The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1915-01-23
A DARLING.


Two gentlemen friends who had
been parted for many years met in a
crowded city thoroughfare. The one
who lived in the city was ON his way
to meet a pressing engagement. After
q few expressions of delight. he said:
''Well, I'm off. I'm sorry but can't
help it. will look for you tomorrow
at dinner Remember, o'clock sharp.
I'm anxious for you to see my wife
and child
only one child?' asked the other.
"Only one came the answer, ten
derly-''a daughter, she's q darling |
do assure you"
And then they parted, the stranger
in the city getting into street car,
bound for the park, whittier he de-
sired to go.
After a block or two a group of five
girls entered the car; they were all
young, and evidently belonged to fam
lilies Of wealth. Each was attired in
very becoming spring suit. Doubt
less they were going to the park for
picnic. They seemed very happy and
amiable, until the car again stopped,
this time letting in pale-faced girl
of about II and a sick boy OF 4. These
children were shabbily dressed and
upon their faces there we're looks of
distress mingled with some expect
ancy. Were they, too, on their way to
the park? The gentleman thought so;
so did the group of girls, for he heard
one of them say, with a look of dis
dam:
81 suppose these ragamuffins are on
an excursion, too
Il shouldn't want to leave my door
if I had to look like that, Would
your" This from another girl.
mo, indeed But there is no ac-
counting for tastes. think there
ought to be a special line Of cars for
the lower classes
All this conversation went on in a
low tone, but the gentleman had heard
it. Had the child, too? He glanced
at the pale face and saw tears glisten-
ing in her eyes. Then he looked at
the group of finely dressed girls, who
had moved as far from the plebeian
as the limits of the car would allow.
He was angry. He lOnged to tell them
that they we're vain and heartless, as
they drew their costly trappings closer
about them, as il fearful of contact
| with poverty's children.
| just then an Why,
there is Nettie. Wonder where she is
going ?"--caused him to look out upon
the corner, where a sweet-faced young
girl stood reckoning to the car-driver.
| When she entered the car she was
warmly greeted by the five, who made
room for her beside them. They were
profuse in their exclamation and ques-
| tions
Where are you going?" one asked.
ooh, what lovely flowers! Who are
they for?" questioned another.
I'm on my way to Belle Clarke's.
She's sick, you know, and the flowers
are for her."
She answered both questions at
once, and then, glancing towards the
| uOOI VI ZIG CGlS SAO 0nH ~1AAC pun Ga
looking wistfully at her. She smiled
at the child, tender look beaminG
| from her beautiful eyes; and then, for
getting that she too wore a handsome
velvet skirt and costly jacket, and
that her shapely hands were covered
with well-fitting gloves, she left her
seat and crossed over to the little
ones. She laid one hand carelessly on
/ the boys thin cheek and she asked in
terestedly of his sister:
1.-THE little boy is sick, is he not!
And he is your brother am sure, he
/ clings so to you."
! 1t seemed hard for the girl to an
swer, but finally she said: Yes, miss;
he is sick Freddy never was well
Yes, miss, he is my brother. We're
going to the park to see if it won't
make Freddy better"
4 am glad you are going" the
young lady replied, in a low voice. q
feel it will do him good; it is SO love
i " there, with the spring flowers all
in bloom. But where is your lunch?
You ought to have lunch after SC
long drive
/ Over the little girls face came q
flush.
i yes. miss, mebbe we ought to for
Freddy's sake; but, you see, we didn't
have any lunch to bring Tfm-he's
our .brother-he saved these pennies
purposely so as Freddy could ride to
the park and back. 4 guess mebbe
Freddy will forget all about being hun
CRY when he gets to the beautiful
park. /"