The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1879-03-08

fruits and sweet-meats, but Mrs. Ray did
not overhear the words whispered in Brid-
gets ear, "Tell Mr. Cook we are ready"
81 think, said the widow, looking out at
the window, I" that it is time the unknown
made his appearance with his masonic
friends. All, here they come, one, two three
four, five, six. Mr.. Baker, with their wives,
Col. Cook, and--a-stranger
"Oh, said Mr.. Cook, "that is Captain
Howard, an old friend of my husband, who
is visiting at our house. Bridget, put the
turkey on the table"
Mrs. Ray met her guests ct the door, raj
lied the gentleman on obligng poor widow
to give a christmas dinner, and asked the
ladies if they had been parties TO the plot
Mrs. Baker replied that it was the gentle
mems idea entirely, and was not at all to be
wondered at since it was a well established
fact that most masons were fond Of good
dinners.
"And are you a mason, also?" said Mrs.
Ray, turned to the gentleman who had
been introduced to her as Captain How
ard.
al am" was the reply.
"Come, come" said Mrs. Cook, "the din
ner will be cold"
Hats and ovescoats, furs and bonnets
were LAID aside, and the party were soon in
the dining-room.
al will do the carving" said Mr.. Cook.
"No," said the widow, "you shall not un-
less you are the person who brought the
turkey. The donor of the fowl shall carve
| it,"
| "Well, them" said the Colonel,T must
resign my position to Captain Howard"
Mrs. Ray looked amazed at the stranger
"Who-where-l do not understand it,"
sho said
"Then you do not recognize me" said the
| Captain.
Mrs Ray fastened her gaze upon him.
"Great Heavensp she cried, can this be
true? Is it-yes, it is my son Howard risen
| from the dead"
His arms were about her; she was weep
| ing joyful tears upon his busom. The 9TH
er ladies laughed and cried by turns, and
even the gentlemen found a pocket-hand-
kcrchief convenient.
"There it is" said Mrs. Cook at length,
" told you the dinner was getting cold,
and you must all take the time for cry 3"
Howard Ray led his mother to the table,
and taking seat beside her, proceeded to
do the honors of host, while Mrs. Cook
poured out the coffee; and no happier party
could have been found upon that day,
! Nowhere was there a merrier Christmas
than in the humble cottage Of widow Ray.
The handsome young Captain told them
the story of the wreck Of the "Good Ship
Henry" and of his miraculous escape; of his
subsequent capture by British "man-oi-
war;" and the impossbilty of reaching his
home sooner. That he had arrived only
the evening before, and meeting Col. Cook
as he stepped out of the stage-coach, he had
with reluctance consented to remain incog,
until tomorrow, that all might enjoy the
reunion together; that.during the previous
evening he had learned that the Masonic
Lodge had relieved the old home of the
mortgage resting upon it, and had maintain
ed his mother in his absence. "And now
dear mother" he said in conclusion, and
drawing her closer to his sidei "let us unite
in grateful acknowledging of this true
care of the widow in her misfortunes."
So the problem was soved. 1t was not one
kind friend, but many who had minstered
to her wants.
Reader, this is no'fancy sketchj tits found
ed wholly in fact, and is but one of the
many instances Of unostentatious benevo'
lence which night be truthfully related.