Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1890-12-27

brother Philip, with whom ne
had quarreled, and in that case he Wen
remembered his own quick, hot temper
had been to blame; perhaps it was; SO
now at any rate he felt bis mother was
as much entitled to his obedience now
as then, and as the words lett her Ups
he extended his hand. 1t was instantly
grasped by his brother-in-law. No one
spoke for time. Then Andrew SAID:
"John, you know there is no man
whose good will I would rather have
than yours" "There," interrupted
John, "let us say no more about It,. L
have no doubt | was to blame. It's the
Garth temper causes my mlsdolngs,
isn't it. mother?" Mrs Garth smiled.
81 have noticed often" she said, "that
temper was convenient scape, goat Tor
all our bad deeds, and i think 1t about
time that temper was taught to know
it's place and be controlled by Judg-
ment." She rang the bell as she spoke,
and soon temporary meal was placed
before them.
Grandmother played her part as host
ess perfectly, and as long as they lved
the two guests never forgot that hour
spent at rs. For ali her so years
Mrs. Garth was an excellent converse
tionalist, and as she still took a lively
interest in the world around her, as
we'll as the outside world, she was we'll
informed on all general subjects. And
now she exerted herself. Wise opln-
ions, witty retorts, racy anecdotes, tell
one after another from her lips, aston
ishing and charming her listeners.
"Weli," said Mr.. Saunders, as he drew
on his gloves, 81 do not think | ever
enjoyed myself better. Mother, l
must beg you to repeat this entertain
ment." The old lady laughed.
''Thanks," she said. II appreciate the
compliment; Andrew, b vi | fear tins IS
interrupted John, you must not say
to lunch here with me during the holi-
days | will have Philip and Thorn
ton, too. but mother must be the only
lady to entertain us four boys"
Come" said Mrs. Garth, cit is time
we were going. | will not forget the
appointment, John, and know will
enjoy it if | can meet you"
Alas, alas we know not what day
or an hour will bring forth: Dear old
grandmother, never again did she en-
terrain her "boys" at rs.
But 1 digress. When the old lady ar
rived at home after her exciting day
she was very much fatigued, and begged
that she might not be expected down
stairs again that evening. Mrs. John
Garth herself carried her a cup of tea,
and saw her comfortably in bed. "My
DEAR" she said, as her daughterin-law
assisted her to don her night-dress.
"show John Philips letter this evening,
and ask him to join you in an invitation
to Andrew and his folks for our Christ
mas dinner"
"Will it do any good, mother? It is
six months now since they have
spoken
"Try it, dear. You never know what
can be done until you try. And now,
goodnight / feel quite worn out; but
[ feel that 1 have done good days
work"
"Good night" said Mrs. John, going
out and softly closing the door. She
stood while in the hall thinking. "Of
COURSE" she said to herself, 81 will try,
as mother says. Dear old woman, it
troubles her, know; and l don't think
she will be with us long. ought to tell
John that notice that she grows fee
bier; but | hate to worry him."
That night, in the privacy of their
own room, Mrs. John gave his brothers
wite's letter to her husband, saying, as
Philip again; and, John, have letter
from our own grille; she is coming, too,
and will bring our grandchild. Isn't it
odd, John, that we are grandparents? |
think your mother will be proud of her
first great-grandchild.
Mr.. Garth looked up from the letter
he was try ng to read. "Sarah," he
said, solemnly, II am proud of my
mother"
"And so you ought to be-" reioined
his wife, heartily. "And, John, you
can give her great pleasure by forgiv-
ing Uncle Saunders, and inviting him to
dinner Christmas. 1t may be her last
Christmas, John"
Don't, Sarah; can't bear that. Dear
old mother, [ am ashamed that I gave
her that trouble in her old age. But it
is all over now, and we will have a
merry Christmas, all together-parents,
brothers, sisters, children, and" he
laughed, "grandchild."
Then he told his wife of the scene at
the restaurant. ooh ~ said Mrs. John,
81 feel as if 1 could not wait until morn
ing to talk it over with her. How she
must have enjoyed it; and how good, oh,
how good she is"
All ! me, such days as that Christmas
Day at John Garth's come all too sell
dom, and yet it is generally our own
fault. We might have so many happy
days if we only would. God is good.
He gives us such glorious opportunities
for happiness if we only would accept
them.
That day at John Garth's everybody
made the most Of their opportunity, and
consequently everybody enjoyed them
selves. And when Grandmother Garth
sat with her first great grandson in her
arms it was hard to tell which woman