Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-08-14
good night to the little invalid.

gOod night TO the little Invalid.
sob, Master Gerald, what lovely |
pansies u she exclaimed, as her eye |
fell on the flower-pot in the window.
In moment Gerald leaned over and
broke the purple pansY from its
stem.
"Here, Miss Norton, please take
this one know you love flowers
"a much as / do and the little boy
held it out to her eagerly.
The pale face OF the seamstress
slowed with pleasure, and fastening
the pansies in the folds of her we'll
worn cloak, she smiled her thanks
and went home to her room with a
lighter step and happier heart than
she had known for many day.
And SO the first of Myrtle's pan
sies had fulfilled its mission of love.
The next day proved to be one OF
great suffering for Gerald, and dur
ing the long morning hours he lay
quite still, not even noticing that the
three remaining pansies were hold
ing up their heads in the sunny win.
dow.
When the doctor came at noon,
however, the pain had nearly all
gone, and Gerald pointed to the pan.
sizes with his sweetest smile, saying:
(Which is the prettiest one doc
tor, the big yellow one, which seems
to hold all the sunshine, or the pur-
pie and gold one, or the tiny pure
white one nesting down under the
green leaves 2"
"Weil, Gerald" said the doctor,
sm ling kindly at the little pale face
81 like the big, yellow one best, /
think"
"Thep please, doctor, take it with
you to the hospital break it off for
me, please, l can't reach it myself"
'But, Gerald, you said the yellow
pansy seemed to hold all the sun
shine, and / don't want to take it
away om'you," said the doctor.
sob, please take the yellow one"
begged the little boy, II want to
send the sunshine to some one in
the hospital; it will make me SO
happy if you will take it.
The doctor went to the window
and broke off the flower, putting it
carefully in the lapel of his coat, and
as he bent over it the yellow pansy
felt shining drop fall among the
petals Of its golden heart.
That afternoon the doctor stopped
by a narrow bed in one OF the crowd
ed wards of the great charity hospi-
tai, and little girl with fever flush
ed face turned to smile her welcome
up at the tall, grave man who made
her so cool and comfortable every
day.
"See what | have brought you,
Katie he said holding out the yell
low pansy, "a little bit of sunshine"
A radiant smile lighted up the
child 8 face, and the flower was
pressed to her lips in silent mo-
ment of blissful Joy.
And so the second of Myrtle's
pansies found its work of love.
Gerald was always better late in
the day, and his chair was wheeled
out on the little balcony every even
ing that he might watch the sunset,
eqoy the cool breeze, and see the
people passing to and fro along the
busy street. The two remaining
pansies were beside him, and his
mother was sitting near, happy that
her boy was free from pain and able
to enjoy the pleasant twilight hour.
"Oh, mamma, see that old, old
man coming down the street; and
look, a little boy is with him help
ing him along" And Gerald lean.
ed forward eagerly.
Eyes, DEAR" said his mother, "he
is a feeble old mau he is resting
against our railing, and the boy is
looking up at YOU
Gerald smiled down upon the lit
tie fellow, who had a bright, manly
face, in spite of his worn clothing
and battered cap.
II say, mister, can you tell US the
way to Central Park? Grandfather
and l have walked long, long way
| but we can't seem to find the green
fields"
As the boy said this the old man
looked up, anxiously awaiting the
reply.
Central Park is very far from
here" answered Gerald. I'm afraid
about two miles. Do you want to
go there this evening p
"You see, sir,' said the old man
in tremulous voice, sits just this
way. Jim's mother is very sick,
and she's asked US so many times to
get her flower. that Jim and me
thought maybe we'd find her daisy
or bit of cloyer.n
''Oh, grandfather, it's TOO far for
you to go; wen have to 60 home
but we'll tell mother we tried to get
it anyway and poor little Jim
brayely endeaVored to hide his dis.
appointment.
"Wait one minute !" cried Gerald.
'FSee, | have flower Tor you; please