The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1891-04-25

about Tenny, and 1 amt angry with you
any more, Uncle Joel told Poppy so,
too.
"pm very glad, zouri. Wen be good
friends now, won't we, honey7"
The day was drawing to a beautiful
close. All along by the side OF the water
and in the woods and fields the sounds
Of night could be heard, as the shadows
OF twilight grew longer, and the last
rosy light Of the day melted into dark
ness.
zouri slipped from Uncle Joe's arms
to the ground after they had safely
passed the pond, but she held his hand,
aud he saw that he must take her home,
or at least within sight Of the house,
"zouri, he asked, "did your father
know you were going to bring me that
valentine2"
"No; wouldn't tell him what 1t was
he knew was going to do something
he didn't want me toi but Georgia and
Lous'any knew, and they told me I'd be
whipped for it But won'tin
They were drawing near home now.
The lighted candles and lamps shone
with a cheerful light in the darkness.
@Tll leave you at the big gate, zouri,
You won't be afraid, then, reckon.
Zouri did not answer, and Joe felt a
pain at his heart as the thought came
that, after all, the child did not care
whether he went farther OF not
"Here he comesi" she cried suddenly.
sHe's hunting for me, reckon. Now
he'll make you come in and sit on the
other side Of the chimiyl"
Yes, there was Seth coming along the
road TO meet them. Joe pressed zouri's
hand tightly in his, and was silent
Seth called out in the darkness; "Zouri,
is that you?
"Yes. Poppy, l and Uncle Joe. He
brought me home.
Seth stopped an instant, and then
came nearer
SIS it you, Joef"
"Yes, Seth; me an zouri Joe felt
the need Of compsnionship just then.
"Shake hands with Uncle Joe, Poppyi
He's comm in to sit in that chair across
the chiinly from you. l asked him tol"
Seth held out his hand, and said;
@Come on, Joe, that chairs been empty
these four years reckon you'd better
come in and use it tonight Zouri's
got better sense than her father
u told him bout Tenny, Uncle Joe,
an he's sorry, too, said Zouri
Seth laid one hand on Joe's shoulder,
while with the other he led little Zouri
toward the house. Both arm chairs
were filled that evening, and little
curly headed girl sat first on the knees
that occupied one chair, and then on
those which occupied the other, until at
last she fell asleep in Uncle Joe's arms,
and was carried to bed with his kiss
and blessing resting on her forehead.
"There amt many like her, Seth" he
said. you ought to be mighty thank
full you've got zouri I'd lay down
and die this minute if could see my
Tenny strong and hearty like her"
Then there was a pause.
did you suspect what she was up to,
Seth ?"
81 wasn't right certain but it had
something TO do with you OF Tenny.
But Zouris queer, and when she sets
out to do a thing there's no stopping
ner' 20 geheEa3iiasfX NJ as onsep sslll anu Wtiu
"Did you ever know anybody else like
that SethS"
Then there was a laugh-a laugh
brought back from the past years of love
and brotherly kindness, and it was full
Of promise for the years TO come.
In a few days there was a reunion at
Seth's home Of the six little States.
They were all there, Missouri heading
the list. Next to her was little Tennes-
see, with her crutches; then Lous'any,
Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
I do not know il other States have
been added to this Union since, but 1 dc
know that Zouris valentine brought
back peace that has been abiding. :
| Helen +. Kendrick.