The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1883-12-20
HIS MOTHERS STORY.
BY JOHN GRAY.

Phoebe Carroll was singing; while 1
was so taken out of myself by the
thrilling, appealing tones of her pathet-
ic voice, that had forgotten my boy.
As the song ended, turned to look for
him with pang of self-reproach, but
he was still sitting where had left him,
his broad back toward me.
An underlined something in his atti-
tude seemed to tell me that he was
troubled or i'll at ease, so threaded
my way through the little knots of
people-slowly, SO as not to attract
attention. Standing close to him were
a young man and a girl, neither of
whom knew. l paused when within
few feet of my boys chair, and list
ened to their conversation, turning over
the leaves of an album.
yes" the girl was saying; 'there
is nothing on earth more sad. / would
rather be deformed-a cripple, deaf or
Gumb-than blind. Oh, l think l
would rather die than lose my sightr
Il almost think L would too," an
swered her companion. "What would
there be to live for, shut out from work
and pleasure alikel And the bitterest
YOU were of no use in the world, but to
feel that, however they might attempt
to disguise it, you were burden and a
continual anxiety to those you"
He had caught my eye and broke off
abruptly his face assuming an express
sion of astonishment as he realized that
was signing to him to follow me. He
came, however, and led the way until
was sure that words could not reach
my boys sharp ears; then | said
81 am sure you cannot be aware that
gentleman near whom you were stand
ing is blind?"
He gave a hasty glance in that di-
rection, then turned dismayed look
on me.
Not really, is he? May you not be
mistaken?n
'Mistaken! He is my son!'
''By Jove! l am sorry! How could
| dream-here-wha brute you must
think me! | would not have said what
did for worldsr'
He was so thoroughly in earnest, and
looked so penitent, that l held out my
hand to him.
Il am sure you would not. quite
acquit you of any desire to wound. In
return you must pardon me for inter-
rupting your conversation.
Here | bowed and half turned away,
while he taking the hint, returned the
inclination and withdrew. But before
7 had moved step from the spot he
was back again with our hostess, Mrs.
Duke who performed the ceremony of
introduction.
Directly after we were exchanging
commonplaces; and before long | had
introduced him to Philip, who 1 saw
plainly recognized his voice in an in
slant.
The young man was evidently anxious
to efface the recollection of his unfort-
unate words from my sons mind, and
he strove so effectually that the poor
boys face cleared up as he listened.
He described or quizZed almost every
one in the room.
Il seem to see them ALL" said
Philip, presently; but l think there
is one you have not mentioned-Mis
Carroll, who was singing little while
ago."
Miss Carroll!'' he repeated, with
slight hesitancy. ''It is difficult to say
anything good enough of her. She is
fair, and very sweet-looking; her face,
figure, and her expression are all
beautiful"
$50 is her voice, said Philip, and
became silent.
Talk of the angels said Mr..
Vores; and turning, | found Phoebe
Carroll at my elbow.
81 am going" she said, giving her
hand first to me and then to each of
the young men. Mamma is tired.
1t has been delightful evening to
me-"
''And to me-" said Philip, quietly.
That song of yours alone would have
made it sc"
Il thought you knew disliked pretty
speeches, Mr.. Muller" she said, color
ing family. But mamma is looking
for me; goodnight
I'VE, too, must 60, Philip" said,
knowing as | did that this sort of
evening was very apt to weary him.
Goodnight he said, shaking hands
with our new acquaintance, cordially.
Il wish you would come in and see
me some day, when you are in our
direction.
THAT I will. You live"
Here is the address," and | handed
him card; and then I guided Philip
away.
Mother he said. when we were at
home again, tell me what he is like
this Vores?n
He has good Saxon face; blue
gray eyes, and fair hs;s rather tum blsd