UNKNOWN FRIENDS

New Zealand Tablet, 11 April 1912, Page 47

UNKNOWN FRIENDS

He was walking. down Boylston street one wintry morning, a weary, care-worn man (writes 1 A Looker On in the Boston Pilot). His son had been causing him much uneasiness. His wife had been looking very frail of late.' His salary was small and expenses were heavy. But the worst thing was his uselessness. 1 Dream and reality ! What a contrast! Forty-five, friendless, and a failure/ he said bitterly. The gay shop windows held no appeal for him. The passing throng, chatting and. animated, only intensified his loneliness. For one coward moment he longed to escape the dreary round of duties; to be transported to some kindly isle filled with flowers and sunshine, where he could rest. As the tide of bitterness reached its height, he became aware of rapid steps behind him, of someone grasping his hand warmly, of a voice trembling with emotion. s ‘ As long as I live I shall be thankful for your goodness to me. When your message came I was desperate. Everything had gone; business, health, courage; Your word brought them back. I can do nothing in return except say that to you I owe my honor and my life.’ The speaker went down a side street apparently overcome by his feelings. The other thought: Who on earth is that man and what in the world did I do for him? I don’t even know his face or name.’ ■i He strode on, but presently felt someone plucking at his sleeve, and turned to see an old woman, pallid and lame, out of breath from hastening to catch up with him. ‘Oh! sir, I must tell you how.much you did for me when I was at death’s door at the hospital. You were passing through the ward, and saw how bad I wast You talked to me a while and told a story that made me laugh, and bade me cheer up. I don’t know how it was, but right then I began to mend. Now, thank God, lam on the road to health. May the good Lord bless you all your days, for you’re a kind man.’ While the wayfarer was trying to gather his wits, the old woman hobbled away. He went on bewildered, but halted when he heard a soft voice calling his name. A motor car had stopped silently at the curb, and a lady leaned out. ‘ Why do you never come out to our country house My husband has spoken of you so many times. ■ He says you were the life of the class at ’ college,, and that he has never really enjoyed a dinner , party when you were not present. He is so proud of all you. have accomplished. I have heard so much about you that I think of you always as an old friend. Do come soon.’ And motor car and lady were whisked off like a moving picture. ‘ Country house! Life of the class ! Old friend! . What did this madness mean ?’ While he was attempting to readjust his faculties he noticed a distinguished-looking old gentleman approaching, lost in thought. But as he neared the wayfarer his face lit up and he spoke. *Ah! So glad to come upon you! Pardon me, but do you intend to draw on that thousand you have with us? In case the account is to remain inactive, we can. use it to advantage and give you a higher rate of interest.’ ‘ /, The wayfarer managed to mumble that the account would not be touched for several months. The old gentleman thanked him, bowed and was lost in the crowd. The wayfarer stood still and pondered. Was this Boston or Bagdad In ,less than 15 minutes he had been accosted by four total strangers, who seemed to consider him as a personage of importance; a sort of fairy godfather, a comforter of sick old ladies, a social lion of exceptional gifts, a rich man. And ; it all took place on a prosaic Boylston street that he had walked since boyhood. : ' ’ v ■ ; Yet unaccountably he .felt younger. - His eyes brightened. His shoulders squared and his step quickened. As he entered the office the force seemed to

regard;him with new eyes. He plunged; into work like a boy, and it came ridiculously easy. 1 He went /home' at evening, humming a. tune. His wife: greeted/ him with a smile he had missed for years. His son-came in with a cheery, ‘ You’re looking fine, dad,’ and all anxiety about the boy seemed to drop away., Supper was a function. From some mysterious well of laughter he drew draught after draught of- gaiety.’ !/For years he had not felt so happy. Perhaps it was all a dream, but it was a very nice dream, and ever since the wayfarer has been stronger, better, more lovable. ; ri The solution? Unknown friends. People; he had helped out of the goodness of his heart, expecting nothing. People he had cheered when his own heart was sad. People who had followed the trail of his kindness to thank him. He had rated himself as useless, and suddenly woke up to find that he had been a benefactor beyond all his imaginings to his fellows, one whom all were proud to call friend. :

This is no fairy story. It is a fact. Fit yourself in the frame. If you live cleanly, do a kindness when you can, comfort the sorrowing wherever you find them, bring forth the best that is in you to all mankind; you will have hundreds of friends you know not; you will be an honored guest in houses you never entered, you will deposit day by day unconsciously treasures compared with which money is dross. One moment; ‘ And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these My least brethren, you did it to me.’