One of her most charming charities is “Woody Crest,” two miles from
Lyndhurst, a haven of delight where some twoscore waifs are received
at a time for a two-weeks’ visit. She has a personal oversight of
the place, and, by her frequent visits, makes friends with the wee
visitors, who look upon her as a combination of angel and fairy
godmother. Every day, a wagonette, drawn by two horses, takes the
children, in relays, for long drives into the country. Amusements are
provided, and some of those who remain for an entire season at Woody
Crest are instructed in different branches. Twice a month some of the
older boys set the type for a little magazine which is devoted to Woody
Crest matters. There are several portable cottages erected there,
one for the sick, one for servants’ sleeping rooms, and a third for a
laundry.
[Illustration: DOMESTIC TRIALS]
Miss Gould’s patriotism is very real and intense, and is not confined
to times of war. Two years ago, she caused fifty thousand copies of
the national hymn, “America,” to be printed and distributed among the
pupils of the public schools of New York.
“I believe every one should know that hymn and sing it,” she declared,
“if he sings no other. I would like the children to sing it into their
very souls, till it becomes a part of them.”
She strongly favors patriotic services in the churches on the Sunday
preceding the Fourth of July, when she would like to hear such airs as
“America,” “Hail Columbia,” and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and see the
sacred edifices draped in red, white and blue.