The bee. (Earlington, Ky.) 1889-19??, 1909-02-25
THE SORROW
THAT MENACED
DIAMONDVILLEl

The council Of the little town OF Dla-
mondvllle was In session.
Diamondvllle was peculiar In one re-
spect--it was composed exclusively
either OF millionaires or OF those who
we're independently well of.
Suddenly there was a sensation. The
door opened and a man came In. Iiisl
name was Jeplet. and he was the only
poor man in 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 UNI
easy
well, Mr.. Jeplet," said the mayor.
what can we do for you? hope that
you had a pleasant Christmas. I'M
derstand that your children Jared pref
ty well?" ..-..--.ss,
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 II be possible. Jeplet." he eK-
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. AS 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 Inn
pulses. When things were dull In the
Woman's club. and he Old Masters
had been disposed temporarily, OF
the suffrage auestio 4 lulled TO sleep.
they have filed in the time by making
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 10 say TO him:
Just think. Robert, of the poor mt
tie Jeplet children who shiver In their
miserable hovel. while you are sur.
rounded 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 a crisis In our a6aIfss
How can we go on enjoying ourselves
without some poor family to cater to?
And who can take the place OF the
Jeplets? They were so absolutely
worthless and offered so many outlets
for our activities that their loss will
be lrreparable. Why. as look at Jep-
let now my heart swels 10 think that
he is wearing my clothes. Jeplet. you >
gol We cannot do without
you'll" rf ~. '.'i'-r
Jeplet shifted meGsily.
I'm awful sorry. your honor" he
said, but I don't see no way out Of
IT," ~-.t b." 81"
rs there anything that you need?"
asked the mayor, anything that any
Of us may have forgotten? Haven't all
Of our children visited you regularly?
Just mention anything that you may
want and ! am sure"
A confused murmur OF AFFECT Will.
lngness on the part OF every one was
now heard.
Jeplet, under this pressure, was
plainly uncomfortable He looked
around. and as he saw the anxious
faces tears filled his eyes.
We'll" he said at last. II suppose H.
you feel that way shall have to stay.
but would you mind letting me on for
he summer"
Certainly mott said the mayor.
May we inquire where you are go
ng?" +t as,ss4aNnnnm
Jeplet smiled family.
you see," be answered, you have
been so good to me ali these years
hat am pretty well of myself, and
thought II you didn't mind I'd like 10
get little vacation and take my fam.