The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-03-28

single sixpence Think OF it r. he had
penny we should have known it Try
to remember if ever you saw the leas,
sign of his having money.
No. there was none He wrote no Lot
tiers and received none; he bought moth
ing His clothes. which were now old
and worn. were the same as those he
wore when he returned home On the
other hand because he was of a generous
heart. he was forever giving away what
he called money in large sums by means
of drafts upon London bankers, which he
would sign and press upon the recipient
with kind words For instance. on INV
birthday he always gave me an order for
e100 on piece of paper. signed by his
own hand. SOL Hetherington, bidding
me, because | was good girl 90
buy myself some finery and fallals
At Christmas, the New Year, Easter.
Roodsmass, fair time. and other
times of rejoicing. he would fill his
pockets with these valuable gifts, and
sally forth-6rst to the vicar with an
offering for the poor. saying that it was
little merit to give out of abundance; that
the Lord loveth a cheerful giver; that the
poor we have always with us; that rich
man must remember the fate of Dives.
and that, for his part, he would that the
church had all charities in her own hand
so that schismatics, profigates and per
sons without religion should starve, with
other pithy and seasonable remarks.
Having received the wears thanks and a
glass of usquebaugh to keep out the raw
air of the morning he would proceed up
the village street. the boys and girls
touching their caps and making courte
sizes to him, while the barber and black
smith would offer the compliments of the
season, with the hope that her ladyship
was we'll. Then he would pass the cot
tage of Sailor Nan. and would call her
out and press into her hand a folded
paper, saying that it was for Christmas
cheer; that she must rejoice, with dish
Of good roast beef and plum porridge, and
q great coal fire, anu bidding ner God
speed. would go on his charitable way
while some laughed and some looked
grave, and tears would fall from the ewes,
of the women to think that one so good
and generous should also be so poor.
Alasl my father was one of those who
could never become rich
Even while we spoke of this we heard
outside the voice of my father as if to
confirm our words
cit i'll becomes men of substance, Mr.
Carnaby, to allow poorer parishioners to
bear the burden of such things | will
myself repair the roof of the church at my
own charges Nay, sir, permit me to take
no refusal in this matter. If it stand me
in 81 900 will do it. Why. it is lend
ing unto the Lord; it is good work"
1t happened that in some way | had
more influence over my father than any
one. That is to say, he would unfold his
mind-such as it was, poor man!-to me
with greater freedom than to my mother.
who could never make any show of in
terest or belief in his magnificent designs
and charitable schemes Therefore tried
to learn from him, if could, the truth of
this business. After listening to long
story of his intentions as regards the
church and the endowment of the living
at Warkworth. | turned the conversation
upon Mathew Humble. and asked nv
father if he had of late seen and spoken
with him. He said that Mathew now
avoided rather than sought his company.
for which he knew no reason, except that
when you have obliged a man it fire
quently happens that he keeps out of your
way-a thing, he said. of common ok
perience in the city, where young men. in
cautious men and unlucky men often oh
tain assistance in the prolongation of bills
and loans.