The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-12-26


prepare to leave, AS they file past the
sleeping child many careless glances are
cast on the little form. They file on. Is
there no one among them who pities the
forl0rn waif and will speak kind word to
the outcast! A lady. richly dressed in silks
stops and looks earnestly at the sleeping
child. Compassion is reflected on her
benevolent face as she lightly touched the
child on the shoulder awakening her. Little
Anna opened her eyes and viewing the lady
standing beside her arose. saying cOnfus-
edly:
please, mann. l didn't know | fell
asleep. l didn't mean to-
The lady smiled kindly, saying: Poor
child! Where do you live?"
BIT Anna was awed by the magnificent
appearance of the lady, and remained
silent.
The lady repeated the question patting
her bn the head.
I'm Deadwood lane. please mann"
You are very poorly clad. child; what
is your father doing?'
Alma burst into tears and sobs at the
mention of her father The lady was
deeply touched.
Dead maybe. Is your mother living?"
''1es man," Anna answered through
her sobs. 'She's sick.''
''Can you tell me your name, little One?"
Here she was interrupted by another lady
who accOsted her saying:
why, here you are, to be sure. I've
been looking everywhere for you. l wish
you to come with me and help choose some
presents l want to purchase for the chill
dreD."
Then her eyes fell on Anna, who took
this opportunity to get away.
.gahf hoUUar Tt,c raa6fuI to coo tbon,
everywhere. Always interrupting one with
their vulgar ways and dirty rags. Come,
Elvira. let us CO."
''ln minute dear" Then overtaking
Anna she said: ''You must come here to-
night and see the Christmas tree; [ want to
talk more to you about your sick mother
and see what can do for her. Wont you
come? l shall be so glad if you will come"
Anna looked up in the lady's face. and
smiling through her tears, replied: "Yes
mann. Pll come if you let me-" She then
turned down the street and was soon lost to
sight.
why, my dear Elvira, how could you!"
the other lady said when she rejOined her.
The sight of that dirty beggar gave me
terrible headache. IwOnder how you could
talk to her and actually touch her. The
idea of you inviting her here tonight is ri
Elvira.''
II don't care if they do. the benevolent
lady answered. ''Why should 1 not speak
to her or give her something when she is so
sadly in need of 1t? She is full of trouble,
poor child, and it is burning shame for the
Christian people of the city that there are
hundreds OF poor, unhappy children wan
dering hungry and cold in the streets to-
night l wish could help them all. and [
mean to make this little child happy"
Let us leave them, and follow Anna.
The cold wind pierced her scanty clothing
and her teeth chattered. But she needed
not the cold nor her gnawing hunger. She
was happy. for had not that beautiful lady
asked her to come to the Christmas tree,
and might not Santa Claus give her some
thing.
She entered the miserable hovel she called
her home. No fire on the hearth diffused
warmth and cheer; all was cold, cheerless
and utterly devoid of comfort or attrac-
tion. She approached the pallet on which
her mother was lying.
well. my child?"
"Oh, mamma, I've got nothing. Every
body drove me away from their dOors.'
A deep groan escaped the sick woman.
but oh mama! kind lady asked me to
come to the church tonight and see the
Christmas tree, and she was sorry when l
told her you was sick, and she said she
would see what she could do for us. Wasn't
she good, mama? Can l gO?"
"Yes, l suppose sO." the sick woman an
swered in feeble voice, followed with an
attack of dry coughing. but you must be
good girl and not ask too many questions
about what you see. Bring me some water,
1 am awfully dry"
Anna brought the water which the sick
woman eagerly drank. Shortly after she
fell into deep sleep.
Continued on Fourth Page.)