The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-09-25

mind.
81 don't seem to be doing much of
anything else lately but forget; that
settles it, though" she thought,
Strengthening up energetically; "of
course l can't 60"
People think rapidly, and Rena
looking up at the end of her cogita-
tons, noticed they were all silent, as
though waiting for her to go on.
Il really did forget all about the
Downs, and promised her to come
back, SO of course l can't CO." she
said decidedly. But l wish you
wouldn't mention it to any one, be-
cause | don't do it for goodness, you
know, but simply because l prom
ised."
The next morning she gathered
great handful of dewy pink and
white roses before she went to the
little white house, wondering as she
did it, whether they might not be for
the dead rather than the living.
John Hathaway met her at the
door.
"She is waiting for you," he said.
The sick woman was alone; her
eyes were open, and she was watch
ing the door intently.
"She's come" she announced tri-
umphantly, as though she had come
off victor in doubtful case. And
see the beautiful roses!"
Yes, and you shall have them
where you can enjoy them" replied
Rena, scattering the fragrant mass
over the snowy bed and itsoccupant.
Mrs Hathaway gave little gasp.
The roses were dreadfully dewy, but
they did smell good. Still, it was
not roses she wanted.
Rena answered the unspoken visit
fulness of her face.
Now, what do you want me to
recite?" she asked.
II wish you'd say something real
funny. | haven't heard anything
funny in so long," Mrs. Hathaway
answered imploringly.
whatever can recite that's real
funnyT" thought Rena, in dire per-
plexity. Everything funny is SO
mixed up with the pathetic. might
tell them How Katie Entertained
Sisters Beau It's pretty nearly as
bad as 'Curfew Shall not Ring but
l believe they will like it." So she
told the absurd little story of Katie
exploits.
John Hathaway roared with de-
light.
"The cute little rat" he cried ad-
miringly, didn't she just get it on
that sister of hers?"
The roses over Mrs. Hathaway
tumbled around as though they were
experiencing a small earthquake.
Il didn't know anything could be
so funny" she gasped, wiping her
streaming eyes. Cant you go on"
"Aren't you afraid it will hurt
youP asked Rena, apprehensively.
Hurt mel haven't felt so stirred
up and good for months"
1t was nearly an hour later when
Rena emerged breathless and rosy
from the cottage, and met Doctor
Randolph at the gate.
why, I thought you went to the
Downsl" she said, astonished.
mo, l concluded not to go. How
is your patients"
"Oh, doctor, there was never any
thing like i'll" she cried ecstatically.
"You were right. All she needed
was 'rousing, and l reused her. I'm
sure she will get we'll. I recited
everything, from Katie Entertain
ing her Sisters Beau to When
Grandmama Danced the Minuet, and
furnished my own orchestra. They
did enjoy it so! 1t was just lovelyp
"Doctor," she said rather hesitat-
ingly, "do you know other people
like those, you know, who might like
something of this kinda"
"Yes, Miss Rena, l have whole
hospital full who would surely like
something of this kind to whom it
would be joy and delight, even if
you did not cure them ALL"
81 think l will go to them, them"
Rena replied with decision. ats
more fun than anything I've tried
yet"
Taking that view of the case, the
"fun" was certainly shared in good
measure in the convalescent and
surgical wards of the hospital, and
many dreary hours were shortened
and made brighter by her efforts.
1t was never reported that she
saved the lives of any of the patients,
so it was Mrs. Hathaway's proud
boast that "as far as she had heard
tell, she was the only person who