The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1886-01-13

Mamma" she whispered, "Santa
Claus was there know, for be Answered
me. Uncle will Gomez
Mrs. Martin kissed her little girl with
q sad, incrcduous smile.
"Let us hope he will my love. And
now you must get to bed without further
delay" and laying her work aside she
arose to see her little ones in their hum
bic couch.
While the children had been engaged
at their play man had approached the
cottage from without, and pausing in
front of 1t, surveyed it gloomily.
And this is the place to which she
has been driven" he. murmured: "he
must be dead then. Has poverty soft.
ened her heart, wonder, or would she
still drive me from her with harsh and
bitter words2 have enough to lift them
all to happiness and plenty; may
shower it upon them, or must l be
wandercr once more2 II only had some
sign-some means Of knowing whether
my return would be whether
on this anniversary night of three years
ago--there is feeling of tenderness, of
longing in her heart, for me. One word
of intimation that the past would be
forgotten and forgiven, would reconcile
us again, and make us both so happy"
AS he stood there, irresolute, his eye
fell upon the low roof, and sudden and
novel idea entered his mind.
"The children will doubtless be petit
tioning Santa Claus for Christmas gifts;
and how should like to play the part
OF the good saint In their behalf, and far
to the chimney could hear all they say;
and II one word of tender remembr ance
reaches me will go to her, acknowledge
my error, and bring, on this Christmas
Eve, happiness, joy and peace to her
heart. There will be no one passing this
lonely place, and there is no danger of
my being seen"
Possessed with this idea, and trem-
bling with excitement, he drew himself
slowly and carefully uu on the wooden
palings, and from thence gained the
roof. lie had scarcely secured himself
at his novel post when Eddie's sturdy
voice reached his ear, followed by the
gentler accents of his little niece. Then
followed a short silence; and disap-
pointed and sad, he was about to vacate
his post, when once more the soft silvery
tones came floating up:
"Dear Santa Claus, won't you please
bring Uncle Eddie back to mammal She
wants to forgive hum, she cries for him
every day. Oh, dear Santa Claus, say
you willp
The mans eyes grew heavy with joy
ful tears, and almost involuntarily, he
made the answer which had so surprised
his little niece and then sliding noise
lessly down, sped with rapid steps
toward the distant city.
An hour had passed, and Mrs. Martin
still sat with her head bowed upon
her hands, and her mind travelling sor-
rowfully over the past. Three years be-
fore she had been happy in the love of a
husband and brother; now she was bereft
of both. A dispute, trivial in its COM
ihenccmeht had arisen between the two
men both wele proud, high tempered,
and hasty; and although a word from
her, fitly spoken, would have sufficed to
/ pour oil on the troubled waters, and re-
store all to peace and harmony again, it
/ was withheld; and taking sides with her
| husband, she added her reproaches and
recriminations to his; and the war waged
ilercer and tercer until In moment of
uhgoVernable passion she bade him leave
her house, and never darken her doors
again.
Bitterly had she since repented the
words when it WAS too late to recall
them, and miles separated her from the
brother she had loved so dearly. And
when at the end Of two years her
husband died, leaving his business
affairs so complicated and embar-
rassed, that in few months afterward
she had been driven to this meager
home, and despite her utmost efforts
destitution stared them in the face, the
bitter sting of poverty added 10 her
grief and remorse until it seemed that
life was too great burden to bear; and
her heart yearned to aching for the re-
turn of that wandering brother, and the
soothing balm of peace and rcconcila-
tion.
"Oh, that my sweet Nellie's childish
fancies might be realized ~ she muir
INJURED, sadly; "that there was some
good spirit to bear my love and repent
anc to my dear brother, and restore him
once more to my arms! That would be
blessed Christmas gift, indeed"
Even while she spok5. low knock
sounded on the door. Rising from heI
seat, she drew the bolt with trembling
haste, and threw the door open, to be
confronted by man, mutiled up so as tC
be unacceptable and his arms full OF
bundles.
"Will you allow Santa Claus to fulf
the desires of the dear little ones whC
have asked in such loving faith to
night2" he said, with a grave sweetness
then stepping into the room he laid hi
bundles ON the table, and pushing hi
cap from his brow, confronted her.
, ~ have come back to you, Nellie" h,
said, holding out his arms; "for frou
the lips of my own dear little niece
J have heard that am forgiven"
! A low cry of JOY broke from the lip
, of the widowed mother as she fell int
the arms outstretched to receive her