The Wichita daily eagle., 1904-05-03
AN ACT OF CHARITY

lets, now in front of Miss Lucy West
lake. her companion, whose principa
duty was TO read Mrs. Boldero or sleel
Nafter the present meal and supper.
The pudding was served in a white
basin with a napkin around it, and the
parlor maid stood interestedly looking
on while Mrs. Boldero cut a V-shapet
piece out of the top, placed this on q
plate, and began to spoon out the con-
tents Suddenly, pausing, with the
spoon in her right hand, she turned
wrathfully toward Mary.
Where" she demanded "are the
kfdneys?''
Cook said the butcher didn't send
them in time, was the answer.
Mrs. Boldero felt disappointed. She
had thought of the pudding once or
twice since her 10 o'clock breakfast.
Take it away" she exclaimed. and
Lucy Westlake tried somewhat markedly
to look as if the affair possessed no in
terest in the world for herself, as. indeed,
1t would if Mr.. Roper had not chanced
to pass the house at that moment
Mr.. Roger occupied one room in a very
small house a few hundred yards away;
there he had lived as long as Mrs. Boil
dero could remember. and, although she
had naturally never spoken to the old
man, he was well known to her and to
most other persons in the neighborhood
by sight
He looked more than so years of age;
he was short erect and remarka bly, thin.
His limp-trimmed felt hat, once black,
had now become green, his tightly fitting
coat had faded from dark blue to brown
AS Mrs. Boldero had often remarked, "a
crossing sweeper could not have dressed
more shabbily." yet his white hair was
always closely cut, his chin cleanly shaw
en-, his large mustache carefully curled.
From one of her servants (Afrs Boldero
had habit of exchanging condolences of
the Kind she had learned that Mr.. Roper
half-starved himself. He certainly looks
as if good meal would do him good"
she would remark
Nevertheless. Mrs. Boldero felt a kind
OF interest in the old man who often
passed her window. and this afternoon
she happened to look up in time to rec
ognize him.
All she cried. ''it would he an act Of
charity to give it to that poor man"
herself to the smallest outlet
Mr. Roper" was the answer. ''It
would make him a hearty meal every
day for week. have good mind to
send it
"Oh. but
Il beg your pardon?" said Mrs. Boil
dero. sharply.
Lucy's cheeks were crimson. for she
perceived what Mrs. Boldera could not
see, that. although his clothes were fit
for the dust bin, Mr.. Roper was a gem
tleman.
You couldn't do such a thing" muir
INJURED Lucy.
Not perofrm an act of charity? And
why not, pray?" asked Mrs. Boldero !
Mary she added, take away my plate |
and the pudding. I will have some cut
lets. Cook can put the basin in a basket |
and Miss Westlake shall carry it to poor |
Mr.. Roper directly after luncheon
Lucy Westlakke looked inclined to re- /
bel But, although Mrs. Boldero might
be a trying woman to live with in many
with sufficient salary to en-
able her to help her own people Caution
prevailing. she set forth half an hour
ater with tfugling cheeks and reluc-
ant steps. Lucy was % fair-haired and
pretty; a sensitive plant forced by cir
into a stony garden. wide
,rimmed hat shaded her face from the
'un, the basket hung on her left arm
Is she timorousiy drew near to the ter
ace OF small houses where Mr.. Roper
odged.
Lucy's voice trembled as short
stout. red-faced woman opened the
street door.
May I speak to Mr.. Roper?' she
lsked, and. turning her back, the wom-
In of the house shouted his name at the
oot of a narrow staircase He came
lown a few moments later in the act of
his shrunken. faded coat, too
ourteous to betray surprise. too hungry
O refrain from shifting slightly as the
avor of the steak pudding tckled his
lostrils.
You wished to see me-" he inquired.
With bow.
Yes, if you please" said Lucy.
,lancing from the basket TO Mr. Roper's
ace. and scarcely knowing how to ex-
lain her errand.
"A remarkably fine day. cried Mr..
Roper. with a cough.
"Mrs.-N1rs. Bodero say you pass our
window" Lucy faltered
i have not the-er-pleasure of Mrs
5oldero's acquaintance. l believe"
STILL said Lucy. becoming more nerv-
us every instant she knows you very
veil by sight
Mr.. Roper Strengthened his back; he
hat of h,,C i,, biz. 4
fajor in line regiment. retired on half
ay some years ago. His only son had
ONE to a melancholy end. and. having
eft numerous debts of honor undis-
harged. Major Roper had felt il incum-
ent TO take them on himself. In order
, raise Immediately the necessary sum
T money, he had sequestered the bulk Of
is pension. retaining. In fact. sufficient
My TO support the barest existence He
ad0 then retired TO this sedate country :
,wr. dropping the Major rather than
ring as he conceived. Ciiscredit on his
r9fession. Another year and the debt
'6uld be wiped out; then. Major Roper
pld himself. he would once again be :
BILE to hold UP his head.
Mrs. Boldero presents her compl- ,
ients." said Lucy. drawing on her in
ention, and she-she has sent you tn
his
And what is this'?'' he demanded.
king his single eyegless and leaning for :
ard to peer into the uncovered basket.
'A-rump-steak pudding :
He stood glaring at Lucys rosy face
hile he ferociously twirled his mus :
lche.
L am Major Roper" he said