The morning call., 1891-08-21

from Fay"
Lottie's handwriting on the outside, but
when he took out the small, pink sheet his
heart throbbed, for he knew his little girl
had penned it.
Read it," said Mabel.
1t was written well for girl OF 10. and
had cost Fay much time and trouble. 1t
read:
Dear Mabel: 1t is very nice place here.
Aunt LoItie is very good. The conductor was
also very good. l hope you don't eat dinner
with Annie Dobson. How are my dear papa aud
mamma? l want TO see them and you very
much. l think will come home before long.
Write soon 10 your a1eclonate ,,-
Fenwick put the paper back in the envelope
and kissed it.
"When you answer this" he said to
Mabel, tell Fay that papa kissed her
letter"
Somebody told you." she said; "Fay's
mamma kissed it too"
Fenwick c0lored
Did she see ii, toOp'
why, yes, when went to scho this
morning, you know"
'Does she know you come here"
Mabel laughed again.
"Why, yes" she said.
as she very lonesome?"
You both ask me the same questions.
When | 60 to see my new mamma she says:
DO yon think Fay's papa is very lone
some =
rs that SOP"
Mabel nodded.
81 am going to see her now," she said.
after minute.
"WhO?" asked Fenwick.
'Who have We been talking about?" said
Mabel. smiling; my new mamma. She had
headache this morning, and thought I'd
60 twice to-day"
That's right" said the new mammals
husband. Was she very Ill?
II think So"
Ralph Fenwick ran his fingers through his
dark lucks
suppose you send her something by NE ?"
said Mabel
"What! cried Fenwick.
Mabel nodded.
Don't you remember when Fay and l
took the tin candlestick, and how pleased
she WASP"
Fenwick walked around the Office.
remember said he.
You might send me pair of scissors,
only that isn't good siSn-somethlng awful
might happen"
son, well then, won't send them," said
he, with faint smile.
Il suppose flowers are what the sick
should always have, but you don't have
flowers IN your store" said Mabel.
Fenwick paused in his walk. A red spot
burned on each cheek.
4" You wait here and I'll be back in a
minute" said lie.
He took his hat from behind the door and
went out OF the store. Presently he re-
turned with a little bunch of yioets in his
hand.
Here are your flowers" said he, holding
them out TO her. Give them to her if you
want to"
Mabel reached for them with q little
scream of delight.
"Violetsw she said. "And I know a
nice little verse TO say when give them 10
her. Wouldn't that be nice?'
Very nice, said Fenwlck.
Mabel ran away joyfully. She could
hardly wait now. Every little While she
lifted the flowers and smeled them.
They different from our little vi
let's" she thought" bigger, with more
leaves, and they smell more"
She saw Mrs. Fenwick in the window as
knocking
See what I've brought ~ she cried,
holding out the bouquet.
She raised them to her nostrils English
yIolets had tender ASSOCIATIONS for her.
They are yours" said Mabel. putting
her hands behind her. "Fay's papa sent
them, and he said he thought it would be
very nice to say this verse with them;
" The Is red,
The violet blue,
Do you love me
AS love yOu?'
Mrs. Fenwick did not move her head.
The color slowly mounted to her forehead
Then she raised the flowers to her lips and
kissed them.
81 thought you'd like 'em," said Mabel.
Then, noticing tnat the tears were running
down Mrs. Fenwick' 5 cheeks, she ran and
threw her arms around her Don't cry {;
don't, please DON'T" she said, entreatingly.
Mrs. Fenwick drew the little face down
to hers ana kissed it.
did ne really send them?" she asked.
"Of course" said Mabel.
Mrs. Fenwick was silent minute. Then
she detached one Of the yiolets from the
others.
mabel, are You very tired?' she asked.
Mabel looked out of the window.
Not so very" she answered.
And will you do something for me?"
"Of course | will" said the child, smiling.
Then take this back to your new papa
and tell him l sent it,"
"Only one?"
Zone is enough" said Mrs. Fenwick.
smiling through her tears.
Her mind went back TO the time when she
hrst sent Ralph violet. token of her love
! for him. After the child had gone she went
! TO the door and watched her down the
street Her heart thrubbed loudly, but she
! kept the fragrant yiolets clasped IN her
hands.
Mr.. Fenwick had not been himself since
Mabel mad departed. The books lay open
before him, but he paid no attention to them,
| he had hardly stirred when Mabel returned
| She was very tired, but held out the flower
| TO him with smile.
II wish 1t was more than cne," she said, a
TITLE ashamed Of the gift she was bringing,
but she said one would be enough"
| Mr.. Fenwick's heart gave bound.
| who did," lie cried. and almost choked
in asking the question.
My new mamma" answered Mabel,
| frightened at his emotion. 'She liked the
flowers very much, and kissed them. and
told me to bring this back to you."
God bless the child" cIed Ralph. CATCH
Ing up his hat aud taking the little one in
| his arms.
Up the street they went. faster and faster.
Mabel did not dare ask to be left at her own
house.
Mrs. Fenwick saw them coming. She
started toward the door, but it had already
been opened. Mabel walked in, and Ralph
and his wife stood motiOnlpss in each
others arms. Mabel walked about the
| room feeling trifle i'll at ease. Finally She
returned to speak to them, smiling brayeIv.
though there were tears in her eyes.
Il WISH" she said, that it was time for
Fay to come back. l don't think can take
care OF you two much longer"