The morning call., 1891-10-08
MISS MINIS FRIEND.

queer little person who sits opposite to US at
the dinner table? Miss Mint they call her.
Is she teacher or what?'
Frank Hastings-a young man who for
six months had enjoyed ''all the comforts
and conveuiences OF a private home at Mrs.
Starkweather's select clearinghouse, l6
- street-ighted 4 fresh cigar before he
answered, rather languidly:
"No; she's something ten times worse-a
sort of reporter. She goes round to churches
and lecture-rooms, trying to pick up the
few stray crumbs the other reporters leave
behind 'em. There's only one paper em-
ploys her regularly, and that at a starvation
price. She wears one dress all the year
round. sports a bonnet handed down to her
by her REORGANIZATION and rooms in the
attic, for which precious privilege and her
dinner she pays Mrs. Starkweather So
week. Bahw concluded Frank, in tone
of disgust, as he threw one leg over another
and sat gazing into the fire.
Poor soul! She's to be pited, I'm sure"
said Caleb barley, who, being hard-work-
ing reporter himself and q teuder-bearted
man besides, felt some sympathy for the
little creature they were discussing
"Nonsense!' said Frank, sharply. "Why
don't she try her hand at something elSe?-
dressmaking or teaching, or some other
work ht for a woman?"
Perhaps she hasn't the chance or the
talent to do either" barley replied.
Then let her stay at home and help
about the house Come to think Of it,
though, she has no home. She's an or
phling. 'Spose It's rather rough for the
poor thing" said Frank, with slight ttnge
OF compuncton in his voice. But come,
barley, let's drop Miss Mint as seedy sub
lect. Have another cigar?'
Thank you, no; must be off. I've got
s. report IS sermon tonight"
Poor felowl Glad I'm not in your line
of business" said Frank who was clerk in
a large wholesale store. Wonder II little
MINIS going? You might es ort her home,
barley. Il would be quite new sensation
for her, and just think how all the fellows
on the street would envy you?"
Oh, leave poor little Miss Mint alonew
said barley, as he walked toward the door.
Remember shes swimming againsta stiff
stream Ike the most Of Us, and finds 1t
hard work to keep her head above water.
Don't throw stones at her.
"'PCn my word, you're developing poet
ical vein. This IS really getting dangerous.
Well good-by for the present. old chap;
look in again after church, will yoU?"
No, i must 90 to the Office" said Caleb,
as he went out.
In her little room, two stories higher up.
Miss Mint was putting on her bonnet, quite
below.
She was very small and slight, this poor
little heroine OF ours, with face that
might have been pretty before prlvatiOn and
anxiety stole It's bloom and plumpness away
Her glossy brown hair was brushed in
smooth waves over her forehead; she had
large, tender, gray eyes, and mouth that,
for all its resolution and character. had
pathetic droOp at the corners that seemed
To have become haOltual. She Was nearly
%, but looked at least three years older.
Her little room was as bare and comfort
less place as could be imagined. No fur
mace heat could penetrate up here, and Miss
MINIS hands were so numb with cold she
could scarcely pin her shawl. The floor Of
the room uupainted and bare, save for
stlip of Tag-carpet by the bed: the ugly little
waShstand in one corner with its clumsy
bowl and pitcher; the stiff-lUOking wooden
chair that made your back ache 10 look at
1t; and the bed itself, with its tawdry, faded
cOunterpane-it was a dreaTy picture for
po0r little Ellen Mmt's beauty-ioving eyes
to rest on. She had done her best TO
brighten it; two or three pictures she had
brought with her hung on the walls, the
little table by the window was covered with
books, and delicate glass vase she was too
poor TO fill with the flowers she loved stO cd
Oh tie bureau There were couple OF
hanging shelves on the wall, OF which only
the upper one, with her work-Dasket on it,
was visible, green and white calico curtain
hid the rest This was her cupboard.
But we return to Miss Mint herself, who
is downstairs and out Of the door by this
time. She is a quick walker, and in few
moments finds herself at the entrance to the
church, already besieged by an anxious
crowd, who are kept in check by the ushers
and couple of policemen. Miss Mint does
not attempt to press in here; she slips
round by a side door, and an usher, who
knows her by this time, plants a chair for
her at no great distance from the pulpit
She sinks mechanically into it, and sits in
sort Of stupor for while-the change from
her dark, chilly room to this warmth and
dazzle Of light makes her head swim and
her heart trembe. But her nerves are
naturally strong and steady, and she soon
rOuses herself determined not to give way
to a weakness she has never felt before,
and which for a moment nlled her with
dismay.
The grand voice of the organ echoes
through the church, and Ellen, who loves
music, is soon absorbed in listening, and
feels for time uplifted above the cares
and sorrows Of this world. The music and
the prayers are tile richest part Of the SER
vice 10 her; in reporting the sermon she has
to follow every word so closely that it takes
away from the enjoyment of listening.
Caleb barley, seated among the other re-
DOrters, catches Il glimpse of her, and after
that bis keen gray eyes wander in that di-
TectiOn pretty often. There is a minging of
pity and interest in his glance-he isa large
hearted, chivalrous sort of fellow, all the
more ready to befriend woman because
she is lonely and unprotected.
The services were over, and little Miss
Mint, slipping her notebook and pencil into
her pocket, threaded her way through the
crowd TO the side of the door.
GOOD evening, Miss Mint" said a voice at
her elbow, as she stepped out into the fresh
air.
Ellen started and looked up. ''Oh, good
evening, Mr.. Barley" she said, little con-
fusedly, as she recognized him.
Will you take my ARM" said Caleb,
Offering 1t in such matter-Of-fact way that
Ellen complied at once, though feeling more
embarrassed than pleased by the attention.
see you are in my line of business,
Miss Mint" said Caleb, pleasantly, as they
left the crowded street for one that led to
their clearinghouse. Ellen laughed little
and lie went on, with kindness of manner
that made you pardon its bluDtness: And
how do you like the life? Excuse me If Pm
rude, but | can't helm taking an interest iu
fellOw-labOrer, you know"
You are very kind" said Ellen, simply
AS for the life, try to like it, because
there's nothing else can do. I've tried tc
find a teachers place; I've tried to find sew
ing TO do; but il was no use. Pm sure I'm
thankful there is way l can earn my bread
Wasn't the music beautiful tonight Mr.
barley Y'-anXiOus to change the subject.
Yes" said Caleb. rather absentIy, fol-
his heart was full of pity for the little
creature beside him, aud he was already de
batting IN his mind various plans for her re-
lief.
what a chill there is in the air to
nightW lie said, Iousing himself. His over
coat was hardly a protection, and hi
thought with dismay how his companion
must be shivering under her thin shawl.
well, here we are, Miss Mint. 1 mus
be off to the Office. Sit by the fire till yor
are thoroughly warm, and tell our landlady
TO make you something hot and comforting
see you have cold coming on"
Thank you, Mr.. barley; you are quite &
doctor" laughed Ellen. e hope it hasn't
taken you out of your way coming home
with me2"
g "Oh, it won't take me ten minutes to wall
to the Office" said Caleb. Good might
Miss Mint" and he walked briskly away.
Caleb barley was between 81 and ST.
big, broad-shouldered giant of man, witt
strongly marked features, profusion o.
sandy hair, and an expression Of mingled
good-nature and determination. Ha has
had to fight his own way in life since h,
was II years old, but the battle, though
tough one, has never made hip, fOTgetful O