The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-09-11
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR.
THE POWER OF KINDNESS.

many times these words had been
spoken, and how plainly were they
expressed on the faces of,-the dozen
passengers that afternoon. We were
to change cars at this place, but on
our arrival found that the train was
two hours late, so there was no
alternative but to wait.
1t was cold, rainy early spring
day; the streets were filled with mud,
and a chilliness and gloom seemed
reigning everywhere, even in the
hearts and actions of the waiting pas.
sengers. No one seemed inclined to
talk; so there we sat with long, sober
faces, thinking what dull, dreary
day it was
Whilst we thus sat waiting, an
old man entered the room, carrying
in one hand cane to support his
feeble body, and in the other bas
ket filled with sundry articles for
sale.
He approached the passengers, one
by one, commencing the usefulness,
durability and cheapness of his goods
but no sale did he make. One said
that he had no use for such things;
another said that she was we'll sup
piled already; another that he did moi
| care to bother with such articles while
travelling, and so on, until the entire
circle was made, and the manner OF
| each one seemed to say to the old man
that such an intrusion on his part
| was very unwelcome.
He had turned away and was
leaving the room, when lady almost
unnoticed before, approached him
from remote corner where she ha6
been reading, and desired to look al
his goods. She first invited him tc
comfortable seat; and then selected
one after another of the useful little
articles, until five or six had beer
stored away in the satchel.
In paying for her purchases the
exact change could not be made, and
several cents were due to her, but
she told him not to trouble himself
to get so small an amount; that the
goods we're cheap and well worth the
money she had paid him. The ole
mans face had frightened up during
the transaction, and he expressed his
gratitude by saying:
Il thank you, ma'am, with all my
heart, for this little trade Business
| don't amount to much such a day
as this; but l have to keep working
all the harder; for, you see, we gel
hungry this kind of weather as well
as when the sun shines.
Twas so wet and muddy that ]
didn't go home to dinner today; and
trade was so dull I couldn't ford tC
buy any; but twill be all right now
for I'll go home an hour earlier to
night"
He was again about to start off
when the lady asked him if he would
remain seated by the stove for a few
minutes until her return. She Their
repaired to lunch room connected
with the depot, and soon came back
with nice lunch and steaming cur
of coffee, and asked the old man il
he would not like little refreshment
before starting out in the cold rain.
What look of honest surprise anG
gratitude beamed on that face! He
thanked her quietly, for he seemed toe
deeply touched by her kindness to say
much; and ate the luncheon with g
hearty relish. When he had finished
he approached where the lady was
| sitting and said:
"You may be sure I won't forget
your kindness. It's not Often that
anybody takes any notice of a poor
old man like me, and your kindness
was warmed up the feelings of my
heart as the coffee did my body
Goodbye. And may God bless you
all the days of your life!"
The little group of passengers haG
been silent witnesses of the scene;
and, as the old man turned to go, 8
gentlemen stopped him, saying hs
would like one of his picture books fol
his little boy. But this purchase ex
tended to several articles, and some O
the others, who had before refused tt
purchase, now bought quite literally
After thanking his customers, tn,
old man went on his way, much graft
fed at their liberality.
What change had come over tina
dark room! If sunbeam had burs
Through the dark, lowering clouds th.
effect would not have been greater