Middletown transcript., 1904-01-02
A GREAT PHILANTHROPlST



appearance, and avoided the better
dressed people whom she met. It was
some days since the girl had left the
house where she lodged. She felt faint
and i'll, but pressed on determinedly,
although it seemed to her hours since
she had started before she paused at the
business like Offices where Mr.. Standard
received petitions. Then, for the first
time, Custance faltered in her purpose,
but, summoning courage again, she rang
bell and was promptly answered by a
ball porter.
Is Mr.. Standard here? she asked almost
defiantly, fixing her great bright eyes on
the man.
No, miss, he returned somewhat du-
biously. Have you an introduction
No-but mine is very urgent case. |
wanted to see some one Immediately.
The porter hesitated, but at length
asked Custance to step inside, and doing
so, she found herself in long passage,
on either side of which were glass doors,
inscribed after the fashion of an Office
''Private," Secretary" Manager" It
might have been business firm instead
Of the headquarters Of the philanthopic
schemes and institutions for which MIR.
Standard was famous.
She waited for few minutes while the
porter disappeared into the room marked
Secretary" Then he reappeared and,
telling her to follow him, showed her
into that room. Custance found herself
in an apartment fitted up as an Office,
but with the luxuries OF turkey carpet,
thick hangings and walnut fittings. At
the desk sat man Of about forty, with a
bearded face and thoughtful eyes which
looked at her keenly as she stood there,
feeling utterly forlorn and out of place
amidst the comfortable surroundings.
You wish to see Mr.. Standard? he in
quired. He is not here just now, but
I am his secretary. Can l do anything
for you?
The girls throat grew dry and choked.
She had never begged before, and the
humiliation OF her position struck her for
the first time.
/ came to ask help OF Mr.. Standard,
she replied, in a strange hard voice. I
want to borrow money of him. In spite
Of her intention she substituted the word
"borrow" for "beg"
That gentleman is not money lender,
explained the secretary, with slightly
raised brows. You can readily under
stand that be has endless applications.
but il your case is really one OF need, you
can rely on MIR. Standards sense of jus.
tice and generosity. The most careful
investigation is always made, and every
claim duly considered.
Then suddenly Custance's eyes filled
with tears. 1t was SO hard to be coldly
put aside like this after the effort she had
made. Duly considered-while in the
meantime they starved! Want Of food
and despair made her desperate
Sir, she said almost fercely-my mother
is dying. Nothing can save her; but, il
| had little money, I could at least
make the end painless. II I do not have
some at once it will be useless to me. ]
want Mr.. Standard to lend me fifty pounds
now-I say lend Intentionally, for l will
pay it back somehow when my mother
needs my attention no more, even though
have to work all my life and earn il
penny by penny!
A slightly disturbed look passed over
the secretary's face as his gaze rested on
the white quivering girl before him.
There were dark marks under her eyes,
which were SO big and brilliant; her
gown was very threadbare; her face was
thin.
You see, he remarked, fidgeting with
the papers on the desk, SO many people
tell US that their case is desperate and
immediate, and I cannot prove the truth
of your assertion instantly.
Custance paused moment and thought.
| Will you lend me sovereign now, she
asked calmly, and investigate the case to-
morrow? ! will give you the address.
You sea queer little smile touched her
lips with bitterness have had nothing
to eat to-day, and am really in want.
The secretary suppressed All exclama-
tion.
Look here, he said impulsively-I am
going to advance you ten pounds. To
morrow shall look up the case, and, if
find things as you say, I will advise
MIR. Standard to let you have the fifty
you want.
You are not lending it to me yourself
! Custance queried falteringly.
llkNo-it is Mr.. Standards money. I
have certain amount in trust for immed.
late cases. Shall / give you gold or notes2
Gold-please.
As he put the money into her hand she
looked up at him with that terrible apol-
ogy for poverty which makes unprofes.
sional beggars tragedy in themselves.
Indeed, have told You the truth she
assured him breathlessly. My name ID
Custance Madison, and liye-or, rather
have starved-in the clearinghouse which
have mentioned. 1t is number 40,
Brookes Court. Good night, sir, and
Heaven bless you
Rather say Heaven bless Godfrey
Standard! the secretary amended quickly
He has rescued more than you from de.
spair. If you but knew He stopped
abruptly, and Custance hurried out Of the
Office with the precious gold hidden in
her breast.
CHAPTER III.
Polly was going about her duties with
red eyes and a heavy heart, for the lodg
ers in the attic were leaving, and life fol
her was robbed OF its little sunshine. One
Of them indeed had already left-shs
had been carried out to that quiet and f
nal lodging from which there is no re