The story
“An old millionaire was extremely fond of children. Years ago his wife and infant daughter had died, and despite his great wealth, he was lonely. One day a young businessman called at his office to ask an extension of time on the note the millionaire held. At first the old man refused, later he promised to ‘think it over.’ It was a Saturday half-holiday in May, and the old man closed his desk early, and went for a walk in the park. There he ran into a children’s May party, and stopped to watch them. One little girl came to him, and made friends immediately. On the following Monday morning the child’s father received a letter in which the millionaire had written. In it the father was told that the creditor could not grant any extension of time and that he must pay up what he owed by the following day. The child saw the tears in the eyes of her parents. She picked up the letter which they had dropped on the floor, and took it with her into the park.
“Luckily a hand organ grinder came along about this time, and the problem was solved. Hurriedly she went home; hastily she prepared a sign like that of the organ grinder. It read ‘Please Help the Poor [sic].’ Then the child took her toy piano, hastened back to the park and prepared to entertain the passing public. She had all of four cents when her ‘kind old man’ happened along. He had hoped to see her, but was astonished to note her occupation. In response to his question she told him her troubles and confidingly displayed the letter. He read and understood. Then he explained that he would act as her agent, took the pennies and sent a note to the parents explaining that their ‘talented daughter’s successful concert had supplied funds sufficient to induce him to grant them all the time they wanted to settle the debt.’ He was a close-fisted old millionaire, but the child had touched his heart. And the promise he made to look after her he kept.”
Summary from The Moving Picture World · 28 September 1912
