People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1894-12-27

daughter, who with an enchanting
smile and friendly salute hurry on their
way. feel like scholar caught by
his teacher with a cigarette in his
mouth, and l actually put my hand to
my pocket, to hide more effectually the
surprise it contains.
wander leisurely home, to find the
wife of my janitor in an excited state.
20, sir, what shall we do?" she
says. THE girl on the third floor is
very i'll, and the doctor has just left,
saying that she will not probably live
another week"
She must be taken to the hospital"
answer in very positive tone. "See
to it at once" | walk upstairs, feel
ing in certain measure sorry for the
poor girl. But | soon forget her. She
is only a stranger. and. no doubt, will
be better dead than suffering. and the
hospital is very good place, so have
heard
now remember my purchase, and,
after admiring it again in its velvet
case, | lock it in my closet to wait for
the happy New Years day. Lighting
cigarette, sit at my window, dream
ing of days gone by. when | had
thought of plain gold ring to adorn
a dear little white hand. / was only
a student then. and full of enthusiasm.
My fathers objection cooled my warm
heart. and | soon become an inveterate
bachelor, and very selfish man-with
onl Y my own pleasure to consider and
no one to care for. But then | had
friends: such good friends. even in my
own house. in whose home there is al
ways a place for me. Some men are
far less fortunate.
And so | sit and forget even time.
In a week ana a half it will be New
Years. | am invited to my friends
for the Christmas dinner day after to-
morrow.
The bell rings suddenly and with I'M
rronted violence. Who can it be? Rosa.
my old housekeeper-she has been
thirty-Seven years with my family
opens the sitting room door and says:
Please, sir. lady wants to see you.
Let her come in. Rosa" | rise to
meet the visitor But a flush of an
nOyance comes to my face. 1t is my
third floor lodger.
What can do for you. madam"
A great deal, sir. Please. oh please
take back the order to send my sister
to the hospital. could not 90 with
her, and it would kill her.
look at the tall. dignifed figure be-
fore me. She stands. because | have
not offered her a seat, Where is my
courtesy? am ashamed, and hastily
push an arm chair toward her.
No, thank you; my sister is i'll. and
needs me. have only come t. tell
you that she can not leave the house. e
Her tone vexes me, it is so decided
Il beg your pardon. she must go
for do not wish to have death in
my house. especially not in these DAYS.
when my friends -
But, heavens. What is that. The
woman reels. and | have barely time
to prevent her from falling to the
ground. What a brute | am. How
could | speak so careleSsly about a
death, which would leave her all
alone. and take from her her dearest
and best friend? should never. never
forgive myself.
Rose is near at hand, and with her
help / am soon relieved by seeing Miss
Casanova open her eyes again. As
soon as she is able to stand, she saws
in low but cold voice: Il am sorry,
Pardon the trouble | have made you.
sir, and without another word she
walks out like one in a dream. with a
terribly bitter smile on her lips.
felt so guilty that l stood like a
statue, without word of apology.
J Nhe. she was out of sight
felt vexed at the part | mad