The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1916-03-22

dren, or 70: the maintenance OF a bed
in a fresh air mission, or donated to
some organization purporting to sup
ply the needs OF the needy.
''But that would be giving only the
things people usually give, and want
our fund to bring happiness to some
body who doesn't dream OF 1t, and to
bring it Just at the psychological mo.
ment when 1t means everything.
Amy was charming when she was Sc
rious.
THAT'S the idea. exactly" agreed
Harry, land the best way to distr1b-
ute happiness is to go where there is
a lack Of it.. What do you say to our
taking stroll through The outskirts
of the 'Potpourri,' as somebody has
called one corner Of a downtown resi-
dence district"
That's where there are extremes of
happiness aud unhappiness. I've
heard. All right, let's go; that is, II
you think we won't attract too much
attention" Amy was little doubt
full, but Harry was thinking that in
her simple tailored suit, soft white
waist, and fower-wreathed hat she
was dainty enough for formal party
and yet so simply and tremendously
atttred that she might go anywhere
without looking out OF place. #
"Oh, you'd attract your share OF at
tention anywhere, but I'm plain
enough to Offset your charms" This
was said without any palaver of gall
lantry and was accompanied by such
a genial smile that Amy laughed. too
although sho thought Harrys clear
eyes and honest face and broad shout
ders very satisfactory kind ct plain
ness.
AS they passed through the district
Of the downtown poor. they distribu-
ted various, bits of happiness IN unex-
pected dimes given to small tots VINO
were standing disconsolately In door
ways or tagging each other on the
brick-pavcd sidewalks. -45r, v
Look who's here! No need for our
happiness fund in that party" said
Harry, as the? saw approaching them
a festive patty consisting OF m Italian
girl still in her teens. her staggering
young escort who pulled at his sun.
burned mustache, some dark-gowned
women with scarfs over their heads,
a few ploddng men and children OF
assorted sizes and varying degrees OF
unElGdllllutsSS. Z TNIll OAG VI LA4G NhAA
flren Harry learned that thes5 young
couple had been married that day ana
were on their way to their new home
OF two rooms in nearby rooming
house.
AT that instant, the clang Of a fire.
bell was heard. and with each stroke
the sound grow louder until around
the corner came the galloping horses
and rafting hose wagons :, and the
screaming engine leaving ifs trail OF
sparks on the uneven cobblestones OF
the narrow street. Amy and Harry
stood on the curb. and down Amy's
spine went the chilly creep and into
her eyes came the unshed tears that
the sight and sound OF fire depart
ment in action always brought to
her. !,
She became conscious, in the midst
OF it, that Harry was holding her arm
protecting1y. Two blocks away the
engine stopped, the wagons sought the
curb, and the lately happy group Of
people began to scream excitedly. The
young groom tried to enter the burn
ing house and the protesting bride
threw herself before him to prevent
the risk. The fire was in the house
where their two rooms had been fur
nished, and the destruction was COM
- ~ . . +. % K - / FL. L. IT,