The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-04-13

mlraUlOn.
Few discover or care for the spirit
ual beauty hidden by an unlovely ex-
terror.
A group of richly attired ladies
glanced at her as she entered and
stood by the door, then resumed
their occupation, evidently absor-
bed in selecting designs by which to
embroider articles for charity fair,
and seeming oblivious of her pres
ence. In bitter need she had come
to ask aid of this church sewing So
ciety.
After one look at the sunny, beauti-
full room and its elegant occupants
she cast her eyes down at the velvety
carpet and awaited her turn to be
questioned. Soona lady approached
with tablet and pencil and began the
routine of questions, taking notes OF
the answers; then she was requested
to state to the society her needs and
circumstances. She complied, hest
tatingly at frst-and in voice trem-
bling with emotion. At length, evil
IDENTIFY by an effort, she spoke clearly
and in we'll chosen words, of her ex-
treme poverty, of the illness of her
boy, the only one old enough to aid
her, of her little ones, and of her hus-
bands death after an illness of many
months, and that she solicited help
only until her own strength was re-
stored and she could procure employ
ment.
There was consultation after this
recital. A small bundle of clothing
was then made up for her; she was
informed that nothing more could be
done at present, that there had been
quite number of applications that
day and that as soon as convenient a
committee ofladies would be appoint
ed, carriage engaged and they would
drive around and investigate these
cases. After this woman's departure,
the last one of the day, reports were
read, ways and means discussed and
an appointment made for the next
session at the residence of another
member; then few moments of lively
chat and the ladies withdrew.
At farther corner of this room was
an alcove screened by curtains. As
the hostess stood evidently lost in
thought, hand held back curtain,
disclosing a man seated in an inva-
lids chair. AS he regarded her, an
observer would have noticed the
strong resemblance between the two.
The same abundant brown hair
among which "the snow that never
melts" had fallen; blue eyes and gen.
eral features the same; yet she stood
fair to look upon, erect, finely formed
and stately, in dark, rich trailing
robes; while he, pale, attenuated from
illness, formed striking contrast,
Notwithstanding the resemblance.
From the mysterious sympathy
following close regard she turned to-
ward him saying with smile, swell,
Edwin, are you not fatigued sitting
up during the long session. AS you
desired, did not mention your pres
ence. All supposed you not able to
leave your ROOM"
81 think" said he slowly, "that
these ladies intend to benefit the poor.
Perhaps they do in some cases i"
"Why do youdoubt their success'"
she asked.
because no personal sympathy
was manifested. All seemed done
from a sense of duty. | believe that
most of the recipients felt the chill of
this and were not as thankful for
your donations. Some lines of Lowell
required to me at the time
HE gives nothing but worthless gold
Who gives from sense of duty;
But he who gives a slender mite
And gives to that which is out Of sight
That thread of the all-sustaining beauty
Which runs through all and doth all unite
The hand cannot clasp the whole of his aims. "
Emily" he said, after pause, did
you recognize your old schoolmate
and friend in that poor woman ask
ing aid7"
81 did," was the answer, land was
shocked at her restitution. 1 had
seen or heard nothing of her for
year .
"Yet you never spoke to her"
II know and am ashamed of my
want of moral courage to do what was
right before the ladies of our set. !
will make amends. will call on her
and aid her. She is an educated
woman and can, with the return OF
health, easily find remuneratiye en-
ployment. I'm sure | could if left
without a penny"
"That," said the brother, sis more