The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1909-03-31

RefOrmer.
By STELLA CADMUS.
Copyrighted, 1909. by Associated
Literary Press.

mere was no use denying that sgd
ney Gerald was u dawdGr. He had
wealth, good looks, youth, and was
society favorite Now and then he
went hunting or yachting. but most
of the time he simply dawdled That
meant his club, the races and society.
He WIS accounted catch, but no
one caught him. He didn't really try
to dawdle, but pursued his iymphatie
way simply because there seemed
nothing else to do.
See here, you good-for-nothing,"
said the widow of the late Hon.
Charles Spofford one evening at re.
ception as she drew him down to a
seat beside her II have u duty to
perform.
Il wish had" he replied.
people are saying you have no
energy, no ambition, no aim in life.
You have too much money-too much
time on your hands. You are throw.
ing your years away"
Tell me what to do" replied Sgd.
ney. yawning.
wv
"Too much trouble-too many emo.
tons"
Take u trip around the world"
..Too much change OF scenery"
"Ah, have IT." exclaimed Mrs. Spot
ford after moments thought. you
are rich. Why not turn philanthro-
pist? Not In the way of hospitals or
asylums. but go among the poor and
give few of your dollars to alleviate
distress and misfortune. You don't
know the real people as l do. There
is no day that ! am not feeding the
hungry and giving out aims. Only
this afternoon | gave one legged man
half II dollar. and you ought to have
heard his words OF gratitude.
"Just So replied Sydney Gerald,
with bit OF n smile as he thought OF
the many one legged men he had
tossed quarters To,
"fry It for few weeks-for three
months II may lead to your becom-
ing reformer. AT any rate, It will
rouse you up and give you something
new 10 think Of II Is positively sin
full for You to be dawdling along this
way"
yes, | think So
sIf you should turn out to be a re-
former | shall take most of the credit
to myself. Three mouths, Mr.. Gerald
try II for three months, and at the
end of Tint time ! will arrange for Il
little gathering 10 hear your report
1t cannet fail 10 be interesting You
will have hundred different Incidents
to relate. Don't you feel new and
strange ambition already?"
Yes. | think do Yes, l think
Will turn reformer. may not make n
success of IL. but I'll make try"
The relict of the Hon. Charles spread
the news Az sydney Gerald did not
entirely drop society while fitting him
self for Il reformer, he was lauded
and quizzed on numerous occasions by
numerous people.
Only II seanty few credited him with
the necessary energy TO pursue the
object and the most that was predict
ell of his efforts WAS the depletion of
his purse without corresponding gain.
There was II great deal said about the
untlankfulness and lngrutitude of the
world In general. but 1t didn't seem to
affect him much.
You know you must not look for
too much gratitude" cautioned Mrs
Spoiford
No. | shan't'
You will feel that you have done
your duty, and your conscience Will
reward you.
Just so
Many and many time | have given
pennies aud got never u word of
thanks Ia fact, have got black
looks AZ the wheels OF my carriage
happened to throw a little mud, but
drove on feeling that | had made the
world II trihe better. That feeling
must be your reward
"Yes, | shall look for IT,"
When the three months had expired
Sydney Gerald announced his readi-
ness to report. A score OF ladies' gath
cred In the drawing room OF the Hon
Charles widow. There were no men
among them. Charity and reform did
not touch that sex
When he WAS ushered In II was re-
marked that he seemed to have nc.
CURED energy and gained ambition,
and there was great curiosity as to
what he would report.
Ladies'. beg to say" began Sydney.
that In my ignorance OF how to 20 to
work ! began my Investigations In the
house of a wealthy Indy. 1t came
about almost by accident / found
that she was In arrears to all her serv-
ants and that tradesmen were clamor.
Ing for their bills | relieved the dis.
trees. ! gave each servant two months
buck pay and paid each tradesman
something ON account. have a mem
orandun of her name"
Here sydney Gerald paused Mrs
Spoiford turned pale, but her nerve
was with her. aud she managed 10
force a smile
by accident again." resumed Sgd
ncy. u turned corner one evening
aud bumped against young woman
In tears. ] was stranger. but when
she understood that had taken up
the business OF reformer she told me
the cause Of her distress She was Il
scamstreSs
"Shc had worked week on a gown
for well known lady and on carry.
Ing II to the house had been told thai
she must walt a couple Of weeks 70,
her pay. She was going home pennt
less, hungry and the rent unpaid. Tn,