The Forrest City times., 1891-02-20
"Well Fred" said Sir Wren, ..now do IL I.s.l LII

'I see England is beginning to complain of America, for sending aid to the Irish," ] said, looking over the evening papers.
 ''It would be strange indeed if she did not find fault" said tho Colonel. But Americans will have no trouble of con science on that score. They remember but too well how England assisted the South during the years of our rebellion. There is no doubt in the average American mind, but that England, as a nation, would have rejoiced in the destruction of our republ- can government. It has been thorn in her side ever sincs she drank of the bitter waters Of defeat at Yorktown and New Orleans. England never makes any com plaints about the forty million dollars year that is coming from the Irish Ameri- cans to help to support landlordism in Ire land"
 Forty millonsr' exclaimed Stella "How is thatsn
 q have the statement given for tho truth" said the Colonel Ut is established on reports taken from the different bank ing houses in America, It is stated that the New York banks alone forward twen- ty-five million dollars year of individual contributions from Irish Americans. We grumble at our taxes for paying the inter est on our public debt. but that is only forty-eight millions, while these people pay selfimposed tax of forty millions q year to help their poor relatives in Ireland to pay rent to the British landlords. Can we wonder that they are anxious to see landlordism crushed out of their father lands"
 "A voluntary tax of forty millions ayear paid by American citizens to support and pamper British landlordism The paradox of the nineteenth century is worthy of our serious thoughts"
 That is wonderful fact! But it is quite a different thing to be sending aid to defeat slavery from what it is to support it." said Sir Wren. "The British govern ment Is always on the side of slavery when the final pinch comes. Landlordism is on ly another form of slavery"
 Look here, papa" said Annie handing Sir Wren paper. See how Punch has pictured Gladstone, Parnell aud Salisbury, as three wizards asking when shall we three meet againYn
 Punch always sees the comical side of enything" said Sir Wren, laughing.
 70. did you know we were all to go to Blue Ridge to spend Christmass" l asked after reading my packet of letters.
 That was q key for new theme of dis cussion. Since the Colonel was wounded we had not made any arrangements for the comin holidays We were all very glad to accept the invitation.
 There will be some lively debates at the dinners and receptions" said Sir Wren, flor Cordelia will never limit her circle of friends for political effect"
 On Christmas eve a merry party met at nltia RiIfra batr kh x,. rooms and making ourselves presentable, we passed down to the drawing-room where we were welcomed by the Duke of Melvorne and his lovely wife We were presented to Mrs Haynes. an elderly lady. who had kind. motherly face, with strongly marked features; but they were so nicely blended and harmonized by pa tience and sympathy, that we were attract ed to her at once,
 But what wa5 oaf surprise at seeing ths Colonel when he came into the room, throw his arms about her neck and kiss ing her on lips and brow exelaim:
 70, my motherl How came you heres"
 CT sent for hcr,n said the Duchess q knew you could not spend your holidays with her in America so I sent for her to spend them here with you l had just re- eeived word from Mir. and Mrs Lo!lard that they would be in London before Christmas, when we received your mes sage saying that you were wounded sent message immediately to the Lol- lards asking them to cali on Mrs. Haynes and to invite her to join them on their voyage, and. also sent q message to your mother to be my guest and meet you here.n
 Well, this is a royal surprise" said the Colonel, looking with loving eyes on the face of his mother, after such n long ab- sence.
 Its my Christmas gift to you, Colonel Haynes answered the Duchess. It was characteristic feature of her life to do something To make others happy, in the most unexpected way and al m unexpect- cd time
 ''It was rather tedious waiting." said Mrs. Haynes, Il have been he weeN
 But, Colonel, you will ..on my sell fshness." said the Duchess "I have had so much pleasure in my quiet visit with your mother, that I am almost sorry the week was so short.'
 The conversation soon became general. Meivcrne was in high spirits with his family" as he familiarly called us An nie seemed shy and embarrassed; but through Stellas thoughtfulness she was soon talking at her ease with Mrs, Haynes.
 "I almost felt that 1 was personally ac- quainted with you, Lady Wayerland,' said Mrs. Haynes, addressing Stella, while she was gently coaxing Myrtle to her side 'Mr. and Mrs. Lollard were very pleasant companions and gave me vivid deserip- tions of you all on our voyage"
 We had most delightful journey to- gether in California and Colorado They helped to form happy party" said Stella.
 Mother" said tho Colonel, joining the group and taking Annie by the hand, "al- low mo to introaeca to you my chosen bride"
 Mrs. Haynes adjusted her glasses. then rising from her chair, said
 'I greet you as n daughter. l have learned to love the gentle Annie from the frequent letters that came when my son was i'll. I felt that some one was dear to him by the wording of the messages. If you have won the love of my noble boy will gladly give you my blessing. His hap. piness K my greatest desire,n she contin- ucd, drawing Annie to her and giving her such a tender motherly kiss. that 1 felt sure there would be real pleasure in their new relations of mother and daughter.
 The Colonel looked too happy for words fin possessing the love of two so dear to him. I almost envied the love of his mother. l could only think of one distant grave, but it was a garden full of sweet memories,
 After dinner as we were returning to tho