The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-08-21
CnnNcr'a lilly.

'The teacher of the settlement in
Covers Alley was taken i'll with "a fever
just when the ladies who had the little
school in charge were beginning TO hope
Shat the seed sown in that barren ground
might possibly spring up and bring forth
tomething TO cheer their hearts, aud
4roVe that their work was not altogether
In vain. But now Miss Allen, who had
worked hard to organize the little band
at Covers, had TO leave the work, and
ao one had volunteered TO take her place.
Furthermore there was no likelihood
that any one could be induced 10 do so;
ana TO tell the truth, 81 WAS not d pleas
ant outlook Tor one VINO had no sym
patty, or had never come in contact with
the poorest Of tho poor little wallis IN
Newton. so IL was almost decided 70 close
the doors of the school-room. when Julia
White came 10 the rescue and offered her
services until Miss Allen had recovered
Such a departure on the part OF a re-
fined girl like Julia White, her friends
said was perfectly idiotlc. Why It was
utterly absurd to think OF teaching those
heathenish little creatures; IL was time
and strength simply thrown away.
Positively, Julia, they are nothing but
horrid httle animals Lydia Benton as
serted, "and 50 think of even trying 10
teach them to thread needle or set
iablel"
When the name Of Julia White was en-
rolled among tho Kings Daughters she
pledged herself TO his seryicei time, talent
and money--the best OF all she would con-
secrAte 20 his work. and now, in taking
zip the broken thread of work at Covers
she felt that ID would be a privilege
cather than an irksome task.
Her interest IN the children had begun
during a visit to the school short time
before, and she was touched BY their
great needs. Their faces ana dress told
more elopuently than words OF the daily
struggle with poverty, want. ill-treatmeut
and hunger; 50 she determined TO put
forth every effort 10 make Miss Aliens
little settlement success. and the lives
OF the children happier, cleaner and
brighter
one day she told them the story OF a
brown root hidden in the ground all win
fer. and how when the springtime came
ST pushed its way up into tho light. made
friends with the sunshine ond the soft,
warm rains, and at last blossomed forth
into a lovely flower. But the children
seemed 10 have no idea OF flowers, ami
took but little interest in the story.
though as a usual thing. Miss White held
their close attention during her ten min
ntes talk in the morning 1T may posi-
bly, be" she said. that they have never
seen a flower" The next day she took a
large white lily 90 the school-room and
placed IL on the desk, where all the chill
dren could see It, thinking il might awak-
en- IN their hearts a love for the beautiful
and pure which, II II ever existed, was
fast becoming oyergrown with sin.
Tug johnson, a ragged boy OF seven,
was the first 10 see the flower. lie made
his way 10 the desk and stood there ST.
iently examining II. while the others
gathered around, each one exclaiming al
the same time and asking questions.
"Dast we smell It, teacher" Tug asked
NJ last raising his saueaky voice above
the rest.
Certainly you may" MISS White an
ywerad. enjoying his enthusiasm.
An II won't bust up or anyth.ng7" he
added. looking into the Liy's cup with
distrusiful eyes. for his short life had
pither in persons or things.
"Oh. no. Il is as harmless as Il is beau
tifuf" and The teacher passed her hands
over the leaves gee. my boy?'
While they were strOking the leaves TO
rec n the green paint would come of. and
ndmiring the silent visitor, ono Of the
older girls came running into this room,
one OF ths most troublesome OF all the
school.
'Tts jim" they cried. beckoning TO the
seycomer "Jln hain't saw II. have you.
gin?' Every child pointed a finger in the
e1reotion Of the My as jim answered