The morning call., 1890-12-25

side of the carriage step at the curb-stonc.
When l arrived at the house the rain was
pouring down in torrents. A servant an
swered my ring and tools,ny book in to be
signed. hoped the girl would bring me back
quarter. but was dubious about it.
ALL WERE KIND.
Everybody had been kind to me that day,
butiny observation had convinced me that tlte
richer man was the less likely he was 70
think of his subOrdinates, especially wheIe
servants barred the avenue to his presence.
Imagine my surprise when the servant n.
turned with message that Mr.. :" had
instructed her to remove my wet outer gar
ments and take me in to him. l objected.
That was more than l bargained for, but on
being assured that the gentleman would be
greatly disappointed if did not accept his
hospitality complied. The girl took my
coat and cap, brushed the mud from my
shoes, and then with fear and trembling l
was conveyed through the spacious hall into
an elegant drawing-r0Om, where pleasant
appearing man was surrounded by number
OF children. while grown people were scat
tered about the room in little groups en-
gaged IN conversation, l was Informed
that the girl would conduct me to the din
ing-room, where was to be given my din
ner, and before l went away / must return
to the salon. There was novelty about
this treatment which surprised and pleased
me and lost my embarrassment. A couple
VA eho SiiidtSL lOliUhCl ulG " tuc
room, and while l ate the most elaborate
dinner it had ever been my privilege to par
take of, they questioned me about the duties
Of my position. What l did not tell them
was not worth knowing. but like all good
things there had TO be an end. and with my
stomach filled to observation-disclosures l was
escorted back Into the parlor.
Now play awhile with the children,
suggested the head of the house.
begged 10 be excused as politely as pos
slble Tor one OF so tender an age, explain
ing had other work to perform before my
days duties were finished.
:" Papa said one of the children, "may
l give the little boy this?" and he held up
some toy he had received that day.
"Certainly; anything you wish to-" re-
Piled the gentleman, and then one after an
other they began piling up my arms with
trinkets, toys and bags of candy and nuts,
oranges and love apples. and while stood
SpeechleSs for once in my life, | almost
wished the floor might open and swallow
me. L objected i suppose l did it
mildly good manners, l thought, de-
manded it; but assurances came that
there was plenty and to spare, and the
girl came to my rescue and escorted me into
the hallway, where she made my gifts int
one package, helped me on with my cloak
and sent me on my way wondering how a
stranger could ever give poor boy so much
to be thankful for.
The next day the boys compared notes of
the previous days experiences, when l
found mine had not been an exception
that for the nonce the grievances against the
lazy messenger" had been forgotten, and
that men with hearts existed, who took
pleasure in doing good TO others without
calculating on the percentage Of the returns.
Long since another profession has claimed
my services, but whenever Christmas comes
around my thoughts go back TO the JOY
experienced when a messenger-boy many
years ago. JOSIAH LIGHTHEART.