The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-05-02
EUening Story
Misplaced Sympathy.
BY LILLIAN HALL CROWLEY.
dfe

in love with Paul Lester, and now
everything was over between them
forever, She never could love him
again. Perhaps it was just as well to
find out that he was a dictatorial
brute. Brute, Yes, he was a brute to
intimate that she was a selfish butter
fly who didn't care tor her fellow
beings He could go on with his old
philanthropy for all of her. She didn't
interfere when he spent lots of his
time in the slums-but why should he
think she ought to spend her time
there?
OF course, he didn't say just exactly
that. but it was what he meant. She
was taking part in the bridge tourna-
ment and couldn't go anG see the
woman he asked her to visit when he
had to go out of town.
OF course, everybody was sorry for
poor people.
Anyway, she would show him that it
wasn't anything wonderful to be called
philanthropist. She'd show him that
she could do just as good work IN
that way as anybody. Not that she
wanted to placate him; she didn't; but
just to show him Then when she had
done lot of good work he could
come to her on his Bonded knees beg
ging her forgiveness, and she wouldn't
grant it. She never could love Paul
again!
Natalie had no distinct plan for go
ing out into the world as a humani-
tartan, but she would find a way. She
lay on the couch, moody and unhappy.
She knew her heart was broken and
there was no use in anything. Still,
one thing remained--she would show
Paul Her pride demanded that.
Natalie, dear" said her mother,
coming into the room dressed for the
street, 81 have just had a disappoint-
ment. Mrs. Smith cannot help me at
the Womep's Club this afternoon, and
am forced to call upon YOU
Natalie's first impulse was to refuse
to go, then-"Why, yes, mother, Ill
help you. What is it -
1--WE are having Mr. Fleming, the
director of music in the public schools,
give demonstrations with the children
of the work taught in the schools.
need you to take charge of the groups
of children and start them to the plat
form in their turn"
Natalie went with her mother and
before she realized it, she was intense
ly interested. Then she spied little
boy, about seven years of age, with
the most beautiful face she had ever
seen. He was wonderful He was like
a young St. John. He kept perfect
time and sang with unusual intelli-
gence. Tears came to her eyes when
she noticed his clothes. He had on
the vest and trousers of a suit several
sizes too large for him; his shirt sleeves
were rolled up to the elbow, his trou-
sers reached TO the floor, and he wore
no coat.
Poor little fellow" she thought,
how he must suffer to go dressed so
grotesquely when all the other little
boys in his class are dressed in good
taste. His people must be very poor
and these clothes are handed down
I III,
a suit myself! I'll take charge of him
and see that he gets the right things
to wear while he is so little"
Her heart filled with joy at the
thought of helping the dear little fell
low. She ran to the teacher who had
charge of the class and asked his
name and address.
She had to leave before the class
had finished to keep an engagement.
But she thought constantly of the boy.
The next morning she started off to
find the place where the boy lived.
She was usrprised when she again read
the address. for it was in a very good
part of town. There may be some
cid rundown house there" she
thought.
She could hardly believe her eyes
when she saw the house. 1t was al
most a mansion. She compared the
number over the door with the num-
Der Oh the ADDRESS on tne cdEu given
her by the teacher. They were the
same.
There was only one thing to do-go
up and inquire. The door was opened
by maid in embroidered cap and
apron.
Can you tell me where may find
the parents of little Bernard LII
moges? %
This is Mr.. Peter limoges resi-
dence, madam"
But the poor little boy7 Does he
live in the neighborhood?
Master. Bernard Limoges lives here
He is in school now. Would you like
to see his mother. She is in
"You don't understand. I am not
looking for any one here. I am only
inquiring for q poor boy. See, this is
| his name and address. Natalie
showed the card to the puzzled maid.
A beautiful young woman came into
the hall and said to Natalie:
won't you come in, please, and tell
me about it?'
Natalie, all apologies, accompanied
the young woman into a richly fur
| nished drawing room.
I'm afraid I've made a mistake.
i She told about the lovely boy in the
clumsy clothes. II am SO sorry for
him and want to help him."
The young Wonan's face, which had
worn a look OF JSlollSHmenL at I1rSt,
gradually changed to a look of relief
and then to one of quiet amusement.
You dear Girl, love you for your
sweet intention. But as you didn't
stay for the last OF the performance
you couldn't know that Bernard was
dressed for a part in a play"
"A play!" gasped Natalie.
Yes, he took the part of the tailor
| in the play of The Bear and the
| Tailor You know a tailor wears
| long trousers, a waistcoat and has his
sleeves rolled up when he works. Ber-
nard is my SON." added Mrs Limoges.
| "Your sonI And he lives in this
house?" Natalie was overcome with
confusion. well, have made a mess
of things
you haven't, at all. hope we
may be friends and that you will like
me as well as l like you. To think of
your concern for Bernard. It's beau
tiful."
Natalie arose to go.
| 'fWraif q little herA eayOA INV buS