THE PHILANTHROPIST'S MISTAKE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2513, 14 May 1902, Page 70

THE PHILANTHROPIST'S MISTAKE.

By Coxstance Clyde.

"It was disgraceful, horrible ! " Mr Cossens, the philanthropist, wondered for the tenth time what type of the modern parent this might be. "In my young days children were less indulged, but more cared for than now. But ne\er, then or now, has there coino under my notice such a case of meaningless cruelty as this! It doesn't fit in with any generation." said Cossens, in -wondering indignation. From his bedroom balcony he had a clear view into the backyard of the neighbouring house and into the unshaded parlour windows. For awhile he had. only noticed, vaguely, that there seemed to be a large family of girls, ruled by a mother with a set face and uncomprising grey hair beneath a widow's cap. Then he began to notice more — namely, their strange treatment of the eldest daughter. She was a pale, slender girl, unlike her sturdy, frolicsome sisters ; too frail for thi9 bleak, mountain air, Mr Cossens considered, even with the best of treatment. Bitt that treatment was not forthcoming to mitigate it* evil effect:-. Many a time he would sec the happy family gathered round the kindling wood and coal fire— all except Maisie. She was kept far away from the glow and the warmth, and if site ventured near, the stern face of the mother would turn on her, and a hand silently point her back, while the others drew nearer to the blaze. What was the reason of this strange unkindness? Was Maisie a stepchild? Was she. maybe, not a daughter of the house at all, but some orphan left penniless on their hands? Poor girl, poor, friendless girl, said the philanthropist, commiseratingly. Not content with keeping their delicate companion from the fire, the mother would somotjmes go further in her strange love of cruelty; for presently 3fr Cossens would see the front door opened, and the slender figure of the girl pushed out into the windswept garden. Evidently she was always prepared for such treatment, for she was always wearing an old but warmly-lined cloak, which she would hold closely round her as she walked up and down the gravel path to keep heraelf warm. These things Cossens, the philanthropist, noted for many weeks, and his indignation did not cool with time. But it was a conversation he overheard between the servant of his boarding-houso and the girl-help opposite that decided him to take steps. " Their 'elp seems a bit uppish, so I 'aven't been able to get it out of her why they treats Miss Maisie go ; but the milkman was saying to me last morning that the way they feeds her is the worst of all!" "Do they starve her. then?" asked slavey No. 2, in an awed voice. " No, they make her eat too much ! He heard them once when he was leaving the milk in the kitchen. She was crying and saying she wouldn't touch a morsel more, and that 'orriblo old mother was saying: 'If yon don't, I'll tend you straight off to bed ! ' " " 'Ow dreadful ! It's worsp than how the stepmother treated Lady Ellean in the 'Mystery of Ugarth Carstle.' " replied the other; but the philanthropist waitod to hear no more. He had put on his hat. and was away to the office of his friend, Joseph Barnes, a well-known solicitor. Mr Barnes listened to the story with some indications of perplexity, till Cossens mentioned the name of the family in question, whereupon his brow cleared and the corners of 1113 mouth relaxed. At the conclusion of hi= < Vif>nd'& indignant speech, he remarked, calmly: "" It in a good thing you have come to me first with this ptory, Mr Cossens, for. happening to kn<.w the family, I can refute your charge of cruelty." But the facts are true?" " Yes ; but not your very natural deductions." "L? Maisio's mother not a callous woman? " " Noihing of the sort. A most Icind mother, battling Lard for her daughter's life against that foe. consumption. Unde-r the now Nordrach System, this dry. mountainous district was recommended for Maisie, i and here the family camo at great inconvenience to themselves — for Maisie's satoe. This now cure also eufoj^es three strict m!os — that the patient shall be kept away from finv. that she shall have plenty of fresh, cold air (being, of course, warmly clad to meet it), and that she shall over-eat ! ; There's the whole story," and he looked at thr philanthropist with a smile. ) The remark* of that personage need not be repeated in full. ' "It only shows that I'm an old fogey, miserably behind the times; but who'd ha\-e thoueht they cured you nowadays by mak- : ing you live as much like a beast of the field ti BMiihiaT " Baif\8 aif \ Ofifisea-'ii. ia. ftftßttluiina- {.