Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1888-12-06
No, 81.

was no happiness. Milly Was the only
one, and her mother had been dead
many years. There were many nights
when the old man sat at his lonsl v
tireside, trying TO convince himself that
he was night in shutting his hears
against his disobedient child, but the
face Of that child would come up, and.
peer sadly out at him from the shadows.
She WAS happy. She did not cuze
for the lonely old f.ther--she had her
husband, and that was all she wanted.
But when Christmas Day came, and
with book from Paul and dressing
gown from Mllly, he concluded that
they remembered him, bat tina. Paul.
wanted to get ON the right SIDE OF him
for the sake of his money.
One bitter cold day, when the ice
crusted the sidewalks, and hung in gilt
tering fringes from the roofs and
windows, be crossed the ri yer and
centered G.. Somebody had
given him their address, and he
would 90 around and see what kind Of
place they lived in. lie had no in
tention Of calling, but he wanted to
know where 1t was, and what kind Of
nest they had built.
Now, as everybody knows, icy side
walks are the most treacherous ofthings
and no one one in their sound senses
will place an atom of confidence in
them, but Mr.. Preston was very alb
stracted on this particular morning.
and presently be was down in the very
hardest spot be could select.
For moment he was in the full
glare of Il meteoric shower. and then he
was numb and chilled.
"Are you hurt, sir? No, guess
not. You're all right!' said dozen
voices, but they were very dull and in.
distinct to Mr.. Preston, who was trying
to straighten himself out.
Suddenly some one said
"Why, bless me, It's papa Here
papa, take my arm. What shaking
YOU have had !" and little Milly, with
her market. basket, led him along like
Il child.
He went on silently TO the tidy little
home, sat down by the fire in the arm
chair, saw the bright face fit to and
fro, and heard her soft voice now and
then breaking out with song, as tho
the 10y in her heart was bubbling forth
in music.
He could not speak word, and Mil.
ly seeing this, kept on with her work,
and left him alone. But after awhile
came a quick step on the walk, and
through the open door the old man saw
Paul come in, in all his health and
strength, and lean down and kiss Mil
ly. Then he came into the parlor.
"Why, father! Is this you.
The old man stood up.
What had he done, that this great
fellow should call him father" and
3 hold out his hand in such a hearty well
come
lie really did not know, but he put
his hands out, too and cried out, with
tears coursing down his face:
"God bless you, Paul. l am here.
but I'm out Of place
"Not at all. I've been hoping to see
you every day.
If ever there was happy woman.
it was MilIy, that day when she sat at
the table with her husband and her ia
ther, and saw the "blessed old angel
, eat her rolls and chickenpie, and ask
for a second slice Of pudding.
'rhere's no use talking" said Mr..
Preston, in confidence to friend. "peo
pie who marry for love and get the
right hang of it are bound to prosper.
| thought my scapegraces would starve
with only five hundred dollars, but
bless, you! l believe they wonld have