(_A PAGE FROM THE BOOK OF PHILANTHROPY._)
The Committee waited impatiently the arrival of the Great and Good
Man. It was their duty to obtain a donation--an ample one--from the
Millionnaire whose charity was renowned far and wide, from one end of
the world to the other. At length he appeared before them.
[Illustration]
"What can I do for you?" he asked, with a smile that absolutely shone
with benevolence.
"You know, Sir, that the claims of the poor in the Winter are
numerous, and difficult to meet?"
"Certainly I do," returned the Man of Wealth, "and hope that you are
about to ask me for a subscription."
"Indeed we were," cried the spokesman of the Committee, his eyes
filling with grateful tears. "May I put you down for five pounds?"
"Five pounds!" echoed the Millionnaire, impatiently, "What is five
pounds?--_five thousand_ is much more like the figure! Now, I will
give you five thousand pounds on one condition."
"Name it!" cried the Deputation in a breath.
"The simplest thing in the world," continued the Millionnaire. "I
will give you five thousand pounds on the condition that you get
ninety-nine other fellows to do the same. Nay, you shall thank me when
all is collected. I can wait till then."
* * * * *
The above words were spoken more than thirty years ago. Since then
the Deputation have been waiting for the other fellows--and so has the
Millionnaire!
* * * * *