Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1903-09-19

uenI, we coulQn eSLaDllSn a prece-
dent and keep this old lady out of
the poorhouse. We should soon have
scores of people applying for mon
ey to keep them in homes. We can
not afford to pay for sentiment.
Our funds must be put to more
| practical purposes"
| The matter dropped there, and
Margaret went home to her room
hotly rebellious and convinced that
systematic charity was a fraud and
a humbug.
All night long she considered the
matter. In no possible way could
she picture herself up north having
good time while her dear old friend
pined away in the poorhouse. Must
she give up her vacation?
While she was dressing for break
fast the next morning she kept up
running fire of talk with herself. 81
know what I'll do" said Margaret.
'1'll give the old1ady the time Of
her life. She shall live in peace in
her little home I'll take her out |
driving Pll take tea with her ev-
cry evening on her little porch, and
I'll have my vacation. Of course it
won't be what | planned, but what |
joy to make her happy! How
could l rebel? am going to be the
happiest woman this summer that I
have ever been.
In this way Margaret cheered her
self up and met her new conditions
bravely.
She went first to Mr.. Emery, paid
him a months rent in advance and
told him friends would pay the rent
after this, which assurance he ac-
cepted without any questioning.
When Margaret took the little old
woman in her arms that morning
and told her it was all fixed, that
she was to live undisturbed in her
home, the poor creature wept for
JOY.
Il knew you would fix it all right
with the Associated Charities peo-
pie, bless them. They shall have
my things when l am gone, and that
will make it up TO them"
Margaret did not undeceive her,
knowing it would grieve her should
she know the true source of the re-
prieve
The last days of August were
great drain on the old lady's
strength. She got weaker and weak
er until she could only smile at Mar
garet's stories as she lay in bed, full
of JOY and peace. One evening just
as the sun set in all its glory, filling
the little room with wonderful ra-
dance, Margaret put back the cur
tains, lifted up the frail little figure
for last glance at the flowers so
dearly love,i, and with Ugh and a
faint whisper to Margaret, what a
happy summer she had enjoyed,
the gentle spirit passed on to those
realms where poorhouses are un-
known.
The few pieces of furniture were
sold and barely suficed to meet the
expenses Of the modest funeral At
the open grave, round which were
gathered few neighbors, there was
one woman who had no regrets, and
her tears were tears of JOY.
About two weeks after the funer-
al Margaret received a card stating
that the board of directors Of the
Associated Charities would meet
that afternoon to transact some spe-
cial business.
After the regular routine bust
ness was over the secretary stated
she had a letter to read the associa-
ton from old Mrs. Raeburn, who
had recently died. The letter had
been given Mr. Emery to be read to
the association after her death. It
was as follows:
Dear Friends-You have been so kind to
a poor old woman If you will sell the
piano it will pay you back the money. but
the kind, generous spirit you have shown
ceH never NC ISEo1d ny HIS. Gou Will oO
that I am so happy. Yours gratefully,
NANCY RAEBURN.
"Why, what's this ?" said the pres
ldent. owe certainly didn't pay out
money for rent, did we, Mrs. Score
5ary ?" The secretary said 'No."
well, Mr.. Emery, you owned the
house, | believe. Can you explain
It ?"
Mr.. Emery got up very slowly to
lis feet.
Cali l know about it is that Miss
Driscoll paid the rent"
"Miss Driscoll?" echoed the pres
dent. But Margaret was on her
'eet now, all her heart in her eyes.
owe will not discuss this, if you :
please, Mrs. President" said the girl :.
IS she took up the bit of paper rev.