The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1896-12-12

young fellow who comes regularly to
consult ell the papers On sporting mat
ters. He collects the prophetic tips, and
notes the odds in a book: he would Eaini
be Sharp, but he, too often, remains q
Ju9sins. There is the boy who comes
here whenever he can get the chance TO
dcliclously over Il story. There is the
poor country lad VINO has more knowl-
edge in his little finger than a London
artisan in his whole body, who under
stands how to plow and SOW and reap,
and stack and thrash; who can cultivate
an allotment; who knows sheep and
beasts, and pigs and horses: who can
foretcll the weather. Yet he has thrown
it all over and come up to London, where
he has nothing but his pair OF hands and
his strong arms. ard his great knowi-
edge ayails him nothing. 'Tis as if you
turned Z professor Of mathematics into
diapers shop, where they would use
him for rotilin" but to sweep the floor
! and carry cut the parcels. He rolls in
to the library accidental ~, and not lk
ing the place or the smell (Which is not
| in the least Ike the smell Of the carth),
he goes out again.
TIE librarian knows them all. He
watches in the silent room as the clock
over his head ticks loudly, and makes
up their little stories for them. Some
times they whisper a little with him.
He is a sympathetic creature, and they
will contidc their case TO hin, asking for
! his advice. They do not seek it in the
search for book to read, but in search
! for work. And sometimes he knows,
or has heard things. which may help
them. Other librarians, you see, get a
vast and intimate acquaintance with
| books. This librarian is more useful to
| his readers if he knows the contents of
the trade journals.
Sometimes, however, as in the case
of Naomi Hellyer, he was altogether at
sea. Naomi first appeared on this
Saturday evening. She came in timidly,
and looked about her with hesitation.
There was no other woman in the place.
Perhaps women were not admitted.
Then the librarian stepped out Of his
! corner and invited her to take seat
and ask for anything she might want.
Hc saw woman of thirty dressed in
the black stuff frock of /; workwoman,
with a cloth jacket, though it was SO
warm an evening Her dress was per-
fectly neat and fitting; her gloves
were worn; she had the appearance of
resolute responsibility coupled with
small pay. Her face was thin and pale,
and her features delicate. She was not
| beautiful, but she looked steady and
serious-what is called responsible. Tho
! librarian noticed these things; he also
noticed, for he was an Obscrvant crca-
ture, as well as sympathetic. that there
was trouble i'll the facc--abiding trouble
! When she took OF her worn glove the
librarian saw upon her forefingcr the
usual sign of rccdlework, which wo-
man can no more disguise than a mulatto
can disguise the black streaks below his
tingcr-nnils. She took q place at one Of
the tables and began to turn over the
leaves Of an illustrated paper, but Ian
guidly, as ii she took no interest in what
she read. Tho librarian, watching her
from his corner, observed that she pres
emily put down the paper aud began to
walk about, reaiing the titles Oh the
books on the shelves as if she was in,
search Of something.
Being conscientious librarian as
! we'll as obscrvant and sympathetic, he
left his place in the corner aud asked
i her il there were any work which she
wished to read Shc shook her head.
There was nothing, she said The
librarian observed that she had an cx-
trcmely sweet voice. He also observed
that she went looking at the titles as if
she really did want something.
The librarian was experienced as
we'll as conscientious, observant, and
sympathetic. He discovered that there
was something behind this restless curl
Osity.
Il think you are looking for some
book, he said. III you will tell me
what it is"
Have you got" she asked, coloring
deeply, any book that tells about"
She hesitated.
About" he repeated.
About women here she looked
about to make sure that nobody else
could hear, and her voice dropped to
whisper" about women in prison, how
they are treated, aud how they live?"
I'VE have book called Five Years Of
Penal Servitudc, he replied, "but that
is about male convicts, not women.
May | soc 1hat?"
He found and gave her the volume.
When tho library closed sho brought
him back tho book, and went away.
But hcr eyes were red. She had been
crying.
During the week the librarian found
himself thinking q good deal about this
woman. She looked refined and deli
cate, perhaps above the position she
now held, which seemed to be poorly |
paid, Judging from her dress. BY her
language and her manner she showed |
herself what is called ladylikc or what |
ladies prefer to COLL rather a superior |
person Ee could not remember whether |
she wore n wedding ring. He hoped !
that she would come again.
On Saturday evening she did come |
again. Tho librarian greeted her with
the smile reserved for habitua! readers. |
Let me find you another book, he said.
please let me have the same"-ns if !
tho librarian should remember every