The Washington herald., 1914-05-18
A Lace Handkerchief.
By JOHN ID. BARRY.

A rich woman became interested in a working
girl chronic invalid. confined to her bed. She
used visit the girl occasionally and take little gifts
Once in an impulse of generosity she gave the girl
a lace handkerchief of texture.
few days later the rich woman began to think
about the lace handkerchief She said to herself Il
know it was foolish of to give that handkerchief
to Millie She can't appreciate it. 1t should have
been given to that could carry about and
show il off. 1t would make nice Christmas gift for
some friend that would appreciate its real value.
Then She thought of the many rich friends she
should exchange Christmast presents with
There is one thing that rich people have to bear
in mind the Christmas season. to their rich friends
they must give valuable gifts, for they will receive
valuable gifts in return.
Rich people have to be very careful with one an.
other 1t is one of their trials.
So this rich woman said to herself: Il will make
ii right with Millie. l will give her dozen linen
handkerchiefs which she and will ask her to
give me back that lace handkerchief"
So that rich woman bought the dozen linen hand
kerchiefs. She made point of securing rather ex-
pensve ones. She prided herself on being just, as
we'll as generous.
She went with the handkerchiefs to call her
sick friend Very eagerly and pleasantly she ex-
planned that she wanted that lace handkerchief back
in its place she going to give dozen beautiful
linen handkerchiefs, much more servceabe.
The invalid clasped her hands her heart and
exclaimed: mo, no, no! l won't give that hand
kerchief up. You gave it to It's mine"
The rich woman was shocked She wondered how
any one could BE so vulgar. If she had been asked
to give back present she would have given it back
at once, no matter how she felt.
However, she concealed her disappointment and
annoyance.
Presently she discovered that the invalid kept the
lace handkerchief pinned to her night gown her
heart The girl used to look at it every little while
and pat it with her hand.
To avoid scene the rich woman did not take up
the subject again. She that any further effort
on her part would bring tears.
She also gave the girl the linen handkerchiefs
and acted as if she did not feel hurt.
few days later the rich told friend
of the incident 1t happened that the friend expe
rienced in human service and, as the rich woman
was well aware knew something about the ingrati-
tude of the poor.
The friend heard the story in silence.
Don't you think it was very dissgreeable of herr"
the rich woman asked, after. waiting for ex-
preston of sympathy.
The friend shook her head
why not?' the rich woman asked resentfully.
The friend smiled. Haven't you ever heard of the
social reformer" she said, who goes about explain
ing that he get along without the necessaries of
life but not without the luxuries? Well he touches
on something in human nature that most of Us for
get. Necessaries aren't everything. Every of US
longs for something that is precious Now you sup
piled that longing for the sick girl You did an act
that was beautiful. You gave her something rare,
something that she could cherish. All the useful linen
handkerchiefs in the world couldn't take the place
OF that exquisite bit of lace" ~
The rich woman saw the point Her face flushed
'I'm brute" she said.
"oh, well. never mind," said the friend Its some
comfort that the girl got the linen handkerehiefs too