The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-11-10

their OVID. Alas!
Perhaps they were less proud spirited
than this mother. Perhaps they had
less self-respect.
When once these mothers realize that
the children for whom they have lived,
and would gladly die, value them more
for what they have than for what they
are, battle against the unwelcome con-
viction as they may, that realization
works its sorrowful change in their lives.
Some may succeed in making the hide
ous specter down, and may persuade
themselves. indeed, that twas q phantom
only. The difference between these and
this mother was, that she accepted the
truth, and neither tried to deceive her.
self Oh others.
As she neared the home of her brother
in-law her resolve was taken. When she
entered his house she was outwardly
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. 49,.
Mamma was visiting friends in that
town at the time. Mamma is one who
usually follows the leadings of her "
instincts, and always regrets when she
fails 10 do so. She was in Mrs. Ludlow's
sitting room, when Mrs. Alpen applied
for q 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 Il
treasure for some one, and forthwith
proposed that if Mrs. Alpen would go
with her home, two days journey 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 per-
sonal history beyond the fact that she
had married children settled in distant
from whom, at long intervals, she
received letters.
One day it CHANGED that, as mamma
read a paragraph from a newspaper, she
and called Aunty Alpen's atten-
ton to it.
st is your name," said mamma.
'Rowena Alpen. I wish it were your land
also. 1t would make you independent
indeed"
SIT IS my land said Mrs. Alpen,
But l I'M Independent with
it."
And she burst into tears and sank into
q chair mt mammals side, We left them
alone-mamma and our poor friend in
her grief.
IA o. 49,, Sl,k che apE1n ~ N, n ~, y, n
her story that she said was too sorrowful
to be told.
She had been with us seven years. In
all these years lever once had her daugh-
invited her to their homes. They
had been glad she had employment and
was satisfied with her position. They
had ever asked her if it was convenient
to have q visit from n or more OF her
children in their summer vacations.
But they had lever expressed any regret
at the separation, or any desire to have
her become a member of their families.
Until now.
The lot on which her home had stood
bad suddenly become valuable. A coal
vein ran beneath it. The mine was
working. The owner of the shaft wished
TO purchase, and offered a price that as
tonished those who knew nothing OF the
real values. Both daughters at once re.
their flial obligations, and at
once each offered o home with her WI
"God pity me if I am unlike what a
should be, she said. II loved my
children only for loves sake. l hoped
that thus my children would love me.
Love. love was all I asked or craved.
Land cannot buy love nor happiness. All
that l have is theirs. They shall have no
to become impatient for their
mothers death. 1 will give them all
For myself, when I can no longer
work, there remains a poor-house. l will
then go thither."
Is her story too strangely sad to have
been told? l know of other mothers no
less keenly stung by that ''sharper than
a ~serpent's TOOTH" tilial ingratitude and
neglect.
l have but lately been the confdant of
O tale as strangely sad from a gray-haired
o. children in far higher social
than Aunty Alpen's, yet not one
whit above them in filial duty. l know
of another mother this hour, snubbed,
grudged her attic room and her poor bite
and sup. and forced to do her own laun-
dry work in her daughters house, where
rooms, and food, and servants are
plenty.
Why do ] tell Of such shames?
Nl- :.laal ,c1aca IN kbo hono fhat