The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1909-04-10
Madge was delighted.

Madge was delighted.
II was a small item, this blooming
OF lily-a very ordinary happening,
some would thlnk-but not TO Madge,
since she had nursed the plant from
its very infancy. you might say. until
the thing seemed almost a part Of her
very existence. And now, just two
days before Easter Sunday she was
rewarded by seeing its beautiful bios
SONS unfold in all their immaculate
purity.
Two hours later, as Madge was
fastening up the4street. her steps were
arrested by the angry vociferations Of
a young boot-black. Il say Tom, it's
shame, it is that we'uns can't have
it, an Tim that sick, too
Have what boys? and who Is Tim ?"
questioned Madge
why. that ere Easter lily, Miss"
pointing to blooming plant in a 40
rist's window opposite. "We'uns low
ed as how we'wd all chip in an buy
il fer Tim. our pard, bei'ns he's sick,
but the old duffer won't sell 1t to us.
don't see as how our money amt as
good as is any body's."
Certainly 1t is, boys" assured
Madge, don't worry though. perhaps
someone will give Tim a lily"
But we wanted the plant itself"
persisted Tins staunch admirer. so'se
he could see it grow and bi'ne bye git
we'll"
Madge was interested. and glancing
a second time at the coveted lily she
noted that. with all its beauty, it was
still inferior 10 her own. Taking out
her memorandum. she inquired What
is Tins address, boys?'
His what. Miss2"
why. his residence, the street and
number where he lives" Obtaining
this. and assuring the little urchins
that she would not forget Tim, Madge
passed on, but none too late to hear
the half audible Whisper
Bet yer life she don't, the likes O.
her never does"
Madge WINGED q little at this, but
the words left an impression, causing
her to do a vast amount Of thinking
within the next hour. Her shopping
over. she turned aside into a narrow,
neglected street, and, pausing before
the number indicated on her card. she
gave an involuntary shudder ere
climbing the rickety steps A timid
knock brought TO the door a not too
tidy parsonage, who answered to the
name OF Mrs. Black. Tins mother.
Madge took in the situation at
glance. the bare apartment, its un-
cleanly appearance. and. last but not
least. the emaciated form Of little
Tim on the poor makeshift for bed.
Mrs Black. brushing the dust from
the only available chair, offered IL
apologetically to her guest, AN sure,
it's meself mum. as Is very sorry for
the looks o. things, but with Tins
sickness. medicine. an the doctors
bills, we've but little left"
Madge, seeing her opportunity,
cheerily said. Il am sure. Mrs. Black
you would have done better under
other circumstances. Having just
heard. incidentally. Of your sons III
ness, have come to inquire II l can
be of any service to him or yourself.
AN It's meself sure, as thanks We
fer yer kindness, mum. but Tins that
weary he won't take no interest in
nothin'"
Madge did not wonder. But Sun
day is Easter. Mrs. Black. when things
take on new life, perhaps he will be
interested" then. stepping over to 1T
tie Tins bedside, she related the In
cident OF the morning, adding. as a
faint smile overspread his features,
Il will bring You lily tomorrow, lit
tie man. that is even prettier, IL you
will allow me-"
A nod OF assent from Tim, and
Madge turned to go. just as man In
SLOUGH hat, and with unsteady gait'
stumbled into the room. In an in
slant Madge understood that the rum
fiend had had its way in that home,
and Mrs. Black. who followed her
TO the door, explained, HE amt beast
IN. mum, my man amt. only just In
such a stupor, allus. tel he can't git
work. ne wouldn't drink it, ne
wouldn't II ne didn't see IL, but he's
that weak, till he can't refuse"
True to her word. on the following
afternoon Madge returned with her
Iily How the wan features Of little
Tim lit up as he beheld IL. HOW
grand II looked, how much Ike an
angel of mercy among so much saual-
lor! Evidently everyone in its pres
ence felt its influence, even to the be-
sotted father and husband. who stag
gered from the room as Madge spread
before the devouring eyes OF the 1T
tie sufferer the tempting array OF