The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1904-09-30

| girls as YOU can find anywhere; as
am sure they would not be il they
were fed OH cold. half-cooked yictuals,
given them any way, and just when it
happened"
1T isn't always the noisest and
freshest children that are the health
lest said Mrs. Shaw, helping herself
TO another dOughnut. Now think of
| if, am certain / can see pimple on
Betsy'S nose-a sure proof Of over-eat-
| ing; and John Thomas is not near so
strong as my Johnny, who is not more
than wear or so the oldest. But
guess I'll DO my errand and be going.
| called to tell you we are going TO
| have q fair for the benefit of the OPP
| pressed Poles. I'm on the committee
Of arrangements, and / really hope,
| Sister Lane, that you will take right
hold and do everything in your power
| to forward this noble and praiseworthy
object"
NO, thank you," returned her sister
in-law. Il think can find objects of
charity nearer than Poland. But there
is society of which you are mem
Der that / think / should like to join"
she returned, after a moments thought
the one for providing for and cloth
ling destitute and neglected children"
Mrs. Shaw's countenance frightened.
1--WE Shall be delighted" she ex-
claimed. THE inltiatory fee is only
two dollars, together with the weekly
payment. eight cents"
II believe l paid the initiatory fee
about one year ago, when it was first
organized | did it cheerfully. though
what l then considered to be duties
nearer home prevented my doing more.
| will pay it over again, however, only
must have the privilege of bringing
in a destitute child with me. / often
see a little boy roaming about the
streets whose forlorn and neglected
appearance fills my heart with pity"
Certainly, that is what we expect
and want every member to do, as she
has an opportunity. We have a num-
Der of little trousers and jackets on
hand, and there will be some among
them that will fit him. Our next meet
ing is just week from to-day, at
Squire Mayo's."
There was a merry twinkle in Mrs.
Lanes eyes that night, as she superin-
tended preparations for supper, which
ever and anon Geepened into smile.
But though the children We're anxious
to know what mother was smiling
about, she kept her own counsel.
The next Wednesday afternoon
score or more of ladies were seated in
Squire Mayos parlor, with busy fin
gers and still more busy tongues.
There isAMrs. Lane coming up the
walk" exclaimed Mrs. Mayo, who
was seated at the window. Just see
what Notwithstanding boy she is
leading by the hand! 1t can't be one
of her boys, for know they are mod
els Of order and neatness."
Mrs. Shaw was too busy distributing
work to even glance out Of the window.
Il forgot TO tell you. ladies" she said.
that my sister-in-law joins our society
this afternoon. The boy with her is no
doubt tie one she spoke to me about
the other day rs q fit subject for our
charity. ] take considerable credit to
myself" che said complacently, for
persuading her to tie step. Sister
Lane is such Il home body-so wrapped
up in herself aud family"
BY this time Mrs. Lane was in the
room.
Good afternoon, ladies'" said she,
CHANGING around with 4 pleasant smile.
You see. Sister SHAW. that have kept
my word and did not come alone" she
added, as that individual fixed her eyes
i'll undsguised establishment upon the
boy, whose reluctant hand she held
Il found this poor lad she con-
tjnued, lin an alley-way, playing mar
bios with a number of vicious boys,
who were uttering words that shud-
der to think of. The black eye he got
in lighting with one of them, in which
ii appears that lie got The worst of it.
He is very dirty and ragged, as you
sec. But | Offer no apology for bring
ing him to you in this condition, as
your society was formed for the ben
eft Of such. and | trust that under
your k,ndiy care he will soon present
another appearance"
Twice did Mrs. Shaw essay TO inter
rupt the speaker but anger and shame
checked her utterance When Mrs.
Lane concluded she spran% to her
feet
"Malinda Jane" she exclaimed, "do
you pretend that you don't know that
that is my boy?'
Your boy" exclaimed Mrs. Lane,
starting with well-dissembled amaze
4 1. IL L l.