New-York tribune., 1896-11-01
4 NEW STORY OF Mr.. BEECHER.
HOW THE PREACHER WON THE WARM RE-
GARD OF TWO IRISH GIRLS.

Here is a new story of Henry Ward Beecher
which illustrates better than many wel-known an
ecdotes of the great preacher his ready sympathy
CHEEKY good hunor and love for unusual incidents
About ten years ago young Irish woman named
Bridget Dowd. employed servant ir one OF the
families i'm the Heights district. sent to the old
country for her cousin who wanted TO try her fort
une in the New World. The cousin came, according
IT, landed in NewYork. and came over to BROOK
lyn 20 find the address she had received. she
reached the Heights. finding her way by asking
strangers but when she had arrived there she could
not find the street in which her cousin lived Inc
longer she wandered about the streets the moro
hopeessly involved she became Firaly, in despair
she determined to ring the doorbe or the nearest
house and ask
She did so. and the door was opened by noble
looking old man. with magnificent physique and
wavy white hair. She asked him the address. nut
instead of answering her he asked in kindly way
what she wanted. Encouraged by his manner the
Young immigrant told him her troubles ana eN-
planned why she wanted the address.
We'll" said he you just wait TIL get my hat
and I'll go along and show you the way
In a moment ne reappeared. and the strange
couple started off together. AS they walked he
asked her All about herself and her life and
troubles in the old country. and she told him every
thing They chatted together like old friends ana
the young woman. delighted as she was with her
new friend couli not understand the reason OF the
puzzled glances that met them from every ono
whom they passed.
At lsst they stopped before handsome house ana
the old man said: "You stand here at the gate
while | ring the bell" He then went down 10 the
basement door. and when the servant girl appeared
AT tho door he asked Does Bridget Dowd i've
here" -. ...s.o,rs
Yes, sir" said the servant; she's the upstairs
well" said the visitor. chucklng to himself
will YOU kindly tell her that Mr.. Beecher "ou4u
The girl carriei the message upstairs. but on the
10 whom she told the astonishing thing that hau
"What" said one of the ladies' "Mr. Beecher at
the basement door? How dreadful. why dldh
YOU ask him 10 the front door! Go right DOWN you
foolish girl and apologize 10 him and ask him TO
come 10 the other door. ,, ,.u,
Rnt Mr. Beecher firmly refused 10 bulge from
the basement door. He wanted TO see Brldeet DOW
and in few minutes that young woman, nue. ~
hustered at the honor that was being dohe hei
Are YOU Miss Dowd?" asked Mr.. Beecher.
"Yes, SIR -, x or,o,
Wen said ne. beckoning 70 the young woman
at the gate who now came forward ana was re-
vealed for the first time TO her amazed COUSIN 90
YOU recognize this young woman? .
But there was no answer. The Two glris ne" M M
each others arms showering Irish greetings upon
each other and Mr.. Beecher his face wreathed IN
smiles turned away. They recovered ihemseivcs
enough 10 run after him and try TO thank hlm DuI
he would listen to nothing He bade them gooopy
In his kindly way. and though he probably never
saw them again. they were two earnest youhe
Catholjcs who never considered II sin after nay
Ing been to mass to go TO Plymouth Church
and hear n Protestant sermon whenever the!
could get away from their household duties.