The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1895-09-12
Partners.
ELLA F.. WILLIAMS.

s LILA 1 - lisisish"2f
One morning there might have been
seen coming from the railway station,
over the hot and dusty pavement of the
city streets, Two equal partners In phil
anthropic enterprise. One was sweet
faced young lady, the other handsome
! Saint Bernard. Each of them carried
large, covered basket, and every wave OF
the dogs tail showed that he, at least,
appreciated the importance of their mis-
sion.
Arriving at the gates of the hospital,
they were at once admitted by the smll-
ing porter, to whom they were evidently
well known, with the ali of one who
! thoroughly understood his business.
/ Bruno relinquished his burden, and set
tied himself for nap in the coolest cor
ner of the entrance hall; meanwhile his
mistress opened the baskets, displaying
quantity OF beautiful flowers arranged
in little bouquets, each containing some.
thing bright and something sweet. salts
flying alike to sight and smell. Select
| ing a goodly quantity, she commenced
her round of visits in the woman's ward,
with its long, double row of white-cov-
cred cots.
Near the door was a young woman,
{
the proffered flowers with the words -
"Oh, miss, it is so hot to-day | was just
| longing to see you come in with thu flow
ers. They does freshen one up so.
The next patient rubbed between her
| fingers a fragrant green leaf that she
! found among her flowers, saying: In
deed, and it's many year since | saw
the like of that My mother used to
have some in the yard at home
over in one corner a woman was sleep
/ ing. forgetful of her night of restessness
and pain. Some beautiful pansies were
gently laid on her pillow just where she
would see them when she wakened.
Across the aisle fussy old woman
was scoldng the nurse about some fam
cied ill treatment. Not vet ready to
give up her fit of bad temper, she
scowled at the offered bouquet, and in
sisted CD her right TO choose another,
which she did without word of thanks.
The disappointed giver never knew that
the poor old body whose ill-natured
words so Jared upon her feelings was
easier to please all the rest of that day
just because that little bouquet was on
the table near her bedside.
Going from one bedside to another
with her fragrant gifts and pleasant
words Of greeting, she reached the end
of the long ward and found the nurse
waiting to take her to an inner room,
where young girl was lying very i'll.
$50 and see her." said the nurse, "she
is utterly friendless and despairing.'
| Quickly selecting spray of sweet,
white roses, such as used to grow in our
grandmothers' gardens, she offered them
to the sick girl, who only shook her head
sadly, saying: They are not for me.
There is nothing pure and sweet for me.
haven't friend left
"Oh, yes, you have was the reply,
s'the best Of frieLds, Christ Jesus him
self"
"You are mistaken. He could not be
my friend You don't know how wicked
| have BEEN" the sick girl answered.
II do not need to know" was the
quick response, "but He knows, and says
to every sin-sick soul, Come unto me,
all We that labor and are heavy laden,
and will give you rest ~ A few more
earnest words, short prayer, and the
visitors re-entered the large ward, but
the text and the flowers were found
tightly clasped in the poor girls lfeless
hands that evening.
In another small room was dear old
lady G. victim of paralysis) whose snowy
hair and happy face had long since won
the hearts of the attendants. Caressing
the dainty blossoms with the hand she
could still use, she exclaimed, God bless
you, dear, 1t is such treat to see the
flowers and to get this message from the
world outside"
Tired, but happy, and with flowers
distributed, the young lady returned to
~ hol ID fa;t hf,l
ing his nose against the basket left in
his care. Hearing the footsteps Of his
mistress, his tail gave little joyous taps
on the floor, for he was sure his turn
had now come, and by the time she
reached him he was ready to follow her
to the chldren's ward. Here her
entrance created quite sensation, and
the little ones were much delighted to
see Bruno put down his basket and
solemnly '.shake hands" with the nurse.
One or two of the new corners were
frightened TO see such big dog, but for
got their fears when he took bouquet
his mistress gave him and carried it to
the little lame girl in the Invalid chair.
The two were old friends and 'shook
hands with great cordially while the
little girl softly patted his massive head.
And so he went from one to another, car
rying the bouquets In his mouth, while
his tail waved joyfully, like a banner in
breezy day. Such fun as the children
had They were all sorry when he was
told to go outside while his mistress
sang pretty hymn for the little ones.
The fact was, Bruno, with all his good
sense, never could hear solo "ithout
trying to turn it into duet, and the
result was not always satisfactory.
However, although banished from the
, ward, he had good friend in one Of the
doctors, who took him down to the office
and offered him drink of cold water,
telling him he was as good as doctor
himself.
Where did the flowers come from?
That is one of the best things about the
work-the cooperation it needs. The
flowers came from country gardens,
were sent to the city by an early train,
and there received aud distributed twice
every week by Bruno and his mistress.
The faithfulness of these two in the city
made it possible for country friends to
send their floral treasures from field, for
est and garden to those who needed just
such tokens Of sympathy and remem
brance.- Exchange,