The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1906-11-21
DENBu & NICHOLSON CO.. L1u

too late. Mrs. Robins had lived a haru
life, and the cruel pressure of winter
had proved to be more of q strain than
she could bear, but she was quiet and
contented, and the nurses did their best
to pull her through.
One day when she was feeling a little
better she told the nurse who was sit
ting near her at work about her life
in the slums, and how she disliked it
at first; and about little Joey (the
father. she meant, not the child, and
of his innocent, successful appeal to
the neighbors to take care Of his
mother.
"And they've done 1t. You would
never believe it, my dear, but the
toughest and rudest among EN- took
care of my Joey and me. They are
! very good hearted at bottom and they'd
nave kept me to die there amongst en-,
willing and cheerful they would. But
tits the Lords will as I'll die in the
workhouse; and I'll 60 of as quiet as
a lamp, and thanking you for all your
trouble when my time comes. But l
amt to be buried as a pauper, you
must know. l couldn't die peaceful II
there was that shame to be faced. It's
the ne:ghbOrs, them as lives or starves
In the old alley, as has promised to
bury me decent. I'm to have a plain,
vanished coffin, with my name put
plain upon the lid; it's bespoke, nurse,
already bespoke, and the neighbors
will follow when my time comes"
Don't fret yourself. dear heart"
said the nurse kindly and motherly
creature. You must try to live and
do us credit you know. l won't forget
what you've told me. think
should like to see your alley; they
must be very kind neighbors down
there"
That they are" rejoined the failing
woman; but they're low, indeed
they're very low. You'll not take Of
tense please. will you, II they seem to
speak a little bit rough?"
Although care and skill could not
save Mrs. Robins, yet they patched hsr
up for awhile, and she taught many
lessons of patience as she lay there
content in her bed. Suffering was nc
new experience to one who had lived
in pleasant" alley. In the inaFmary
her sorrows were, she felt. Eghtened
by care. kindness and skill.
Its fine to have everything done FOL
you,' she would say in her wistfu'
voice. i've been doin' for others JUS
always, and never looked forward t.
this. IT'S tor all the world like as !
we was ladies, for each has everything
she wants for herself. Yet actually
some Of 'em grumbles! Well. to b
sure! l suppose at heavens gate
thereIl be grumbling II Peters q Di
slow with the keys"
After a few weeks Of peace and quie
Mrs. Robins fell asleep, and the allie!
rose nobly to the occasion: they shu
up their tenements and went in . grea'
PROCESSION to fetch their old favorit'
away. Seeing that great stream OF PEG
pie many wondered, for 1t was indee'
q curious sight, all 50 wretched, ant
so poor and ragged looking. yet Quie
and subdued. Joe and his wife AM
childreE-little Joey foremost with tn
rest-had q shabby carriage TO TAX
them to che distant burial ground. Al
the othe{s followed az they beexJ9odt
Iron the 4 feet when.. other method
lfailed+-blt every kindf Of truck aadlcst1
twasig rex lisitionedda and the people
most az shAtn. had at least a S9fap q
l3crabe aboA. fhsai.m And - they passe
, on. nuite unconscious Of the. pathos 8
Their poyffSy.s 3 roi ia,ss
afNext day at dusk the in4rpary war
. was suddenly invaded by, the porter
tsST ..bf1Ss.d5 VhoS 3i2sM- Al