The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-09-18

entered,
you look very tired" Aunt Mary
said gently, don't be in hurry to GO
Come out on the porch and rest awhile
in one of the rockers"
No, thank you, can not stop. am
needed at home then as Aunt Mary
put a dollar in her hand, she added
anxiously, II can not change it; haven't
you half dollar?"
"You had so many of my clothes to
day, think you have earned the dollar
Aunt Mary said, smiling.
An eager look fitted across her face
and she answered, at is not usual !
believe, to pay for a few extra things
and oughtn't to take it. but need it
so much, and half dollar more would
-" she stopped, flushing scarlet and
turned nervousIy to the door.
Aunt Mary laid a OBTAINING hand on
her arm, and said with gentle sympathy,
Don't think me intrusive, but will you
not tell me your trouble? 1 am sure
you are carrying burden; let me share
it,"
The sudden tears gushed forth, and
the poor creature sank sobbing into
chair; but she quickly controlled herself
and looking up wistfully, said. # don't
often give way like this; hope you will
excuse it in me-"
Aunt Mary nodded. stroking the toll
worn hand she held.
Things are very hard with us just
now" she went on, my husband has
had no work, only an odd job or so,
since the shops closed last year. We
have four children. and | am not very
strong and so slow at my work that we
can hardly get enough for them to eat"
you are a conscientious worker"
Aunt Mary interposed, haven't the so.
cieties helped your"
"a little at first" the woman an.
swered, "but they seem to think we are
not deserving and that my husband is
idle and shiftless. Heaven knows he
would thankfully take anything to do.
so that he could be earning something.
Oh why do they not have work enough,
some how or other. so that all the poor
men could take care of their families
The poor must have work or starve. il
they are too proud and honest to beg or
steal" She spoke with passionate
earnestness, then started up suddenly
adding. II must go. l ought to have
gone at once. Oh ma'am, you will I'M
| derstand what heartache | have, and
how grateful / am to you for this extra
half dollar. when tell you that my lit
tie ones have had nothing but scanty
breakfast of potatoes today; and will
have nothing until l get home. Robbie,
the oldest is cripple, and takes care of
the rest while am away"
"Why didn't you tell US that your
children we're going hungry?' Aunt
Mary said as she rapidly packed a
basket with food. "It.is wicked to let
them suffer and not speak of it,"
Nobody ever spoke to me about it
| before" the woman answered, and it is
very hard to make people listen when
they do not want to. l have tried to
sometimes. but I could't force my
troubles on them when they didn't care.
I've wished so many times that could
have the broken pieces of food for my
children that l see thrown away at
places where | work.
Send your husband here in the
morning" Aunt Mary said. They need
a man to do chores and take care of the
I garden, and / will see that he gets the
place. The pay will not be very much,
not more than ten or fifteen dollars
month; but that will help you little"
"Oh, maam, it will be like fortune
to us. Ten dollars will more than get
our food, and to have it coming steady,
oh. you don't know what help it will
be! wash for the rent. and sometimes
both of US together manage to get
enough besides, to keep the children
warm, and something for them to eat;
but often they've had to go hungry. |
only wish l could thank you for all your
goodness and"
Never mind" Aunt Mary interrupted
kindly, putting the basket in her hand,
I've must all try to help each other"
Il have hired man for you. Arthur"
Aunt Mary remarked that evening.
Hired man for me |" he repeated in
surprise.
Yes," she answered smiling. ~ am
going to be with you for some time. and
| want good deal of waiting on get
ting the horse and buggy ready for my
rides. etc. l will see that he is paid;
he is coming in the morning"
q have often thought of having some
one to keep the place in ORDER" he re-
piled, "and think l shall attend to
paying him myself. But come now,
Aunt Mary, there is something behind
this. What is it?"
And che told them the wash. woman's
story; told it so pathetically that Heen's
eyes ran over; and her husband whis
tied softly.
When she finished he exclaimed,
"Why, might have given the man work
long ago if / had only known! That's