The Mineral argus., 1884-12-25

AAAANNN AAAhAhtAAhAN az 49,
Gus that Loring had dealt falsely with
him ever since that Christmas night OF
IS7-. Perhaps his wife still lived
/, and yet, what object could Loring have
had in reporting herdeath had it not
actually occurred? Lanier decided to
start at once for Boston, for he would,
at least, find his children.
At the beginning of this narrative
Mr.. Lanier was described standing OPP
posite the great show window of Wads-
worth & Co, having just arrived from
Calcutta.
Let us now look into the window
ourselves and endeavor to discover
what has so interested him-yet, be-
fore doing so, one word concerning the
window and its decorator. Change
after change in this particular window
had been made during the last two
years, the progressive public demands
always something new; and now, this
Christmas (of which we particularly
tell, Mrs. Lanier had been puzzled as
to how she should arrange her window
so that it might compete with, or be
not less attractive than those of the
great houses of Messrs. - and
4ItcclC- 4 NItlI ittI lltlEAiUOIN.
After considerable study she decided
to reproduce a Christmas scene the
reality of which had left an inexpress-
IDLY sad impression on her mind. The
task was Immediately begun and soon
finished.
And now we find the husband gaz-
ing at a picture the likeness of which
has been photographed in his memory
during his five long years of exile.
There, in the back parlor, is the
Christmas tree beneath the electric
light, beside it the two children, so
lfelike their faces-'though of wax.
The holiday scene on Beacon Hill Of
five years ago had been faithfully cop
led. Presently the door at the large
main entrance Of the store opened
and a lady and an elderly gentleman
came out together. Lanier, with a
cry, sprang forward.
"My wife"
"Clifford-alive" and Mrs. Lanier
was folded in her husbands arms.
"Lanier," said the old gentleman who
was none other than Mr.. Wadsworth.
''we are thankful. indeed, to welcome
you back as one risen from the dead.
You are doubtless informed of recent
events, and now retribution shall be
81 am already in receipt of all that
require--" with a fond glance at his
wife-"except my children, and | feel
certain hat they are alive and we'll. "
eyes, DEAR" answered Mrs. Lanier,
'and you must see them at once; they
IRE both at Mr.. Wadsworth's, where
we were to spend this Christmas eve
how singular that you should have
arrived on this night; God is indeed
''Yes," said Mr.. Wadsworth, "and
we will all so home in a herdic-
rot a wheelborrow-ha! hal and |
anticipate spending this evening the
most joyous Christmas of my life"
1t was indeed, a happy family re-
mion, and each member had received
Christmas gift of priceless value.
Mr.. Lanler was urged to resume his
I'D place at once, but being now pos
essed Of abundant means, he declined.
nd shortly afterwards stated with his
amily for an extensive European tour.
They remained abroad three years, and
lpon their return to Boston Mr.. Lanier
purchased the house on Beacon hill
where they still reside, one of the hap
iest families in all New England.
The children grown to a Il gen.
of twenty and a young lady of
ev%enteen, have not completed their
cholastic career. Clifford, IT,, is in
is senior year al Harvard, and, after
raduating, proposes to study law. His
lther hoped that his son would choose
he profession of medicine, while his
lother was anxious that he should
inter- the ministry; but Clifford Jr. had
hosen wisely. Miss Grace Lanier is
ursuing her studies at Andover Female
eminary. She has devoted herself to
Ocal music and Mr.. Wadsworth's
randson, Phillip, insists that she pos
esses the sweetest contralto voice in
and she, with a suspicious
lush, remarks that Phillip has a fine
aratone.
The old wheel of time continues to
on its axis, and on every
hristmas eve the Laniers and Wads-
orths unite in returning thanks to
i'm who, after many days, revealed
silver lining of the dark cloud that
yershadOwed a haDDv hOusehold on