This word seldom begins an article in a newspaper, but "cruelty" or
"murder" more often instead. It is a pleasure to record an act of
kindness; painful that we have not frequent opportunities. Yet such an
act made our heart glad, filled it with a new love for our kind, only
a day or two since. A school-girl, about ten years of age, was
passing, with a smaller school-girl in her arms, whom she carried with
much difficulty; for the weather was sultry. Other children were in
company, with books in their hands. The whole party stopped to rest
under the shade of a tree. Just then, a gentleman observed the group.
His attention was particularly attracted by the child, still supported
by the arm of her friend. "What's the matter, my little Miss?" he
inquired, in his kind, soft tone. "She's sick, sir," replied the
friend. "And are you taking her home?" "I'm trying, sir." "How far off
does she live?" "Down by the Long Bridge." "A mile or more! and you
would carry her through the hot sun! no shade on the way either!" "I
must try, sir," answered the school-girl. "No, you must not," said the
kind gentleman, "it would kill both of you." A carriage passed at this
moment. A word and a waving arm caused it to draw up to the pavement.
All the party entered it, and all right merry, except the sick one;
but even she looked up with a faint smile, fixing her large, tender
eyes on the face of the stranger. The driver had been instructed fully
as to his destination, had been paid too, and now drove away. "Poor
little girl!" said the gentleman to himself, in a low voice. "Good
bye, sir!" said all the children, in a high tone.
--Washington News.