Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-14

the man What I want is a bit of your
assistance
Il am strongly opposed" said the middle
aged lady, with great decision, ito indfs-
criminate charity. l will give you note
to the secretary of the
Il know your sort he remarked acuteIy
Give away every bloomin' thing except
gifts Find out what poor people want
and see they don't get it. Ho, yes! I've
met crowds like you. Fortunately L don't
want your 'eip' as you understand it All
l want is a bit of common courtesy"
trust, she said, politely, that I am
not wanting in that"
Il ope, too, that you're pretty well sun
Piled The train came out of the tunnel
INTO the open evening mist, and the cloud
disappeared from the windows. See this
yer baS2''
Miss Farley adjusted here pince-nez and
inspected 1t. IL was an odd bag with a
leather handle at each hand; the contents
bulSed 1t unevenly, the surface bore some
European Labels which 1t seemed might
have been removed from other luggage
Tor they did not stick with confidence
i, said Miss Farley with caution 81
must confess that | do see that bag
An, remarked the man. ironically now
can tell m dealing with a smart person.
Now know that can rely on you for do
Ing what 1 want You 10 do in 'ighly in
teIlSent manner Are you going To Char
Ing Cross ..
Il am replied Miss Farley.
Thought 50. Go no luggage, ave you?''
1 am only going to a meeting" explain
ed Miss Farley, strOking the fur of her
muI, and naturally l have no luggage"
I m not biamin' of YOU" said the man
generously. 1t makes your work all the
easier. This bag contains Are you fond
Of kids?" he asked suddenly
L adore children"
Very well, then" he said with a reliev-
ed air This bag contains presents for
my youngsters
Have you many children"
Tons of en- said the man.
How charming"
You amt seen EN- he said grirnIy.
BE that as it may, this bag contains pres
ents for en-. I've got to get out at Wa
IeTlOo"
Waterloo said Miss Farley. rs the
station before you get to Charing Cross"
You do know something, remarked the
man admiringiy- He took off his necker-
CHIEF and liked on collar, high and
rather white The change altered his APP
pearance greatly. I've got 10 get out at
Waterloo; You re goin' TO Cheering Cross.
Now. do you mind leaving this bag for me
in the cloak room there under-say your
name and q number? Miss Farley con-
tracted her forehead momentariIy and
pUrsed her lips. Otherwise" he went on
earnestly and pathetically, otherwise six
little 'eads Il lay 'emselves down on their
white pliers tonight. crying 'emselves to
sleep; six little 'eads, all curly ones. II be
full of SOTrer and gnaShin' of teeth: six
little 'eads II"
For the sake of the dear children" said
Miss Farley, II will do you wish. Here
Is my card II put Il number upon 1t.
What number shall / write?"
Put ten sixty-six, he said, leaning
across interestedly. Date that good old
blooming Wellington won the battle OF Wa
terIOo.
Ten sixty-six," she repeated as she
wrote. There, my man! You can send
for IT with that card, and the dear little
children Will not be disappointed
Bless their carts" he said, taking the
card.
When the train ratified presently across
the bridge into Cannon street, the man
gave a very fair imitation of paternal feel
ing He dabbed at his eyes with white
speckled blue handkerchief; he shook his
head patheticdliy- As the train backed out
OF the station he lifted the heavy bag to
the side where Miss Farley was sitting.
ANY slight expenses, miss, that YOU
might be put to
Don't mention that, my man. For the
sake OF the dear little ones 1 would take
almost any trouble.
.Irn be called for about II p.m.." he
said. ny a lady friend. In fact" he added
with a burst of frankness. the lady I'm
enga ged to, If you must know"
But the children
"Ohr' he said. readily. I'm adjective
widower-"
Miss Farley trembled a little; the man
nutteEed to himself reproof for his care
Iessness of speech The train slowed up at
Waterloo and he opened the door and put
his head out. Instantly he turned and
rushing toward the other door, and growl-
ing an earnest warning to her. partly
jumped and partly fell out on the ballast
door to, and saw him hoobling cautiously
In the dusk by the side of the train.
Il thought" she said with great shrewd-
ness. that he was not really first-class."
Then Miss Farley took out her plump