The central record. (Lancaster, Ky.) 18??-current, 1919-04-10
HER KINDLY DEED
-
BY JESSIE ETHEL SHERWIN.

IN" tennis group dropped bat and
ball and ran to the high garden hedge
and pccred through 1t. Coming down
the road, leading sleek, comfortable
looking COW, WIS Raymond Worth.
He had the manly stride and whole
some, healthy face of young farmer
lie was not such. but his father had
been one and early rural training had
left It's Impress.
lie colorcd slightly rs he noted the
group beyond their leafy shelter. Their
twitt"rings hurt and embarrassed him
He hurried his steps and WINGED rs the
echo of suppressed laughter reached
him. for he was ovcrsCnsitive and he
had made out Celia Willis beyond the
hrfgo. She had not Joined in the ridi-
Guile, but Raymond did not know that
II" sighed heavily. He was neither I'M
cuuth nor ignorant, but he was con
sciuus that he did not exactly line up
to the standard Of the average young
man ~ the town rs to the finer social
entities.
Not that he was not invited to their
various gatherings, but he was plain
IN manner and speech; he dld not
shine" he was practical and lid not
enter into idle folly. His parents were
dead and had left him quite an estate.
but he wasted no time at the village
billiard hall. visited the property he
owned daily and did hot disdain To
wear his working suit and lend help
ful hand where hard work pressed.
Raymond led It rather lonely life.
With the exception Of Mary Dorr. an
oldtimr family servant. he had no
company. She made things neat and
comfortable, but She was now ON the
shady side Of life and he felt the lack
Of companlonship Of his own age.
When he led the COW into the barn
Mary came out and joined him.
"oh. dear! what II handsome, fine
looking animal" She commented. II
took her back Ia the old times and her
dimmcd eyes frightened. "But why in
the world did you buy herr"
II didn't answered Raymond. "Mr.
Lane, the farmer. Is closing out. lie
owed me Il hlll and had to take the
COW In payment"
what are you going TO do with
her."
"S"ll her to Some other farmer"
yes. | CUES, that is best. although
she'd make II seem more homelike and
natural 10 have her around" said
Mary. longlngly. "Sh-s a beauty. good
Tor six quarts morning and night. But
what would one do with the extra milk =?
I'm getting too old to attend to all
That. Wen have some rare sweet
cream over tomorrow. though"
Raymond loaded some boards into
light wagon next morning. Amongst
hls holdings was a large tenement
house IN poor quarter Of the town.
\ porch needed some repairs. and he
planned To attend To this. get home Mt
noon and take the COW across country
20 "a farmer 10 whom he knew he could
soil Il. lie had just completed his
work on the porch when he noticed an
acquaintance, n young doctor, leaving
the house.
somebody sick. Doctor Allen?" he
Inquired.
"More than one. Worth" came the
reply, gravely spoken. Its the
babies. There's nine little ones cooped
up in those close. crowded rooms. You
de- your duty in the way Of keeping up
good sanitary conditions. and the ven
tilntion isn't bad, but it's the diet.
Those children are just wasting away
for the need Of fresh, wholesome milk.
It's pretty near chalk and water. the
s.coud-rate stun these people buy. But
they have TO, with milk doubled in
price The nine will be Ave before the
summer il over II the babies don't get
better nourishment."
Raymond stood for some moments
absorbed IN deep thought Then he
went To- one of the lower flats. Here
lived Mrs. wood, n widow, who sup
ported herself by sewing. She had
son. Hardy, who was lame In one limb
and who helped the family income by
attending To newspaper stand morn
ings.
Mrs. Wood" Spalle Raymond. you
can help me out with certain prob.
lem. and Hardy can earn Il couple of
dollars II week extra. | wish Ia pre-
sent n milch COW To the tenement for
,he honeiit Of the babies. you to take
charge Of milk distribution and Hardy
10 take care of the animal and milk
her, an art can soon teach him"
Mother and son were enraptured
with the idea. You are hestowing a
rare blessing" said Mrs. Woods. Miss
Willis and her sewing circle do great
deal In providing clothing for the little
ones, but you are bringing them life.
health AMI happiness"
The milk undertaking brought great
interest and satisfaction Ia Raymond |
The little ones throye aud the most
pleasurable duty of Raymond was In
providing feed and comfort for Molly. |
one day Raymond. visiting Molly's |
quarters. caught the echo Of voices. He |
thrilled. Mrs. Woods WAS telling the |
story Of his benefaction To Miss willis. |
The latter stood caressing the placid. |
pleasant animal. and. noticing Ray |
mond. extended her hand. She did not |
speak. Her limpid eyes met his own
with a grateful glance and then she |