The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-06-10

reply. L don't think it hurts any nu-
man being to be taught that humanity
is helpful and tender hearted. 1t de-
grades no man to feel that others are
CONSIDERABLY compassionate for his,
woes and find pleasure in contributing
to his happiness. ltwas slight action
that changed the current OF Jean 4 al
iean's life. And the world is fdll Of
Jean Valjeans waiting for their grain OF
encouragement. No, BERTHE, Jam not
charitable; You may think so, but I do
not. l have all that money can buy; I
do not know an hours discomfort, or
the want OF even q luxury, ahd because
some of my plenty finds it's way to the
unfortunares 1 am lauded,/to the skies.
at is distorted idea. When I read of a
poor woman pledging tie only thing Of
value she possesses ITO keep poorer
neighbor from being turned upon the
streets, or when 4 hear OF a starving
creature sharing her crust with one who
has not even crust, realize some
thing Of the charity which covereth
multitude Of sins, and when people
praise Ine l fell as big hypocrite as
Those pharisaical individuals whose re-
higiDn consists in going to church on
Sunday and picking out the parts OF
the sermon they think their neighbors
Should practice, and whose charity be-,
gins with subscription list and ends
with Bibles sent to the heather. I
don't admire those people. Let US
talk Of something else. see your re-,
proving eye, Miss Hilton, and I see
Brian laughing, as usual. I wish he'd
grow little more sensible. What do
you say, Bertie?"
Your earnestness reminds me of Will
son. You remember him, Brian. He
took his degree of medicine with YOU
He's made quite reputation in his pro-,
fession and any number of physicians Of
more years and longer practice are glad
to call him in consultation. He was
always remarkable in his way. Brainy.
and all that. Rich, too"
Does he practice in New York;
asked Margaret.
Yes. He has no end of patients.
Poor, most of them; but that's his own
fault. He's a great hand for going
around in the tenement districts, curing,
people for nothing. Sometimes when.
he finds neither fire nor food he not only
provides both but makes the fire and
cooks his provisions in the bargain
Yes, he is noble fellow. You should
meet him, Margaret. You and he would
agree on many points"
Brian has never mentioned him to
me. I should like to know him."
II had forgotten all about him." said
Brian, though now I remember he took
especial interest in me when we were
studying together. His grand prophecies
have not been realized, fear. He
always had very peculiar notions" =:
If he comes up to Bertie's descrip.
ton it is to be regretted that there are
not more Of his peculiar notions in the
world" !
AS she made this remark Margaret
rose from the table, followed by Miss
Hilton. And Brian asked BERTHE for a
game of billiards. |
Don't leave us too long," cautioned
Margaret. Miss Hilton and will grow
mutually tired Of each others society" ..
Like the pater and myself" put in
BERTHE. BY the way, Margaret, speak;
ing of charity, the pater is very good;
old fellow, though he tries to persuade:
others to the contrary. You'll bear him.
discuss s6;fhs poor chap IN the strongest
possible terms, and likely as not you'll;
come to find out the fellows been enjoy
ing his bounty all the time A queer
chap, altogether" he concluded, not
Kery respectfully. revoir, Margaret.
Brian is already grinning over his ex-,
'pected triumph.