The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1922-05-13
LUcY's FRIEND Of THE PARK,

Lucy Dnnstan had q very tender
heart. She could not bear to see any
one suffer, and her pity extended to
every kind Of living thing. When
she first learned that meat was made
from the cows and sheep she had
seen grazing in the field, she refused
to eat any for long time afterward
Indeed, it was only when, after a
violent attack of measles, the doctor
insisted upon her eating broiled
steak and chicken. that she would
consent to takexthem.s She was such
a sensitive child, though uniformly
sweet and amiable, that her parents
feared the world might go very hard
with her should Providence take
them from her.
One day she was walking with hel
mother. in the park, when they met
an old man with wooden leg. His
clothes We're shabby, his hair and
beard unkempt, and his general ap
pearance that OF one accustomed tc
poverty. Lucy gazed upon him with
compassion even turning her head
for another glance after they had
passed him.
do not look back at the poor
man, Lucy" said her mother. ''He
will think you very curious and his
feelings may be, wounded" :
But, mamma, am not curious
only sorry for him." replied the littIe
girl. He is old, and has wooden
leg. He must be very poor. Won,
you give me a dime to put in his
hand?"
Mrs. Dunstan glanced around. This
man was, standing near,sa bench OF
which he evidently intended to sit
and his eyes were on Lucy. They
had kindly, almost -imploring ex
preston, as though he would have
liked to speak to the child. She die
not know exactly what to do.
Lucy" she, said, "the, man does
not seem to be a beggar. He is, moi
holding out his hand, or his hat.
do not like to offer him money"
II believe that is because he Isl mo-
really Beggar, but he is poor,
know replied the child 81 will
ask him." and before her mother
could stop her, she was standing sir
front of him, her beautiful innocen-
eyes and lovely face upturned to his
"Are you very poor?" she inquired
without a particle of embarrassment
+ The man sat down ION the bench
and took her hand. .rss
why do you ask ?' he'll replied
Because you are sorry for me?'
Eyes, sir,'''ss replied Lucy. IF yot
are poor we would like to- help you &
little and ifsyou are net, we. are sorr,
for you just the same, because be
cause "a,
"Of my woodensleg?"
Eyes, that is the reason" answered
the child. well, then" she con
tinued, sIv shall ask mamma ito helI
you." 4r 80, %3st
Her mother, who had heard al
that had passed, now stepped for
ward. Opening her purse she tool
from it a bright, new silver quartel
which she placed in Lucy's hand
The little girl laid it in the now out
stretched palm of the cripple, wht
received it in a peculiar manner
First he kissed the coin. placed it .ir
his. vest pocket and then liftins
Lucy's hand to his lips kissed 1t, roy
erently. 1921 s. Ne2s
Thank you, my good child, = hi
said, land God bless YOU Il hope
may see you again." fsa4 h s,ert
Lucy smiled and turned to. he
mother. In a moment they ~hat
passed out of sight. -s~: s=--
The next morning, after Lucy hat
recited her lessons, Mrs.. Dunstai
said to her: "If you like, you ma,
play in the park until luncheon time
But do not go far away"
Lucy put on her hat and took he
basket in which she intended II
gather some wild flowers, and raj
merrily across the street, to the pafl
which faced her. house. 4 :
She had not been there long, whel