Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-23
HIS GRATITUDE.
A Woman's Reward for Doing . Kind
Action.

From the New YORK Morning journal
A. Mrs. Wilson was returning home from
milking one night she was accosted by . poor
boy in rags who begged for glass of milk. He
was such pitiful looking object and yet had
such an honest face that she persuaded him to
tell her his story. He confessed that he had
just broken out Of Jail, where he had been inn
prisonsd for no crime Of his own. but for the
reason that he had been found in company
with some thieves when they were appre-
hended- This story might have gained little
credence with some people, but Mrs. Wilson
was warm-hearted and believed him. She not
they arrived, but gave the lad a new suit tot Of
clothes and bundle of necessary articles
Even the pocket Bible she had given to her son
Johnnie was included in the bundle. Then
with many words of advice to the motherless
boy she sent him on his way overcome with
gratitude.
"John," said Dr. Davenant to one of his
,, clerks whom he had summoned to his private
office, you've been working hard all winter
1t was not the habit of the senior member
OF the wealthy firm Of Davenant, Haviland 4
Co. to say much to his employees aside from
| necessary instructions, and there was some
he said:
Il hardly think can afford one."
"Oh, mean that it shall be in the way Of
business, 30 your salary will 60 on all the same.
I've bought place in Milford, Conn.,, and
want you to see about some repairs that are
needed ne Are you acquainted in that part Of
Il ought to be-" cried the young man, with
sparkling eyes. "Why, was horn in Milford,
living there until l was fourteen, and know
every nook and crook in it In what part of
the town did you buy?"
I'm the southern part, on the river. 1t is
called the old Roberts place, believe"
Its the old homestead, where / spent the
happiest part of my life. Mothers maiden
name was Roberts; the property came through
her."
The speaker'svoice trembled with suppressed
emotion, but if MIR. Davenant noticed it he did
not seem to do so.
1T is beautiful place. don't see how you
| could make up your mind to part with it."
1t was not matter of choice, sir. It was
mortgaged at the time of fathers death. For
some time mother kept up the interest, but at
last q series of misfortunes. in the way Of sick
ness and bad crops, obliged her to let it CO."
Where is she living now2'
''She is living in little cottage that hired
for her in town adjoining Milford; SO shall
have an opportunity of seeing her if CO."
II want to get trusty, competent woman to
take charge Of the place. as don't expect to
be there myself more than two or three weeks
IN the summer. Perhaps your mother would
like to do sop
Johns face flushed with surprise and pleas
| ure.
"She would like nothing so well, sir; nor
could you get any one that would suit you bet
| ter"
Very we'll; then it is settled that YOU start
tomorrow morning. Here is some money. and
you are to draw on me if you need more.
want you to buy good horse and a COW and
some other things that you will find on this
list. II 10 my intention to start a branch Office
In Milford for the sale of our manufac tures
clarpp al m | will att
to that myself when l come on in June"
MIR. Davenant was as good as his word reach
ing Milford about the middle of that month";
John going to the station to meet him. The
young man was too animated and excited to
notice his companions grave, preoccupied
air.
Il don't believe there was ever a happier
woman than mother, now she has got back to
her old home, he said, as they came in view
of the house.
Strangely conflicting feelings filed Mr.. Da-
yenants heart as he alighted at the gate.
Here he had stood a homeless, outcast boy
fifteen years before. The same sunset hues
burned brightly in the western sky; ON every
side were the same bloom and verdure. And
there was the same gentle, meek-browed wo-
man-somewhat older, but with the same
pleasant smile upon her face-coming down
the path to meet them.
1t is your house, not mine, to which you
bid me welcome" said Mr.. Davenant in reply
to her greeting, las you will see by examining
this paper"
The paper that Mrs. Wilson took into her
trembling hand was deed Of the place, made
out in her own name.
Il don't understand it," she faltered lifting
her eyes to those that were looking at her
through grateful tears.
Perhaps this will make you understand it
more clearly" said Mr.. Daveuant. placing in
her hand pocket Bible. on the fy-leaf of
which was written: To John Wilson from his
affectionate mother. Remember thy Creator
in the days of thy YOUTH"
Beneath it, in holder and more recent char
acters, were the following: Cast thy bread
upon the waters and thou shalt find it after
many days"