Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-09-26

idee?"
"Yes, l do" exclaimed Miss susan,
heartily. her face beaming In sympa.
thy.
And" went on the mother, in =
lowered voice, while pathetic express
sion shaded her face, there was one
little one that died-snd we're going
to plant q tree for her; and I'm goin'
TO give the fruit TO the little children
over TO the poorhouse that's near our
place"
II think that's just lovelyw whis-
pered Miss Susan, with hand clasp Of
earnest feeling. n do hope all your
trees'll grow good. I'm sure they will.
Good-by-good-by.'
Stop" said the woman, II goin' TO
leave you couple Of trees to remem.
ber ~ by. We got more'n just the
count, for fear some Of EN- might die.
They're good sorts-we picked EN- out
careful from the best in the catalogue;
for father, he says when you're goin'
to give good care you'd better give II
whore It's worth givin'. Two o them
bell-howers, Jim.
And ssy"-with the enthusiasm be.
longing with charming new idea
we'll stay and help you plant EN-.
No; 'twon't take long. Jim'll dig, and
the rest Of us'll look about for the best
mulch you've rot. Well Ill take hold
for good luck"
They make slittle frolic ofit, bright
ened and warmed by the glow Of
mutual kindly feeling.
Now, be sure and send US word how
they get on when you have . chance. I"
Years later, not very many, Miss
Susan went to missionary meetings
with new joy beaming In her face;
and 1t was noticed that the gentle
little woman did not sit with . pitiful
look and downcast eyes when : collec.
ton was made or . subscription paper
passed.
How she ever does it, more than l
can tell" said Mrs. Barrows, the min
ister's wife; but she always has some.
thing to give"
And gives It with such good will"
said Mrs. Deacon Ray. "And won't DO
passed by. Feels absolutely hurt and
sighted II we don't let her know Ill
the objects. Now, here's this call to
help out the Bible woman in Japan.
In hurry, too. We can't wait till the
next meeting, 80 I've got 10 70 round" "
And you don't dare to miss Miss
Susan"
mo. You'll 60 out there with me,
won't you?"
"Yes"
ut isn't very pressing call, you
see, Miss Susan" the deacon's wife
went on, after stating her business;
"and the moneys most raised Only
three dollars more to make up. We
only come to you because we know
you always like TO know what's being
done-not because we expected any
thing. 1t isn't your turn again yet,
after all you've given since the year
set In"
Miss Susan's face shone.
II have a bit Of money that's just
come in" she said. II might Just as
well make up that three dollars a.
keep 1t lying idle"
Miss Susanl There isn't a woman
In the society that gives as you do.
One would think the Lord put it right
into your hand"
u guess He does. Come out here
and see."
She led them into her little garden.
Half q dozen fruit trees were there,
two Of them almost within reach Of
the kitchen door.
Look at them two" she said, point
ing to them in pride. II didn't buy
EN-; they come to me unexpected,
years ago. And I'm willing to say that
the sun shines brighter on EN- than
on the others, and that the cold winds
amt as cruel to 'em. For they always
blossom earlier'n the others-and look
at them apples up thereI"
Sure enough the golden fruit was
good to look at as it still drank In the
mellow rays Of the partial sun.
"These two stand sheltered from tho
north wind'-began Mrs. Barrows.
And l fancy you give them little
better care than the Others suggested
the deacon's wife, noticing the pains
taking cultivation about the roots.
Perhaps that has something to do
with It,"
Nom" said Miss Susan, firmly.
THAT isn't 1t. It's cause they're the
Lords own trees. promised Him oil
that should ever grow on EN-. named
'em Goodness and Mercy-'cause that's
what I always pray to have follow
them that gets what lie sends EN-
through these trees. And just after
they began to bear" went on Miss
Susan, with q triumphant air, ''the
railroad came through Shclbyville, and
now there's men going through the
country paying cash, and always glad
to get such apples as mine. Mercy's
full yet, you see; but Goodness ripens
q little earlier, and l sold the apples
off it yesterday. I've got what you
want, and enough left for the winter
calls. Then what Mercy brings will
do for my givings next summer till
fruit comes aagaln."
Returning to the house she opened
her purse, still with the radiant face.
" guess you're right" Susan" said
the minister's wife, gently. y haven't
q doubt the Lord sends His best to
your trees."-N. Y. Independent.