Norwich bulletin., 1909-02-12
The Lincoln Letter Prize Winners and Leaders


struggle of the north which weighed
upon him-his sympathies we're broad
err more comprehensive than that--for
with every pang and suffering of the
erring south his great heart throbbed
in compassion He looked, as he sat
there, as If he could not stand the
strain much longer, IL he were not
diverted for a time from his melan-
choly thoughts.
Suddenly there came the sound Of
hurrying footsteps, and mans angry
voice. As the president looked UP in
surprise, there rushed into the room,
pursued by an irate White house at
tendant a little girl. perhaps twelve
years Of age. She was flushed and
GREATNESS from excitement, and her
curly brown hair was tumbled about
her face in confusion.
Il told this child that she couldn't
see you, Mr.. President" cried the
angry attendant, but the impertinent
little imp just lodged me and ran
right in"
so I see.' said the president. calm
Fly but since she has come, perhaps
we had better see what we can do
for her. You may go. Jenkins. And
now, little one" turning to the child,
why did You wish to see me?"
The audacious youngster. however.
now that she had accomplished her
end, and stood in the very presence
of the president. was abashed-quite
speechless from embarrassment. The
president drew forward a chair and
gently bade her be seated
Now, my dear, just tell me all
about it, he said, so kindly that the
little maid was treasured and proceed
ed to tell her story.
My name is Patricia Enfield, and
l came TO ask you to pardon Capt.
Richard Kent. He was. in the rebel
army until last week he was captured
as spy. They've condemned him to
be shot. and you're the only one who
can save him. l was sure you would,
because I've heard so many times how
kind you are, and oh, do. please. Mr..
President One rebel surely won't
make much difference!"
And why are you so anxious that
this particular rebel should be let
loose. Patricia? Is he a relative Of
yours
We'll not exactly. lie is my step-
mothers son, and, oh. you can't mag
inc how much she loves him!"
Il think l can imagine" said the
president in his grave. kind voice. Il
have son myself. But how do you
feel about Captain Kent? Are you
fond of him, too?'
"Oh, Richard never notices me and
4 FC hCNNl Gbtil AiAuEll VI lllIls because
when he's at home I'm at school, and
when Pm in, he's out. But it's for
mother that l want you to save him
1t would break her heart il anything
happened to him. And OH she Is 50
lovely! | never saw my own mother
and I'd always thought Il would be
terrible TO have one Of the step-kind-
you know how they are in stories.
But then two years ago when father
brought Her home. I 1nNrad har
the very first minute. Those two --s
have been so different from all the
othersl oh, Mr.. President, I wish YOU
could see her, for then you'd surely
let Richard go. You couldn't bear to
grieve herr"
NO" ! don't believe / could" said
the president. AT any rate. III take
your word for it, Patricia"
| He turned to the desk and wrote
busily for few moments; then fold
ing and sealing the document, he hand
ed it to Patricia.
Here you are. Patricia. Mr. Jen-
kins will take you to the secretary OF
wars office. and this win have Captain
Kent freed Immediately I hone pa
tricia, that you will always love that
little stepmother as you do know. You
and I know hat the 'step-kind' are
all right, don't we?''
Long after little Patricia had zone
Joyfully on her way. the president sat
with tender smile lighting his Kind
face. His thoughts were far away-in
a rough log cabin in a western state.
he saw In memory little woman go
ing cheerfully about her many tasks
one whose gentle ways and bright face
mad meant very much to him In HIS
lonely boyhood.
IT would have pleased her" he said
softly, and the thought was pleasant
one. For she. too had been one Of the
'step-klnd.' M s. w, Norwich.