The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1876-12-23

since he had so much at home, what all
that stitching was for; and it stung him
like wasp to think she was working for
him. As he pondered thus, with his
head in his hands, the subject of his
thoughts looked up at him quietly.
"The old story, Frank ?"
"The old story" responded the doctor,
gloomily. "How can it be otherwise,
when l see you working those little fingers
to the bone in hardship and cold and hun
ger, Mary?"
sit does me good,' said Mary, cheeri-
ly, II never knew before how fast l could
sew, nor how WELL"
"You never had occasion for it till step
ped in with my selfish love and brought
you to poverty. And yet | do love you,
Mary,-more 1 think than ever; you
don't doubt that, do you?"
"Why should | doubt ~? Frank, if
you will talk of these things, / must talk,
too, and then my fingers will be slower.
What is the use Of pondering so gloomily
over the past? l know we were wrong,
both Of US, but we have done what we
could to retrieve it, and l will not have
you take more than your share of the
blame. l knew before what luxury and
self.indulgence we're now | know more
have seen trouble, and know what the
lives Of others are, and how thoughtless
and selfish was once. | hope | could
never be so bad again; so you see it has
been good for me to have trials. And
have we not blessings as well? Oh, Frank,
if we had lived in ease and riches, we
might have gone on as some married peo-
pie do, you know that,-caring for each
other, and only anxious for some perpetu-
al excitement to relieve their ennui. But
now that we have had battle TO fight to-
gether-"
"Ah but, my darling, the battle grows
harder than ever"
"You are i'll aud desponding. Make
haste and get well, Frank, and you will
see things through brighter spectacles."
The doctor was silent, and only the
sound Of the needle broke the stiffness.
There was only one comfort for him in his
poverty-he was not in debt and the re-
Election still gave him thrill of satisfac-
tion.
The handful Of fire dwindled, and the
Goals dropped down lower in the crate
still the click of the needle went on.
Suddenly there was knock at the door,
a hard, strong double knock, and the doc
tor started nervously GA patient per-
haps," said his wife. "When things are
at the worst they always mend, you know,
Frank"
/" Yes, because men always takes means
to effect radical cure, instead of patching
up-but hush how long that boy is -
You see the doctor did not dare to 60
himself, because no patient could ever have
believed in the skill of medical practi-
tioner who opened his door. Presently
there were sounds of hasty steps and hard
breathing in the little hall, as of boy
struggling into buttons which were obsti-
nate. Then the door opened.
DIR. Barret at home?'
Yet, but
"Ask him to step here minute. I was
to give this into his hands"
Buttons knocked pompously at the par
lor door, as if he did not know perfectly
well that every word had been audible !;
and Frank came out in time to see small
box put down in the hall, and the head of
the messenger disappearing through the
door.
:" So it was no patient after all" said
Mary.
"No, it's box" responded her hus-
band wearily. Perhaps some one has
sent us a Christmas present, or perhaps
it's hoax As likely as not"
l had better take it to the kitchen to
uupack sir" said Buttons; snake mess
here, perhaps"
Eyes do. And--I think I'll come
with you"
But the little fingers moved on nimbly
over the stitching, and the quieting foot
pressed the rocker of the cradle. What
was in the box? Had some unknown or
forgotten friend thought upon them, or
was it q hoax? 1t might be even that
the young wife's thoughts pictured the
possibility Of Christmas dinner, for how
could she see her husband sinking daily
before her eyes for lack of necessary com :
forts without wishing and hoping2 More
than that, there were the children-those
little mouths which she could not fill.
How long they were over the box
Then suddenly there was step in the
room, and Frank stood beside herchair,
leaning on it.
Are you strong, Mary? Can you
bear something.
ooh what is it--don't."
Nothing bad, little one. Time was
when should have been too proud to re-
joice over this Mary; but for your sake
and for the children, think my pride is
dead"
And he put before her the mysterious
box.
Papers" cried Mary, disappointed.
"What is it Frank? What can papers
do for us ?"
Read, responded the doctor, pointing
to label.
Marriage portion of my daughter,
Mary Barret, nee Favoursham."
But still Mary turned puzzled face to
her husband.
Tell me what il MEANS"
"There is more for you to read,' re-
sponded Frank, placing another paper
under her hand. "You are rich, Mary,
that's all. You see l am trying to be
good and thankful in spite of my own
failure and disappointment. Read; ]"
"Some years ago my daughter asked for
giveness at my hands. refused it. Now
It is my turn to ask, and hers to-which is it
to be Z? beg my daughter to forgive me.
send that which have so long unjustly kept
back from her and hers. Let her and her
husband take pity on lonely old man and
come to him. The old house is dull and mis-
erable; it wants the music of childrens
voices, and there is room in it for all. Let
them come to me, and | will show how thank
ful can be.
JoHS FAvouRsHAN."
As Marys arm was round her husbands
neck, and she was trying hard to keep
back the tears that would come.
W.. x.sll L. -