Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-12-31
The stoops were literally packed with

| on the steps In various degrees OF Ols-
! comfort and unconscious misery, but
cheerful resigned and apparently born
to her task.
The night was breathless. and yet
out on the wide boulevard it was not
sitting. Down here, however, not q
single sigh Of fresh air came. The
garbage boxes rotted visibly. On the
covers Of those few boxes that still re-
tanned covers were lying men and boys,
trying in the midst Of the unnatural,
feverish noises peculiar to tenement
districts to get a little rest On the
stones and mud and offal Of the street
itself scores Of people were lying. some
on few rags thrown down to soak up
the liquid filth. others with no covering
between their horrible clothing and the
foul street. Twice they had to stop
and pick their way between the figures
that lay in the street. painting for a
breath of air, wearily, but with the
Indifference of years Of accustomed
discomfort, counting the time when tho
dark sleeping rooms inside should be-
come little less unbearable.
During the entire walk neither Cor
don nor Marsh said anything but once,
when Mr.. Marsh asked question:
Some of these children seem far
better dressed and cleaner, more at
tractive than others. Are these some
of the Hope House converts?"
NO" replied John Gordon dryly.
''Those are saloon keepers children"
Mr.. Marsh did not ask any more
questions until they were going into
Hope House entrance. Then he turned
to his companion and said:
II have seen things today never
could believe II had been told. It is
all too horrible. too horrible. shall
dream Of it tonight. Why have you
made me look at it?"
They paused a moment under the
archway.
would God, Mr.. Marsh, that every
business man In this city could see
what you have seen, and what you have
seen Is nothing compared with the hor-
rors you will never even dream about" !"
1T has sickened me-" Mr.. Marsh re-
peated irritably, and John Gordon
could see by his manner that he was
nervously affected by the days expe-
rience. Before he could say anything
Miss Andrews came In through the
larchway.
\ Il understand you have been looking
about today. Come into the library
aad tell me about it."
| She had greeted Gordon in her usual
qdet. calm but delightful manner as
heSntroduced Mr.. Marsh.
| When they were seated at the great
centr table, Gordon briefly recited the
| mainincidents Of the days. experience.
: Gradually Mr.. Marsh lost his irr1ra-
ton. There was something profoundly
impresive in the face and manner Of
this wman. She was the first woman
. he hadever met who made him feel
that sh, was deeply and exactly in
, formed q city life. He had met other
women Wao were brilliant, witty, well
, educated, Nnltured, but never one who
evidently kew humanity like this one.
] In five minutes she seemed to be In
3 full possessAn of all the facts Of Mr..
Marsh's owDrship Of the property and
: his exact altitude In every particular
toward the senes he had witnessed.
! The talk had not proceeded ten min
; utes before sh said with the utmost
I'll frankness:
Il "Mr. Marsh, lam sure you will tear
8 down No. 81 andput up the right kind
r Of building In ITS place. OF course
you are convinced now that the struc'
I, ture Is a mistake ii every particular"
e "I-I-don't know. l certainly die
3, not know what sot of a building II
y was-it would proveto be-" Mr.. Marsh
stammered.
10 "Then Of course your judgment ant
/. humanity together vii prompt you t.
}. put up a safe, sanihry. comfortable
building" Miss Andrews continued
n calmly.
r "I-I-will have to give the matter
d ah- considerable consideration" Mr.
8 Marsh replied, with caution. 1T vii
8 be very expensive to tear it down."
Il ut costs lives. Are they not of NOR
t value, Mr.. Marsh, than money!
@ She said it calmly. but the represse'
It passion Of lifetime Of patient endur
It ance for the love of the people pulses
b through every syllable. A voice o
tenderest eloquence could not hsv
been more definitely emphatic.
f II shall have to consider It." the ma
4 murmured uneasily.
d The events of the strange day ha
produced a curious result in him. d
!? was not certain that he could trust n
s impulses At the same tips
e moved to action Of sop-Degan to tall
Miss Andrewa~Joh Gordon, who
r. of somet>surer the table, intensely in
L~esred In what lie supposed was 70
!. Ing to be an appeal on Miss Andrews
. part. gradually relaxed his attitude
into one Of disappointed surprise. Miss
Andrews was still talking easily, and
Mr.. Marsh was listening intently, when
one of the residents came In and called
!. John Gordon out to answer a summons
at the telephone.
Gordon came back soon and said bis
! friend Barton had sent for him, and
that he might not return that night.
MIR. Marsh rose and said, "Pu 20
, along with you, Gordon, as far as you
go my way"