Morris tribune., 1880-09-30
FIRESIDE STORY.

But O1 IUlS we Will say uO III IL |
was our intention when we first dipped |
our pen in ink to-day, to give the reader
a tale of facts; so now for the introduce
ton:
Mr.. and Mrs. Pason, with their chill
dren, occupied humble tenement in
narrow court. But though their rooms
were small and few, there was an air of
comfort prevailing all, which plainly told
that the mechanics home was managed
by skilful housekeeper.
On the evening our story opens, a
bright fire was glowing in the polished
stove IN the little parlor, and near it was
drawn a small round table. A group of
three children were varOusly engaged
around 1t. Emma, the eldest, was hem
ming an apron. Ellen, two years young
er, was petting her tavorite kitten; while
but little distance from her sat her only
brother, Charles, engaged with his slate
and pencil.
The mother of Ibis little group was
buslly engaged about the room with vari-
Gus duties, but still her large dark eyes
were often turned toward the table, beam
ing with love and pride. At length STEP
ping lightly behind the chair occupied
: by Charley, the youngest OF the group,
] she leaned over and gently touched her
lips to his cheek.
For the last half hour the child whole
soul seemed to be wrapped up in his oc-
cupation, and now being SO suddenly
disturbed, quick as the lightning's flash
\ he dealt blow IN his mothers face, not
even looking up to see who leaned over
him. The mother did not speak, while
! the girls cried, in breath-"Why, broth
er, you have struck mar
II don't care if l have" was the re-
sponse. "She ought not to plague me
when I am busy"
Charles, though young in years, was
old in intellect; he knew that he had
done wrong, and he expected to be re-
buked, although he knew that his par
ent was ever kind; but in this he was
disappointed, for the mother only turn
ed her dark eyes upon him with a sor-
rowful expression, and then walked rap
idly away to finish her preparations for
tea.
Emma was about to speak again, but
her mother motioHed for her to keep 81
lent, and then all went on as before, save
=. new and then the glance that the pas
sionate boy bestowed on his parent.
None of these glances were returned
and in little while Mrs. Pason bade
her children put away their playthlngs
and work, saying that supper was ready
~ don't want any supper" said
Charles, throwing down his slate heavi-
1y and trying to catch his mothers eye
but still Mrs. Pason did not answer, MOI
did she look angry, she only broke his
bread in his plate ready for his milk
and then took her sewing to wait fol
her tea till her husband should come.
A half an hour later Charlie had MOI
spoken, neither had he eaten any supper
but he stood at the bedroom door lead
ing off from the little parlor, with One
hand clutching the white drapery of hi
night. dress, and the other the knob o
the door.
"Come, Charlie" said Emma, "hurry
r mother wants US all to be In bed befor,
father comes.''
: 81 don't care," was the answer, I"
shant gOif she does want me to-" ant
ere the sentence was finished, the DO,
threw himself stubbornly between tn
snowy sheets of his trundle bed, and th
door shut out the form Of hls mother.
The night of which we write, the fros
ty breath of winter was creeping in a
every crevice In the tenement occupies
by Mr.. Pason's family, and yet it scenes
Z to cast no gloom over that neat little paI
lor where the industrious wife had bull
her afternoon fire, and prepared tn
evening meal for the family.
Echolng footsteps went by, and for
long time Mrs. Pason sat and istene
that she mig ght distinguish her husband
step from among the rest. At length be
coming weary of waiting, she went to th
window and peered into the night gloor
without, but it was too dark to distir
guish features, so she turned away, an
stepped quietly in to the side of the littl
trundle-bed and kneeling she leane
G over the pillow, and once more touche
& her lips to her boys check, WHISPERING
{ as she did so: so, Charley darling, 20
little know the sad hours your hasty ten
per has cost your mother, but feel ths
harsh treatment will never overcome it.
And though she tried to restrain he
tears, . low burst of grief broke the still
ness, but the sleeper did not STIR; SO CO.
-reying him warmly, she slowly arese
her feet, and once more sought her 10
rocking chair by the fire-side.
Mrs. Pason bowed her head upon b.
hand, and IN few moments she vi
buried in deep thought, and yet b
mind did not roam from home; she W
thinking that tonight was the time b
husband would receive his months pa
and ere the hard earned money W
L lov. L. -, All 80
ing to dispose of it to the best advantag
So intent was Mrs. Pason on plannin
that for few minutes she did not mott
that little white-draperied form stot
before her, and then pair of tiny arr
TFwere about her neck, and Charley, whi
sob after sob came forth from his fl
heart, buried his head in her bosom.
so, Mamma" he cried, 81 have been
naughty boy, but I won't be so al
more, if you will kiss me and say u
love me. I was not asleep when "
came to the side of the. bed, for ! cou
not sleep when I was afraid you we
angry"
x.rMrs. Pason returned the child's el
<bface, but ere she could answer, the out
door opened and her husband stepp
within the parlor.
"Why don't you put that child to be
Susan9" he exclaimed, shaking the snc
from his overcoat, and looking stern
into the face of his wife. "You knC
that 4 have often told you, that I wa
you to put the children to bed early"
aaseMother forgives you, darling" VIII
~@pered the wife to her child, and tn
added in the same low tone, ssTry and
good boy in future, and rememt
that it always grleves me to see you
dulge in hasty temper" and then wi
- another kiss she led him to hls bed, q
a few moments later the noble boy "
soundly sleeping, for now he had rece
ed his kindly goodnight kiss.
When Mrs. Pason returned to the ID
lor, her husband was standing near I
fire, and there was q dark frown on
face; he bad Invested himself of his o,
DAr garments and thrown them upoi
char; the wife took them up pleasant
I. S,.x -