The Cairo bulletin., 1909-03-16
THE SORROW
THAT MENACED
DIAMONDVILLE

mondyille was in session
Diamondyille was peculiar in one re
spect--it was composed exclusively
either Of millionaires or of those who
were independently well OF.
i Suddenly there was q sensation. The
door opened and man came IN. His
name was Jeplet. and he was the only
poor man Ia town.
There was an awkward pause. The
mayor twitched nervously In his seat.
| The town clerk-who owned three
railroads--looked anxiously toward
the newcomer. Everybody was un.
easy
Well, Mr.. Jeplet," said the mayor.
what can We do for you? | hope that
you had u pleasant Christmas. I'M
derstand that your children Jared pref
ty well?'
Jeplet himself was plainly uneasy.
Yes" he said thank you. All went
well. Nevertheless, | am determined
TO leave you"
Every face in the room blanched.
Magnate Smith, one of the leading
men OF the place. and noted through
out the nation for his philanthropy.
sprang to his feet.
Can 1t be possible, Jeplet." he ex.
claimed that you are going TO treat
US with such ingratitude?"
Sorry. sir. but"
Magnate Smith fixed him with his
eye.
Let us understand each other Jep-
let" he said, las you know. you are
the only poor family in our pleasant
and attractive little borough. For
years you have gone on having chill
dren with absolutely no means of sup
porting them. You have been depend.
ent upon the charity of others, and you
have been practically the only means
by which We could display our own
charitable tendencies.
Our ladies' have come to rely upon |
you, Jeplet. to vent their higher I'M |
pulses When things were dull in the |
Woman's club. and the Old Masters |
had been disposed of temporarily. or |
the suffrage question lulled 10 sleep. |
they have filled In the time by making |
a personal visit TO Mrs. Jeplet and
getting up subscriptions of old clothes
for your children. What would we
have done without you at Christmas,
Jeplet? Why, for some years now, as
| gathered my boy around me, / have
been enabled to say to him:
Just think. Robert, of the poor lit
tie Jeplet children who SILVER in their
hoyel, while you are sur
with luxury But how can
say that now, Jeplet. II you are going
away? You mustn't leave US In the
lurch like this"
He sat down amid subdued applause.
The mayor spoke.
Citizens" he said, I'VE are indeed
confronted by crisis in our AFFAIRS.
How can we go on enjoying ourselves
without some poor family to cater TO?
And who can take the place OF the
Ieplets? They were so absolutely
worthless and offered 80 many outlets
or our activities that their loss will
'e irreparable. Why. as / look at Jep-
ct now my heart swells to think that
lie Is wearing my clothes. Jeplet, you
mustn't go! We cannot do without
'ou."
Jeplet shifted uneasily.
I'm awful sorry, your honor" he
aid, but | don't see no way out OF
l."
rs there anything that you need2"
sked the mayor. anything that any
4 us may have forgotten? Haven't all
4 our children visited you regularly?
ust mention anything that you may
Eant and ! am sure"
A confused murmur OF abject will
ngness on the part of every one was
ow heard.
Jeplet, under this pressure, was
lainly uncomfortable He looked
round, and as he saw the anxious
aces tears filled his eyes.
We'll" he said at last, Il suppose II
GU feel that way shall have to stay,
ut would you mind letting me of for
he summer"
Certainly not" said the mayor.
May we inquire where you are 60
lgr III - sass
Jeplet smiled family. -
You see" he answered, you have
cen so good to me all these years
lat | am pretty well of myself, and
thought II you didn't mind I'd like to
It little vacation and take my fam
y to Europe"