The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-03-27

chance Of dropping good seed into
the hearts of her children. II want
you to become high-minded man as
well as high-shouldered man."
In a short time they were in the
midst of the tumult and confusion of
Brighton Beach, mingling in the
promiscuous crowd which frequents
that resort on pleasant sumner even
ings.
"Where shall we go first?" asked
Mrs. Allen, a little timidly. She was
always rather nervous in a crowd.
Lets get some ice. cream FIRST"
James answered.
So he led the way through the
crowd to pavilion, and they sat
down before one of the small tables.
On platform near by was colored
man, dressed in plantation clothes
and white beaver hat, playing the
banjo. Mrs. Allen noticed with a
shudder that the people around them
were drinking beer and eating sau-
sages. 1t was very warm, the ice
cream was refreshing and Mrs. Allen
had come for a purpose. So she
made no comment upon what she
saw, but chatted as pleasantly as
possible with James.
After they went out, James said:
II am sorry, mamma, | did not find
a quieter seat for you. know you
don't like to see folks drinking beer
and all that"
"Never mind" said mamma, "since
we were not expected to drink it,
too"
Il don't suppose you want to go
on the merry-go-round, do you,
mammal" he said, as they approach
ed it. The noise of its musical APP
paratus was almost excruciating to
Mrs. Aliens fine musical ear.
SIT might make me dizzy" she re-
piled. But | will stand near, and
wait for you to go round"
"All right" said James. 1t did
not prove to be so very attractive,
after all; and they were soon on their
way toward the famous "razzle-
dazzle" which excites the admiration
of so many.
"Seems to me there is a queer
crowd out tonight" James could not
help remarking to his mother, in low
tones.
Mrs. Allen had already fixed cri-
terion in her own mind rega riding the
people about her. You see, James"
she said, in an impersonal manner,
"they belong to class who have no
leisure except in the evening; and
they prefer amusement of this kind
to the enjoyment of their own
homes"
Maybe they haven't piazza and
shadetrees and hammocks, as we
have" sensibly suggested James.
perhaps their rooms are hot and
stuffy."
81 am sure of it," agreed Mrs. AL
len.
James did not care to go round on
the razzle-dazzle with his mother
more than once; and they decided to
go to the large pavilion, and view the
fireworks, which were to begin at
nine o'clock. On their way, they
passed the great amusement hall, out
of which foated ON the evening air
the rich, wild melodies of a negro
chorus.
81 like the music pretty WE'LL"
James commented; "but see what
crowd is listeningl Let's go in here,
he said presently; and they went into
the bowling alley, which CHANGED to
be unoccupied.
Mrs. Allen had the first turn, and
knocked down the king pin at the
first roll, much to the admiration of
her son. They had often played ten
pins together at home. The alley
adjoined a billiard room, which was
densely filed with cigar smoke.
James heard some coarse words. He
glanced uneasily at his mother, who
seemed not tohear them. After they
had scored one game, James suggest
ed that they should go on, SO as not
to miss the fireworks; and soon they
were sitting in the pavilion, waiting
for the brilliant display. Others
were there before them,-showily
dressed men, with women adorned in
cheap silk and lace, jet and gilt. and
babies worrying for the restful night
sleep denied them.
"You don't look like anybody else
here, somehow" said James, glanc-
ing at his mother, and then at the
audience.
"Are you sorry for that3" asked
Mrs. Allen.
"Sorry Why, there isn't another
woman here 1 would take for my mo-