The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1916-09-16
THE CHILDREN'S HOUR.
A GREAT HEART.

1t was the day De1Oro Easter SeFeial
years ago, about three o'clock in the
afternoon. In the great department
store / found my way to the counter
where ribbon novelties were for sale.
1t had been a hard day for the sales
girls, and they showed signs of weari-
ness. The one who turned to me at
tracted attention instantly, for every
thing about her was pleasing. Her
figure was round and chubby, her
pink-and-white face was round like
that of a doll. Her big blue eyes were
round, and her hair was bright, light
golden shade. Behind the counter,
with her elbows resting upon it, she
reminded one of. the fat little cherubs
we see in pictures.
Something aroused her interest, and
she gave such q childishly gleeful
laugh that it was hard to believe her
nearly grown young woman behind
counter. ooh, see, isn't it sweet"
she cried. l smiled into her face.
You infant" l said. Instantly the
little figure was drawn up with dig
nifty, and she said, solemnly, but with
smiles in her eyes, "Wlry, am seven
teen and a half years old" But in my
heart, | always called her the girl
with the childish face" | liked her.
There was stool just around the
corner from her department where one
might sit and rest, and watch her as
she worked.
My friends found my devotion to
the girl amusing. "Such a childish
face" they would say There is no
strength, no character in it"
Il do not agree with you there" l
always answered. Her face is baby
ish, but kind-and there's something
clear and honest in her eyes,
Already l called her to myself,
Greatheart with baby face" for l
found in her such strength, such cOur-
age, such sweetness, that I have al
ways wished for a pen that might do
her justice!
Did you get the dress, Carrier" l
heard her ask another girl, working
near her. This, too, was on busy
Saturday, and there were dark rings
ClrclllS HeF eyes.
ooh, Virgie," cried the other, 'it is
such a beautiful dress, and only nine
dollars! And l did so want it to wear
tomorrow. We have special service
at our church, and | sing in the choir.
But it needs alteration, and | simply
can't afford to pay for it. If l only
had your nimble fingers | could do it
myself. 1t would only take an hour
they all said so! And it is so beauti-
full" And she sighed.
Couldn't you wear the blue suit
tomorrow" queried my friend.
"Oh, Virgie, I've worn it for three
whole years."
I'm to have my time off in few
minutes" said Virgie. Well see
about it. If it can be fixed in an hour
or so, I'll take it home and do it for
you"
"virgie." And Carries voice was
rapturous.
But after Carrie had passed on,
said: But you're giving up your
resting time"
"Oh, that's nothing-Im not tired.
Carrie is all thumbs with needle"
Another hot summer morning, on
Saturday, l saw her. 1t was during
the months when the stores close at
one o'clock to give the girls little
freedom during the oppressive heat.
''Heartbroken, Nora?" queried Vir
gle, smiling, but looking keenly into
the others eyes.
Nora's chin quivered. ooh, Virgie-
my uncle was going to take me to st
Louis this afternoon-my suit case is
all packed. l was so happy. But Mr.
D says there is a lot of extra
marking to be done in our department
and | must work this afternoon. He
says he expects us all to stand by
when the pressure comes" Nora's
voice quivered on the words.
Nora" said Virgie slowly, "l
worked in that department before
was transferred, and I know the stocl
as we'll as you do. Maybe Mr.. D.
will let me work in your place thi:
afternoon.
ooh, Virgie, will you? But you wan
(your afternoon, too
!; But you, your trip to st. Loui:
!; far more" said Virgie. ''Tm goint
to ASK him now, but know he will le
. me-" And away she tripped.
1t was during the busy season be
fore Christmas, when the girls wer,
/ tagged and weary, many pale, man!
flushed unnaturally. A fioorwalke1
stopped beside the ribbon-novelt!
counter and spoke to Virgie. Ligh
, flashed into her eyes, and ready smiles