Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-09

But how did it come there?" asked
Tosey.
Gould it have growed?" suggested libby.
NO" said Tosey.
"Or fell from the SKYE"
Guess not" said Tosey. obviously.
"Oh. no: of course notr' Tosey answered.
emphaticaly.
They looked hungrily at the piece of
money, and began to count together what
lots of things they. could buy, and their
faces grew bright indeed as they thought
of It.
From the shade of the opposite side of the
entrance thin bundle of rags slowly crept
and stealthily shuffied up to them. Out Of
the dirt and rags peered thin face and
glistening eye, and the hands OF the small
bundle YEARLY rubbed themselves together
to try and stir up the blood that was not
there
This is a charity ball." said the thin
bundle. These folks dances for the poor.
The glistening eyes looked eagerly at
Tosey and libby, and frequently glanced at
the money in their hands. 1--WE is poor, and
they dances for US. me and mother. who Is
sick abed; they dances to give us the bread
which we seldom has"
Tosey looked in surprise at the thin bun
die rubbing its hands.
And does they dress in nice closes for
us, and ride in carriages, and give lots or
money, and all for u.s.?
The thin bundle rubbed faster and faster.
Yes. If there's any more than as pays
for the dancin' and the dressin'; and the
dressn'-oh, 1 dunno! It's all for us-if
there's any left"
but they didn't give us any when L
sang" said libby.
'Lors, no.! said the thin bundle; they
thinks beggars don't need nothin'. They
has folks as hunts up poor folks when they
has time. and sews fiannels when they
hasn't. Yes, they says they does all this
for US, but" The bundle shook its head
as If it were doubtful, and continued:
Il stood over yender thinkin' somebody
would give me somethin': but they all LOOK
ed mad at me, and L went back inter the
shadder and watched 'em. 1t was a big
sight, but I'm jest as hungry" The hands
stopped rubbing, and the eyes looked wet,
the bundle added: My mother is very,
very sick. Oh, ives poor-so poorr'
Tosey looked at his little sister as the
rags began to shuttle away.
libby" says he, does We feel so awful
hungry"
libby hesitated. She looked at the sill
yer. and then at the slowly retreating fig-
ure. and then she looked up into Tosey .
gentle, loving face.
mo. Tosey; dunno as does"
Tosey turned around, and, running after
the departing figure. handed her the piece
of money.
There" says he. take it; you need it
more than we does"
The bundle looked in surprise as she took
the piece and tears fell down the thin, pale
face. But she only said: I'm very, very
grateful" and walked or.
ure as it disappeared in the darkness. while
the happy shuttle grew fainter and fainter.
All, here was charity. Godlike charity, In
the hearts of the beings whom the rich de-
spised and thrust from their doorsi
AS the Cold Night turned toward Kitty.
he found her silently wiping her eyes.
DO you see what true charity tsp asked
he. in sweet, sympathetic voice.
"Yes, yes" murmured Kitty; 81 see
See."
While they We're talking, they had slowly
risen up, up to the brilliant windows again.
Now look at the mockery," said the Cold
Night, somewhat harshly.
1t was the most brilliant hour OF the ball.
Lights from myriads OF jets. embedded in
massive chandeliers, sparkle with dazzling
intensity, making the brightest day Of
gloomy night People decked with Jewels
and silks and laces were gathered in merry
groups. or joining in pleasurable dance TO
the strains of sweet and lively music. 1t
was a beautiful sight indeed; but somehow
the people looked heartless to Kitty, and
the jewels glittered spitefully, while the
rich silks seemed to hiss and hiss as they
rustled along, as If all were rebelling
against their false use.
But one or more act" said the Cold
Night. gently leading her down. down to the
opposite side of the street.
From a dark conner. with their arms
twined about each others necks. the two
little beggars watched the windows Of the
brilliantly lighted hathaway up In the sky
it seemed-watched the figures that fire.
and smiled to think it was all for the poor
and needy.
They dances for us and for others, ~
murmured libby; for those as is in want
Maybe the beautiful ladies will find US here
| tomorrow, and give us some bread"
Yes" said Tosey; and the poor little
girl as has the sick mother. P'raps they'll
! find them and help them. too"
The Cold Night waved his hand above
them, and they both shivered, and said how
cold it was. Tosey tried to play a note on
his violin, but the strings creaked so dis
mally that he laid it aside. Then they sang
together the sweet little song of charity
I which libby had sung to the rich people
and, as they sang, the Cold Night spread
his mantle slowly around them until they
We're fast asleep.
"Oh, Sirr' cried Kitty, spare them and
| let them live"
NO" said the Cold Night, they are toe
poor to live. They must die"
Kitty fell on her knees before him.
'Oh, sir!'' she pleaded beseechingly. 81
am rich, and will take care Of them, and
| relieve them from suffering"
| But the Cold Night raised its hand and
] pointed upward, saying:
TOO late, too Later
! AS he spoke. he took the beggars In his
arms and slowly rose up toward the stars
/ leaving Kitty sobbing on the ground AZ
she knelt there, she heard high in the skies
/ The song that the beggars sang, the song O,
sweet charity, swelling to a mighty chorus
as one would think to celebrate a might,
deed-mighty in the sight OF heaven She
tried to raise her head, but could not: she
seemed bound to the earth by great weight
as of gold, while above the song grew
fainter and fainter, till at last IL ceased anC
1 then she fell into a deep swoon
/ 1t was broad daylight when Kitty ayoke
and the sun was shining brightly into he,
window. In the hall the maid was hum
ming a subdued song as she went blfthel,
about her work; while without, the whit,
smoke oc morning fires-signs of stirrin,
life-curled upward from the chimney ton.
into the cool air as IL glad to meet the light
of day.
1T was only dream; yet oh, how vivid -
thought Kitty, as she rubbed her eyes AGAR
and again, surprised to see the walls of he,
own pretty room actually around her.
! only dream only a dream: vet hou
full of TRUTH cheerily rang the milkman',
bell as Kitty donned he. morning dress
while, as she passed down the broad stair
case, the great hall clock seemed to saw.
| only dream. only a dream; vet there
a lesson; yet there's a lesson;'' and Kitty
pondered.
/ A year from that time Kitty passed nv IN,
same old clock; but this time Il said as 4
licked, licked away:
only dream; yet 1t has made her ar
Anglican angel of mercy to suffering need
Her name, so dear to US, is a name of Low,
among the poor. All. happy happy was tn,
uay When, 10 her eyes. a dream revealed
true charity"
Mfnister Old hut Vigorous.
From the Iockport Journal
Friends I'm nal