The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1883-07-06


another's BURDEN
This was her prayer, aud the an
swer came, a light dawned.
10, what "A blind girl | have
beeu,r she said, sOrrowfully. "Here
I've utterly Ignored the burdens in
my own home. III begin here with
papa. Now, as / think seriously,
| believe papa las many burdens.
lie looks lrale, worn aud weary
That evening AS Mr.. Duncan left
the street car at the corner and
walked towards his home, his heart
was very heavy. He was tired and
going home. Why did not his face
brighteuf Because he was weary
OF the same old routine. He knew
it by heart. He would let himself
into the front hall with the help OF
his nignt.key. A dim light would
be burning there, but no one in
sight. Then he would throw aside
his heavy coat, his hat, bis over
shoes, aud make his way 10 the Ii.
brary, which WAS never lighted un
til he came aud struck the match.
His wife would be up in her room
aud Christie either in hers or over
at Floy Ratbbone's; he would see
them at the table a half hour later,
when Dorcas had supper ready.
Then after supper he would return
to the his library, his wife would
run over to some of the ncighb0rs,
or perhaps to her room, and Chris.
tie would entertain callers in the
parlor, or busy herself in some out
oitIe-way corner. That is the
story he could have told you, but
then he would not; MIR. Duncan
was too proud u man to let the
world know that his home life was
not quite satisfying. He had some
unbid,lcn thoughts as he walked
along.
"Wallace Mayne wanted me t.
Join their club this evening
They've been fitting up the rooms
In crimson upholstery, have new
chandeliers, aud an elegant new
vine service, cut glass and silver
lie says that they have jolly times
there. All! what am | thinking
Off Pshau! what does q sober
family man like me mean to be
thinking OF Il club like that y
Aud u look o! pain came into Mr.
Duncau's eyes. lie reached his
own door, put the key in the lock
but did not turn it; tho door was
opened for him by Christie, VIII,
greeted him warmly.
"You look cold and tired, papa
she said. kissing bim. "Let mt
help YOU off with your coat"
"What does it all mean, dear q
Mr.. Duncan asked In q sort OF dazed
way, which made Christie's heart
ache, "What does what mean
papa"
"Why, everthing-you here tc
meet your father, the bright hall
the sitting room and library all
aglow. Have you company, Chris
tie 7!
"Not unless you call yourself
seomnauy' Come INTO the sitting.
ro0ni, papa."
Mrs. Duncan was there with a
smile upon her lace. "Christie has
everything ready tor you this time,
she said.
Mr.. Duncan glanced around
His large chair stood near the CRATE,
the foOt.rest conveniently near
Christie stood holding his dressing
gown, while his slippers were warm
ing Oh the hearth. Rich and infiu
ential though he was, this home at
tention was something new to him
AS be sat down there were tears in
his eyes. He put out one hand
Christie was beside him, halt
laughing, hali-crying.
.Oh, papa! l never in my hf,
life felt so ashamed and humbled
to think such u trife Of attention
from a daughter is so new an oc
currence as to surprise you. Cal
you. will YOU fOrpive mefn
I'll there is aught to be forgiven
you are forgiven, dear child. Ian
q happy man tonight
After supper Christie read tn
evening papers for her father
Home had never been SO sweet be
fore.
"You have saved my eyes SOM
hard work my darling; the papel
is almost too fine print for me-"
"rhen count on me every night
papa"
The days rolled on, Christie learn
ing new lessons in burden bearing
The opportunities were many nov
that she had opened her eyes AM
loving heart. She found that he
father enjoyed all her little atteil
tions. She could play, sing or rea'
to him ss she desired. Sometime
q plate OF fruit with n napkin an'
knife were waiting for him, some
} times a dish OF nuts aud raisins
sometimes laughter,provoking Al
ticle was marked for bis beneti
and through it all he could feel hi
daughter's love, and life grew e'
) sier.
} Then, too, Christie helped hs
mother bear her burdens. I'll