FROM BAD TO WORSE

"What bliss is born of sorrow!
'Tis never sent in vain--
The heavenly Surgeon maims to save,
He gives no useless pain."

--Watt.

Something more than six years had passed since the departure of Mrs.
Fischer from the county poor-house, but still the place was little changed.
Mr. Engler was once more in the office of the institution. This time he was
there to interview a stranger concerning the child Edwin. There was still
the same strong odor of nicotine in the room, and the furniture and the
condition of the walls and the floor still told of much want and
wretchedness, as well as of habits that were unclean; but apparently as
little heed was given to the fact by the stranger as had been manifested by
the selfish mother.

It seems that the word that Mrs. Fischer was receiving generous pensions
both for herself and for the support of her children had been carried to
the board that governed the affairs of the poorhouse. Finding that none of
the amount had been paid into that institution, orders had been issued to
the effect that Mrs. Fischer must either pay for the support of her child
or take him away from the almshouse. Having received a notice from Mr.
Engler of the board's decision, she had decided to have him brought to her
own home, and the stranger was no other than the boy's own uncle. He had
come with horse and buggy, at the mother's request, he had told Mr. Engler,
and he would appreciate having the child brought to him as quickly as
possible, as he had no time to lose.