The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1890-09-16
The Pride Of the Poor.
sWnere'er take my walks abroad,
How many poor seer

There is the proverbial blind man al
every street corner, vender of odd
things forever dogging your heels, a
little flower girl at your elbow when
ever you are in hurry, and at night.
when the company have all dispersed,
there is tramp at your back door,
Yet, thanks to free government, an
inspired business sentiment, and con-
viction that all have equal opportunity
to striUe, the poor of our country are
l1mited-very limited, compared to the
destitute that exist under more despo-
tic hass.
But the beggar and the itinerant are
not the poor. They are tradespeople-
following profession to their own lik-
ing-and since others do not strive for
it, they have q monopoly and make a
good thing out Of 1t, too. No; these
are not the poor. The poor are in hid
ing. Their wants they never tell, un-
less you make bold search to find
them out. They pass you every day in
the street and unless you look very
closely you will not discover that theil
clothes are poorer than yours. The
struggle and the pinching goes on in q
scantily supplied home, behind very
effectual screen. If the clothes will
stand cursory glance, the shiny marks
of wear can be detected at a nearer
view If the tops of the boots wiu
match your own IN deceney, the soles,
yorsmay be sure, have holes, that let
the poor proud feet come once too
often in contact with the damp earth
on stormy days, and the case may be
followed 70 consumptive patient on
dying bed.
Not only do the paor hido in the
busy hsunts, but they s|alk size by sldo
with you IN society ana you 1ever sus-
pect it. You wonder why this or that
member of family is absent from an
expensive gathering. You talk with
the attending representative about it,
and with smiling face you are treated
to some plausible excuse, v.h1ch of
course you swallow.
A small family of little girl, attended
8 Sunday School. Only one came at
time. Upon being asked why they did
not all come together every Sunday.
one Of the little ones blurted out: Be
tase we've only one dood fyock for US
all.
She was a marvel to look at-a little
old lsdy in black with a close fitting
bonnet edged with white. It is true
her dress was scant and showed few
neat darns, but she looked so clean
and sweet, and had such CHEEKY smile
on her white thin face.
'Oh! Come in, do. You look tired,
please stay here and rest
Only look from the faded eyes, but
oh, so tender, as the tottering steps
drew timidly near the welcome hearth.
There. Please take this chair; for
| know from experience 1t is the easiest
in the house. That's it. Now T will
make yous cup Of tea, for I'm sure You
need it.
A little more hustle and fuss, an oc-
casional brush across the eyes when
the old Lady was not looking, and soon
the little table of refreshment was
placed before the guest. Another of
those tender looks, as she was enjoined
to partake of what was before her.
Just then the door opened. In came
someone who looked every inch mis-
tress.
Mary, who have you here?'
Mary explained, but the explanation |
did not seem to satisfy. {
The poor old lady gave a startled );
look in the direction Of the mistress,
and then rose with not unbecom1ng !