Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-03-12

mother seemed quito bright, when you
went back, after you left me on that
corner to wait for you? She's been so
long getting up. 1t worries me.
Molly-As bright as silver, father!
She told me to tell you. She said she
was sure she'd be out again by Christ
mas. Play something jolly. father!
Henry plays and sings:
Oh, though the world turn cold shoulder,
III take up my march and III fight.
For wife and for home and for children
They need me from morning till night
For wife and for home and for babies
They love me from morning 10 night.
Molly Isn't that a new song, father?
Henry-Yes. Icomposed it last week,
after those things came from the lady.
felt so encouraged. l never can write
poetry wnen I'm down.
Molly-So it's one of your own poems,
father?
Henry-Yes, it's one of mine.
Molly tproudlyl-It is 4 pretty poeml
Sing it again, father.
Henry (sings)-
''oh, the wife, and the home and the babiesl
love them from morning till night
Molly Gn an Observation-Disclosures said
it was just as well that new baby died.
But She cried when she said So
Henry tdullyl-Yes, that's the worst
of such things.
Molly-But it's been so much easier,
since we had the lady, father.
Henry-God bless her!
Molly (quaintlyl-Yes, should think
ue'd enjoy that.
Henry plays:
God rest We merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay.
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Molly Gnterrupting softly)-Fathcr,
the people at the window are turning
this way. They're looking at us. l
see through the crowd of 'em. Oh, IA
thcr. There's a baby Christ in the WIN
dowl
The Street Player Cwistfully)-Is
there, Molly?
Molly (plaintively)-I wish you could
see him, father!
Henry Slowly turning his blank
eyes toward the window)-It seems US
if did, Molly. QIe removes his faded
hat, and bends his uncovered head be-
fore the window. Several men in tho
crowd seeing the action of the blind
player, do the samc.)
Molly-It's such a pretty little
Jesus, father! And there's presents
hung round over His head. / wonder
if He'll get any. Do you s'pose the lady
will send us any more come this Christ
mas?
Father beginning to play restless
ly)-I guess likely, Molly. But I'd
rather get 'em myself. Tie plays
eagerly
For Jesus Christ our Saviour
Molly-Father! Father! Look, look!
Henry-Molly, be still! l shan't
earn you a supper if you go on like
this. (Sternly) shall lose my reputa-
ton as a musician, Molly! CTo HIMSELF
She says, look, look! Lord, if l could
look! never see the child lose her
wits SO before.
Molly-Father, father! It's the
lady! Here is the lady!
Henry Holt fretfully)-I wish I could
see her-once.
The lady advances rapidly. The
crowd parts before her. She speaks
word here and there to right and left,
as she comes through. She looks agi-
tated and happy. Her delicate face
has a beautiful expression. She comes
up to the street player and lays her
hand upon his arm. She speaks:
Mr.. Holt, don't be too much disap-
pointed"
Henry (patiently)-I've lived too long
to be disappointed. That's for young
folks.
Lady--If it shouldn't come out as
hope--but do hope. And the senator
saysI may hope. In fact he writes
here is the letter-that he is just as
good as sure.
The Veteran Gushing pitifully)-Oh,
you don't mean the pension.
Lady Yes. mean the pension-the
full pension. All that belongs to You
that part of what the country owes
to you. That part of the big, deep.
terrible debt. The letter says he
hopes it isn't too late to set great
wrong right. He hopes before long
perhaps by New Years-sconer than
we expected
The Veteran-Oh, my God!
The soldier weops upon the street,
before all the people. They crowd
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