
"would you mind, should you be ashamed
of me, if wore my old cloak after ALP