The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1910-01-05

Z Copyright igvs by American Press Z
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II was Christmas eve. The secretary
had paper and pencil ready aud type
writer beside him. The bishop of
Winchester nat In the window In q
straight backed chair. for 1t appeared
that he could not even allow himself
the luxury OF resting when he might
have rested
"A note Of thanks from the president
OF the board Of managers OF the Home
For the Homeless. said the secretary,
opening another letter. with lit
tie sigh OF relief. for he was near the
end Of the pile. He says that your
magnificent contribution has saved the
home from serious difficulties aud that
this will enable them to 20 through
the winter comfortably"
No answer needed" said the bishop
briefly.
"A letter from Sir. Hanlon for help
for poor family. He says ne has
found II family In great distress. aud
tie looks to you for advice aud assist
ance."
"He doesn't need advice. He needs
assistance. Tell hIm to draw on me
and do what he thinks necessary"
"A letter from Ar. QuIntard In ref
eremce IT, young Cooper. the theological
student. lie has married and 80 has
forfeited his right to continue his
course and enter upon his career un-
less you are willing to make un excep-
ton IN his e,,se.'
The bishops face flushed and his
lips set In n line like Iron.
Write MIR. Qnlnturd." he said In Icy
tones. that he will please convey to
the young man my compliments and
tell MIN thai since tie has put his nose
to the grindstoDe he may keep II there.
He IN to tell him from me that he can
seek out some humble employ ment for
himself"
Are you going out. sIr?" asked the
secretary M the bishop put on his
Overcolt.
Yes" replied the great man sim
ply. Il promised TO give talk 10 the
workinsmen tonight ut the Dayton
mission
There was world OF personal his
tory In the simple answer. II WAS q
cold aud dls,lai night. and the Tire wal
burning cheerily In the crate. yet thl'
man. who might have taken his ease
was going TO the farthest extremity o.
the city to talk TO grimy workingnen
The secretary watched Min with won
der and curiosity In his face. Th
hard. stern. unpending man. the sci
sacrificing synipnt hizer with the poor
what contradictions were In this man
nature.
The mission stood In the midst Of [
thickiy settled district populated chief
| Iy by the workDen from the foundriei
aud mills TINT ai0unded there. Iht
mission house WAS small and plain
and not too comfortable. as the bishop
knew. for he mad spoken there before
10 his surprise. the doors were closed
and the place was dark.
STRANGE" he sud 10 himself II did
not think was too early"
Nothing stirred about the house ex-
ccpt a little furry Kitten which sat on
the steps and rent the air with ago.
nized howls.
Mercy. what voice." exclaimed
the bishop uneasily, Are you cold.
poor little kItty:"
Looking up aud down the street to
see that no one was coming. he took
the tiny kitten up and stroked Its
head. II opened Its mouth wide aud
walled for something 1t missed and
could not explain. II surely must be
almost frozen. No one was coming
yet. The bishop unbuttoDed his over
coat at the top and thrust the kitten
In.
III ] see any one coming ! can take
II out" he thought. "l'erhapB one Of
the workmen will take It home to tho
children"
Lulled by the warmth. the kitten
was quiet for moment, but all at
once 1t renlized that there was some
thing else needed. It crnwied up. put
out It's head aud howied louder than
ever
Mercy on u.s." exclaimed the blsh-
op. 1T must be hungry. II the men
would only come
Sure enough. there was some one
walking up the street with a rapid
swing. But he was about to pass
when the bishop stopped him.
'T'urdon me. my friend" he sud.
but expected there would be serv-
Ice In this house tonight. Can you tell
me-
No: it's Christmas night" said the
man. hurryIng on.
He had mistaken the night. and all
this long Journey. TOO bad. kitty"
he said to the head which was JUST be-
meath his chin and which was giving
uiterance 10 the widest and most hope
iess howls. las have nothing else
to do. though. perhaps ] might ind a
place where they would give you a
little milk and maybe adopt you"
A little distance farther on there
WIS house where there was a FIRE In
the front room. and he could hear
mans voice within. All. here was the
place. a man would understand the
situation.
A ring at the bell aud the door was
dung open ana man stood on the
threshold. That you Fred?" he ask
ed. peering Into the darkness.
mo, It Is not Fred replied the h:sh-
op mildly. and then he repeated his
formula.