The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-09-20

they have spent together for all the
eighteen years of David's life. Then
he goes back to his work, still hopeful
OF the rise which his earnest and untir-
ing ssrvitude is to win.
Six months pass, and then, one Sun.
day night, David walks unexpectedly
into the cottage kitchen, where his
mother sits beside the fire, softly sing
ing to herself a hymn which she has
heard in church that day. When she
starts .up-her face, in that moment of
surprise, white as death-David sees
how little able she is to bear any shock
where he is concerned. But her de-
light. one minute afterward, makes up
for all, and that Sunday night is one
which both will love to remember.
Dan you not stay one day2" the
mother pleads. "Must you really go
back ONO rrow, Davy2"
Today, you mean, mother. Look,
we have chatted till after midnight, al
ready. Never mind, we have four
whole hours more, thanks to the new
railway. Don't go to bed, mother I
cam 1t spare you for that time"
She had never thought of leaving him;
so beside the cheerful fire they sit and
talk first Of the lives which they have
separately led, and ther of that life
which they are presently to lead to-
gether-for David has. como home on
purpose to bring joyful tidings. The
long talked of home win be ready soon,
for he is earning a high: salary now, and
all the old bright plans are to be carried
out.
"But, Davy," Mrs. Sullivan says,
NH cIH 80 -
early breakfast, "how very hard you
must be working, only to he spared for
one day, after whole twelve months of
81 rvice -
81 could have had one holiday be
tWeen," he answers, "but I would not
take it. It was wiser not, mother, as
this is an expensive journey, even now
that we have the railway"
"And you have been sending me your
money, David
"But 1 am earning SO much now,"
the young man says, with bright ex-
cite ment in his eyes.
"And are you happy, David ?"
Very happy, Misunderstanding how
long ago."
But for yourself alone, are you
happy, dear 2" she aske, wisifully.
81 Oh, yes. mother, qnite happy"
Another good bye But tho last"
David says, as again and agaiu he kisses
his mother's shaking lips.
D.vid bad said that he. wonlI spe ID
his birthday at home-that June day
Which has slways been the one holiday
OF the year to the wild, wed mott er-but
on the morning before arrives a tier
wi ich tells her that he is Obliged TO de
lay his coming. London is very full, he
says, and he is very busy; so he cannot
get that days holiday.
In every line of this letter the mother
eau read his disappointment, rs we'll as
the sorrow it gives him to disappoint
her; and tears come and blot out the
loving words, as well as the proud de-
scriptions of the home which is all ready
for her now, out In one of the pleasant
northern suburbs. They blot out even
that simple request at the end" Think
OF ME more than ever tomorrow, mother,
and pray for me just ut nightfall; at that
very hour when we have been used to sit
together in the porch on other happy
birthday nights"
There is the present OF money which
most letters bring her now, and it is
": lie she holds this money in her hand
that she forms a sudden resolution,
which comes to her at that moment as SO
natural one that she wonders where it
h:s been hidden before.
She ls on her way from the village
post office when the plan suggests itself,
ali when she reaches home cher steps
quick in the n.w cxc!tement) sho sits
down in her old seat in the porch and
ma. es it all clear to herself. David is
"" king very hard, and is to be lonely
or his birthday. How can she better us
his gift to her than by giving him a
PLEASURE he cannot expect, and 70 pre-
v. mt his being solitary on that day which
thay have never yet spent apart2 As he
cannot come to her, sho will 20 to him.
ALI how his face will brighten when he
sees his mother come in ! How he will
start up with outstretched arms to clasp
her! That moment will repay her for
any trouble she may have in reaching
him.
When once the resolution is formed
it holds her tenaciously. and she begins
her preparations at once, glad and ex-
cited rs child. She packs her basket,
putting in chicken and butter and
cream, because David has said that he
never enjoys these things in London
as he does at home and she smiles MS
she ties dainty white cloth over them
all for sho 10 picturing her boys de.
light when he shall unpack these
Injuries which she has brought him
fom his own village. All that night
she lies awake, yet rises brisk and ac-
tive, almost wondering il she can really
be the Mary Sullivan who has never en-
tered railway carriage in her life-she,
traveller, starting alone to far-off city
OF which she knows nothing.
Taking her basket on her arm, she
xalks To the ra1,torx To leaua tho Eou Of