The San Angelo press. (San Angelo, Tex.) 1897-1907, 1903-11-04
CO." retorted Margaret passionately.

dent and keep this old lady out OF
the poorhouse. We should soon have
rores of people applying for mon
T. 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
holly rebellious and convinced that
systematic charity was fraud and
a humbug.
All night long she considered the
matter. In no possible way could
she picture herself up north having
a good time while her dear old friend
pined away in the poorhouse. Must
she give up her vacation3
While she was dressing Cor break
fast the next morning she kept up a
running fire of talk with herself. Il
know what III do" said Margaret.
"1'll give the old lady the time OF
her life. She shall live in peace in
her little home. III take her out
driving. I'll take tea with her ey-
cry evening on her little porch, and
I'll have my vacation. o. course it
won't be what l planned. but what
JOY to make her happy! How
could rebel? am going to be the
happiest woman this summer that |
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 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.
81 knew you would fix it all right
with the Associated Charities peo-
pie, bless them. They shall have
my things when 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 a
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 a last glance at the flowers so
dearly loved, and with a sigh and
faint whisper to Margaret, what
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 suiiiced to meet the
expenses of the modest funeral. At
the open grave, round which we're
gathered a 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 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. 1t
was as follows:
Dear Friends-You have been so kind to
n poor old woman. II you will sell the
piano II will pay you back the money. but
the kind. generous spirit you have shown
can never be repaid by me. God will do
that. I am 40 happy. Yours gratefully,
NANCY RAEBURN.
"Why, what's this 2" said the pres
ident. ave certainly didn't pay out
money for rent, did we, Mrs. Secre-
tary?" The secretary said mo"
"Well, Mr., Emery, you owned the
house, ! believe. Can YOU explain
it,"
Mr.. Emery got up very slowly to
his feet.
"All | know about it is that Miss
Driscoll paid the rent"
"Miss Driscoll?" echoed the pres
ident. But Margaret was on her
feet now, all her heart in her eyes.
eve will not discuss this, if you
please, Mrs. President" said the girl
as she took up the bit of paper rev.
erently and pressed it to her lips.
"Ihis is my vacation"
Among the directors that after
noon was Arthur Sutro, the new