Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-03-23

ne IUSStu through lho huuiohO'-iOo4h
free man.
when once I get well out Of all this, "
he thought. "pl get the Legislature 70
provide fund for supplying discharge
prisoners with a square meal. I'd Almost
give my liberty for a sirlOin steak with
lyonuaisc potatoes.
What TO DO to get this desirable refresh
ment was % problem. He looked up and
down the avenue "A moment and then re-
turned to the courtroom. He inquired Of
an officer near the door about the elderly
lady who had carried of his park aoquamt-
3nce.
Il will at least let the Young widow
know that am no convict" he thought
and he did not disguise from himself O
hope that she would help hun somehow IN
his straits.
The officer told him that the lady came
TO court every day, exercising her charlta-
bic disposition in assisting innocent pr
s0ucrs who were unable to secure legal adj
wee.
." But she won't do anything for you,
added the officer, she draws the line al
men"
Nevertheless. Lawrence obtained her
name and address. and set off to call upon
Mrs. Bowers lar mp on Madison avenue.
He amused himself on the way by trying
to estimate how long his vital forces would
endure miles of walking every day without
any renewal of the tissues, and by specu,
latlug as TO what stage of starvation would
be the most painful. Now and again lie
became dizzy and almost lost conscious
ness. which led him to think perhaps he
had comprised the worst part Oh stArNa'
tion already.
Mrs. Bowers was at homo and she re-
ceiyed Drane in tiny room which she eyi-
dcutly used "a an Office for her charitable
work
/" Madame" began Drane. Il nm in cir
cumstances so unusual for me, am 50
faint from lack OF food that | find It ann.
cult to say what l wish to. was in court
this morning when you secured inc release
"0h. YES" interrupted Mrs. Bowers,
"You are the man who went TO her ald ID
the park. Wm. That was very worthy
thing to do" and she eyed him critically
through her glasses. Lawrence felt 80 OPP
pressed by this fresh humiliation that he
hung his head. liTe. Bowers continued:
II should not have expected II OF you.
have made a long study of human nature
my man, and | warn you That You cannon
impose on me. So they discharged you;
HIN. If you're willing 20 work VIII send
YOU card 20 a wood -vaId----"
"Msdam." cried Lawrence, never
have had 10 work in my life! | don't ASK
for work; l did not come here to ask any
assistance Of you. want TO see the young
lady aud tell her my story"
quite impossible" interrupted Mrs.
Bowers. placidly. she is young and IN;
experienced, aud l certainly shall guard
her against any vulgar imposition.
You make mistake i'll refusing work
| can read you closely enough 70
see that you will recognize your, error
as soon as you are convinced. that
/ am not IL be imposed on. Therefore
shall give YOU this ticket. 1t Will secure
Won lodging and breakfast if you will saw
wood. And in consideration for your DE,
fence Of tho young lady YOU refer TO, "i,l
nav vour car-f.re TO the woodward. sci,
dom do tins. never when am convinced
of a mans character a. | am OF yours, Du'
YOU are doubtless faint and weary. mere
fore. here is the card, and here Is u dime &c
nav your way on the horse-cars.'
Madame" sad Drane, huskiiy, you
have done me Injustice and given me pan
that is worse than all the ills that have
come OF. me since l arrived in New YORK.
decline your charity, and you may rest a.
sured that no extremity OF misery Will ever
make me regret nay course.
With that he bowed haughtily and staikeo
from the house, while Mrs. Bowers, looked
shocked and made an entry IN her BOOK o.
charitable work as TO the evil pride tha'
keeps some men from acknowledging the
superiority and goodness OF others'