ident in the success of his benevolent scheme, Mr. Lyon started
forth, early on the very next day, for the purpose of obtaining, by
subscription, the poor widow's rent. The first person he called on was
Malcolm.

"Ah, friend Lyon!" said Malcolm, smiling blandly, "Good morning! What
can I do for you, to-day?"

"Nothing for me, but something for a poor widow, who is behind with her
rent," replied Andrew Lyon. "I want just one dollar from you, and as
much more from some eight or nine as benevolent as yourself."

At the word poor widow the countenance of Malcolm fell, and when his
visiter ceased, he replied, in a changed and husky voice, clearing his
throat two or three times as he spoke.

"Are you sure she is deserving, Mr. Lyon?" The man's manner had become
exceedingly grave.

"None more so," was the prompt answer. "She is in poor health, and has
three children to support with the product of her needle. If any one
needs assistance, it is Mrs. Arnold."

"Oh! Ah! The widow of Jacob Arnold?"

"The same," replied Andrew Lyon.

Malcolm's face did not brighten with a feeling of heart-warm
benevolence. But he turned slowly away, and opening his money-drawer,
_very slowly_ toyed with his fingers amid its contents. At length
he took therefrom a dollar bill, and said, as he presented it to
Lyon,--signing involuntarily as he did so,--

"I suppose I must do my part. But we are called upon so often."

The ardour of Andrew Lyon's benevolent feelings suddenly cooled at this
unexpected reception. He had entered upon his work under the glow of a
pure enthusiasm; anticipating a hearty response the moment his errand
was made known.

"I thank you in the widow's name," said he, as he took the dollar.
When he turned from Mr. Malcolm's store, it was with a pressure on his
feelings, as if he had asked the coldly-given favour for himself.

It was not without an effort that Lyon compelled himself to call upon
Mr. Green, considered the "next best man" on his list. But he entered
his place of business with far less confidence than he had felt when
calling upon Malcolm. His story told, Green, without a word or smile,
drew two half dollars from his pocket and presented them.

"Thank you," said Lyon.

"Welcome," returned Green.

Oppressed with a feeling of embarrassment, Lyon stood for a few moments.
Then bowing, he said,

"Good morning."

"Good morning," was coldly and formally responded.

And thus the alms-seeker and alms-give