The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1881-06-09


lives. Some may succeed in making
the hideous specter down. and may per-
suade themselves. indeed, that twas q
phantom only. The difference between
these and this mother was, that she ac-
cepted the truth, and neither tried to
deceive herself or others.
As she neared the home of her broth
er-in-law her resolve was taken. When
she entered his house she was outward
ly calm, and could talk of her loss and
her intentions, with even tones and
quiet air.
After arranging with him to dispose
of her COW and chickens, she took the
cars to the next town, and began to
search for employment.
Mamma was visiting friends in that
town at the time. Mamma is one who
usually follows the leadings of her own
instincts, and always regrets when she
fails to do SO. She was in Mrs. Lud-
lows sitting-room when Mrs. Alpen ap-
piled for position as general assistant,
asking only for kind treatment and
small wages.
Mrs. Ludlow had no place for her,
but mamma felt assured that here was
q treasure for some one, and forthwith
proposed that if Mrs. Alpen would go
with her to her home, two days jour
ney by rail, she would give her suitable
employment at fair wages.
Mamma shortened her visit in order
to bring Aunty Alpen home. She has
remained mammals most valuable
helper ever since.
For years we knew nothing of her
personal history beyond the fact that
she had married children settled in dis
tant places, from whom, at long and
irregular intervals, she received letters.
One day it CHANGED that, as mamma
read a paragraph from a newspaper,
she smiled and called Aunty Apen's
attention to it.
ssIt is your name," said mamma.
"Rowena Alpen. visa it were your
land also. 1t would make you indepen-
dent indeed"
"It is my land" said Mrs. Alpen,
quietly. "But am independent with
out it"
And she burst into tears and sank
into q chair at mammals side. We LEFT
them alone-mamma and our poor
friend in her grief.
1t was then that she confded to
mamma her story that she said was toe
pitifully sorrowful to be told.
She had been with us seven years.
In all these years never once had hel
daughters invited her to their homes,
They had been glad she had employ.
ment and was satisfied with her posi-
ton. They had even asked her il il
was convenient to have visit from one
or more of the children in their summer
vacations. But they had never ex'
pressed any regret at the separation, ol
any desire to have her become q mem
Der of their families.
Until now.
The lot on which her home had stood
had suddenly become valuable. A
coal-vein ran beneath it. The mine
was working. The owners of the shat
wished to purchase, and offered price
that astonfshed those who knew nothing
of the real values. Both daughters a
once remembered their filial obligations
and at once each offered 3 home with
her own family
"God pity me il am unlike what 6
mother should be-" she said. "IloveC
my children only for loves sake.
hoped that thus my children woult
love me. Love, love was all asked o.
crayed. Land canrot buy love mo-
happiness All that have is theirs
They shall have no temptation to be
come impatient for their mother
death. will give them all now. Fo
myself, when / can no longer work
there remains the poor-house- Tl
60 thither."
Is her story too strangely sad to hav,
been told? know of other mothers NJ
less keenly stung by that ..Sharper thai
q serpent's tooth, filial ingratitude ano
neglect. t.z--
Il have but lately been the confdan
of tale as strangely sad from gray
haired mother of children in far highe
social scale than Aunty Alpen's. yet no
one whit above them in filial duty.
know of another mother this hour
snubbed, grudged her attic room ant
her poor bite and sup, and forced to d.
her own laundry work in her daughter
house. where rooms, and food, and serv
ants are plenty.
Why do / tell of such shames?
Why, indeed, unless in the hope tina
some who have eyes to see may see, ant
who have ears to hear may hear an,
understand For these stung heart
of sorrowing mothers are remembered
by One who in the day of His power j
mighty to avenge.-Mdry Z. c. Wyeth
in Illustrated Christidn Weekly.
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