The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1897-08-04
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my sense of justice is being continually
outraged. do not believe that some
should dine off of silver and gold and
others want for bread. The poorest
creature was certainly born with some
rights. Don't laugh, please; ] don't
consid II the subject amusing"
Nor 1, my dear, remarked Miss Hill
ton, with reproving glance ut Brian.
you are so earnest, Margaret" he
said, by way of excuse. Il pity those
indiscriminate charity. 1t tends to in
crease pauperism. Money comes too
easy, and the necessity for work is done
away with.
Your rule may apply to others as
we'll as the POOR, was the half-scornful
reply. Il don't think it hurts any hui
man being to be taught that humanity
is helpful and tenderhearted. 1t de-
grades no man to feel that others are
considerably compassionate for his
woes and find a pleasure in contributing
to his happiness. TWAS slight action
that changed the current of Jean VAL
jeans life. And the world is full OF
Jean Valieans waiting for their grain OF
encouragement. No, BERTHE, am not
charitable; you may think 80, but I do
not. / havo all that money can buy; I
do not know an hours discomfort, or
the want of even a luxury, and because
some of my plenty finds it's way to the
unfortunares am lauded to the skies.
1t is distorted idea. When I read of u
poor woman pledging the only thing of
value she possesses to keep poorer
neighbor from being turned upon the
streets, or when l hear OF a starving
creature sharing her crust with one who
has not even a crust, | realize soma-
thing of tho charity which covereth a
multitude Of sins, and when people
praise me / fell as big q hypocrite as
those pharis aical individuals whose re.
ligion 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.
.. don't admire those people. Let US
+ talk of something else. see your re-
: proving eye, Miss Hilton, and l SET
+ Brian laughing, as usual. wish he't
y grow little more sensible. What dt
you say, berIle.
Your earnestness reminds me OF Will
son. You remember him, Brian. II
, , took his degree of medicine with you
He's made quite reputation in his pro
fession and any number Of physicians o
more years and longer practice are gla'
to call him in consultation. He wa
. always remarkable in his way. Brain
, and all that. Rich, too"
l Does he practice in Now York?
asked Margaret.
:, "Yes. He has no end Of patients
= = Poor, most of them; but that's his owl
!, fault. He's great hand for goin
L around in the tenement districts, curin
; people for nothing. Sometimes whe
he finds neither fire nor food he not onl
. provides both but makes the fire an
II Il cooks his PROVISIONS in the bargain
Yes, he is noble fellow. You shoul
meet him, Margaret. You and he woul
>. agree on many points.
Brian has never mentioned him
. me. 1 should like to know him."
Il had forgotten all about him, sal
Brian, though now remember he too
!. especial interest in me when we MeI
. studying together. His grand prophetic
y have not been realized, 1 fear. Il
always had very peculiar notions.
If he comes up to Bertie's descril
% ton it is to be regretted that there al
- not more of his peculiar notions in tt
. world.
l. AS she made this remark Margar
rose from the table, followed by Mil
+ Hilton. And Brian asked Berthe for
g game of billiards.
l Don't leave us too long" cautiont
al Margaret. Miss Hilton and will gro
>" mutually tired Of each others society
a Like the pater and myself, put
20 BERTHE. BY the way, Margaret, spea
d. ing of charity, the pater is very go'
~ old fellow, though he tries to persua,
IS others to the contrary. You'll hear hi
10 discuss some poor chap in the stronge
'd possible terms. and likely as not you
~ come to find out the fellows been enjo
a ing his bounty all the time A que
chap, altogether" he concluded, n
or very respectfully. "Au revoir, Margar'
1t Brian is already grinning over his e
lie pected triumph"