Protestant Children's Home Festival

Day After the Fair.

The promised communication in regard to Mme. Se Stael's Penny Post, although emphatically "a day after the fair," is allowed to appear through the courtesy of the COMMONWEALTH. A person remarked t me, "I would like to know where you got so much money!" Many persons have already been mentioned, and the amount given I shall withhold wherever I think best, save to Mrs. Hamilton, Treasurer, and Mr. Sellers has announced the sum.

With great respect I mention the gift of Mr. Valentine Winters, banker of Dayton, Ohio, of $25. The note accompanying it was beautiful. This gentleman is noted for his noble charities at home, and I was more than gratified and surprised to receive this through the Penny Post. Also $10 from Mr. James Walsh, of our city — a large penny, especially when he has been so generous. From Mrs. W. H. Harrison, $5, a lady given to large charities in her own city, Cincinnati. From a friend, $5.

Permit me to return now to the afternoon and evening before closing the mail. A vision of loveliness came to me early in the afternoon, borne in the arms of a nurse, little Miss Bessie Gray and her handsome brother, Wallace, and presented me two letters. Mrs. James Clarkson, with her handsome boys, brought a heavy mail. A beautiful child came and said, "Here's a letter from Julia May Morse." She praitled and admired everything and finally sang me a song.

Hon. Isaac Jordan Phelps (the title I give him is honor of his namesake) is a manly little fellow, and his large envelope was so heavy with pennies that he had difficulty in placing it in the epergne. Mrs. Meade, with her usual generosity, sent a lovely answer and heavy mail. The interesting little daughter of Dr. Letcher — sweet little Emily, not quite two years old — suggested to her mamma the number of pennies from her private purse. Mrs. Rothier, with her beautiful child, kindly remembered me. An affectionate from Mrs. Dr. Pretlow and a letter placed in the post. Mrs. Laidly presented fresh ferns, and I am indebted to the kindly and efficient help of Mrs. John T. Wise and Mr. Brinkman for postals, and also arranging the lovely ferns.

Sweet little Mary Walden came with a letter, and in a lovely manner she presented me with a bouquet. My heart was toughed upon the reception of a letter from the "mother of Angel Birdie Sullivan." A beautiful note, certainly. Mrs. M. D. Thompson's beautiful children brought heavy mail. Miss Mamie McDannald sent a lovely letter and many pennies from Mt. Auburn. Mrs. Minor, with her handsome boy, Ernst, and note of regret from precious Jamie. The little Misses Hemingray, the perfection of loveliness, did not forget me, and darling Bettie Mackoy, dressed exquisitely, brought me a letter. The handsome son of Mrs. Roclstine sent regrets, postage paid, and the little genius, Alice Thorpe, who, at this time, compose imaginary letters, came to see me, and I am sorry she did not write one of her own letters.

Mrs. E. H., who told the story of Bessie Brooks so sweetly, anticipated my story in regard to her in Saturday's COMMONWEALTH. I wish K. H. could have seen her lovely face when she said, "Nobody refused me when I said it was for the orphans." Bessie and I have been in partnership. You can not induce that child to prevaricate.

A lovely letter from May Arthur, and truly a most acceptable and beautiful letter from the Misses Kearns. Sweet little Mary Ernst with her mamma, brought me a letter from herself and dear little sister, Lulu Stizz Mullins, and a sweet note from the exquisite little dancer, Birdie Craig. Mrs. Charles Simrall wrote a note from her children very characteristic of her noble self. I was, as ever remembered by my noble friends, Mr. and Mrs. William Ernst.

In the evening the heavy mail from the children came in, and I was charmed at the presence of Miss Annie Williamson, of Newport who remembered me, also her affable mother. May Morris' bag contained $1.00, her mamma's and papa's contribution contained therein; also a gift from my revered friend, Mrs. Matilda Withers, giving $5 and dividing with May and her other granddaughter, Mattie Lee Mannen. Jessie Henderson, $1.67. It certainly was very noble and generous in Mrs. Henderson, she having a table of her own, to allow at least twenty dollars from her family and friends to go to her precious child's credit. Harrah for Mabley & Co. for $6 found in her box. I endorse him, he is always generous to the bone. Master Fisk had $22.26, a gift of pennies from the Fifth street Christian Church, and a ten dollar bill given by his father. Master Scoville, 172 envelopes, and a donation from one of the district schools — $4.86.

I was delighted at the beautiful boxes and every letter-carrier that reached pretty high, viz: Mattie Lee Mannen, Hallie Lee Margery Boyd, Sadie Speers, Fannie Queen, Lula Moton, and others who will receive beautiful boxes from Echert; and if he could have seen their delight he would think they were sweetened for life. Very dear to my heart was the magnificent gift of $20 from Mrs. H. L. Lovell who, with unwearied kindness, aided me. The beautiful panel made by Mrs. Fairchild was given to her daughter, Miss Virginia. Thanks to every one, for from time to time we have mentioned names in THE COMMONWEALTH.

The sweet visit was appreciated by me of one who has aided me in the past, viz: Mrs. Roberts, nee Clemmie Abbott, to whom I gave the name of treasurer. "Those things which thou shalt have given away, those alone thou shalt always have." In honor of the able President, Mrs. Keith, who never allows her left hand to know what her right hand doeth, I remain ever her shadow.

M. T. H.