The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1905-05-12
A QUESTION
OF CHARITY
Copyright. 1903, by +. c. Mcclure.l


hidden among the branches OF the
trees or swinging merrily on invisible
wires. flooded the place with soft light.
There were long tables, over which
presided young women In white. who
strove to sell you all sorts Of dainty,
impossible things; tent where an oc-
casion-m made gypsy told your fortune;
lottery with prizes ranging from pea
nuts to French doll; refreshment
bar where the only change from your
proffered bin was surfeit of gratitude
and an engaging smile. Well down the
lawn, behind an impromptu screen Of
ported plants, an amateur orchestra
was struggling heroically, at least
with classic overtures.
For something over half an hour
Mr.. Robert Weston had been wander
ing about, making most reckless pur.
chases at the tables and playing the
lottery with all the abandon of born
plunger. To all appearances his course
about the place was very like that of a
ship without a rudder. Yet there was
method In his madness, and all the
time he was being outragcously swim
died. at the various booths, from the
corner OF his eye lie was watching for
certain white dress and crown of
copper colorad hair. Presently his pa
thence was rewarded. Far down to-
ward the palm screen he saw her sink
into lawn chair. He deposited his
bundles In an undignitied heap on
neighboring table and made his way
to the lawn chair.
MAN." he said gravely as lie came
mp to her, you're tired to death, poor
child.'
"Oh. no." she said. "Only I'll be glad
when it's all over
"Come away from it for awhile" he
advised. III take you down to the
boathouse."
She rose and slipped her baud
through his arm. Together they de-
seconded the slope to the river and
went out to the end Of the little pier
by the penthouse, where they sat down
on II rustic bench.
Well" Weston said, twas 1t sue
cessw
ut would be il everybody spends
money as rccklessly as you have been
doing" she replied.
lie laughed. Il was particularly for
tunatc in the lottery he explained. Il
drew four BAGS of peanuts, q doll and a
box Of lairpins. My last purchase was
three aprons and half dozen flatiron
holders. Imagine it." he chuckled
Anyway she said, you've done
your best to help us out. You're dear,
good boy"
"Ah." he said solemnly. Il knew
should be discovered some time.
Tell me. Nan, what this is for" he
went on after a pause, prayer books
for the Eskimos or blankets for the
Fiji islanders?'
The money goes to st. Agatha
Home For Orphans and Foundlings.
We support 1t mainly" she explained.
"I'm-m.' he unused. don't suppose
You ever see the orphans and found
lings,' do you? Just turn over the
money fem and let it go at that, eli
Say, Nam" he said, with a sudden scri-
BUSINESS which rather surprised her. II
don't believe all this giving money to
charity is the best way of doing it.
There are plenty of old moneybags
trying to buy chance to heaven
| who'll look out for that end of it.
say, Cor those who are fitted for 1t, per-
sonal work among the needy is the
most practical thing"
Perhaps few details would make
your suggestion more explicit, Bobby
she said.
Undoubtedly" he assented cheerful
| ~. Now, for instance, take case /
know about. There's an orphan. and
he's cold and hungry and lonesome. 1t
isn't SO much money he needs as some
| one TO take an interest in him, TO
stand behind him, as ii were You see,
they won't take him into home
why not:" she interrupted.
well" he said slowly, Ito begin
| with, his age"
What is his age"
'srhirty-onc.'
"Gracious. I should say he wouldn't
! get into il home. Tho age limit at st.
| Agatha's Is fifteen. Thifty-one"
| Il realize it's Il crime for him to be
| thirty -one," he said. still, that really
| isn't his fault
whats the matter with him?" she
asked sharply. Doesn't he work? IL
he lazy.'
THE LATEST rascal alive" he said.
"Hut he really doesn't have to work.
yon know. He's got money enough, as
| far as that g1es-keeps Il horse or so
aud an automobile When / said he
was cold and hungry l meant he was
| cold for lack of interest and hungry
for sympathy and-oh, hang it! You
know well enough what l mean. The
orphan is me-" he burst out ingram
matically. land = and = for heavens
sake, don't send all your charity to ST.
Agatha's. but save little for the lone
some thirty -one-year-old orphanw
Bobby" she said severely. you're
proposing again, and you promised me
! you wouldn't--not for year"