Morning journal and courier., 1892-12-28
Mrs. Parker's Christmas.

After that memorable Thanksgiving day,
when Mrs. Parker received her previous
letter from her grandson in Chicago, a
great change was apparent in the little
woman's behavior. There was an air of
suppressed excitement and expectancy
about her, and happier look on her worn,
white face. Her eyes, too, were brighter,
with something of hope in their depths,
and delicate color came and went on the
wrinkled cheeks.
She went about among her employers as
usual, doing their laborlous work, as she
had done for so many years. They heard
her singing, while she worked, fragments
of hymns that shs had learned in child
hood. but which che had scarcely thought
OF since. One she sang more than all the
others. 1t seemed to be her fsvoriee
"When can read my title clear" Over,
and over egain she sang it; and tine thin,
cracked voice rose and fell in cadences Of
song, breaking on the high notes and often
failing her entirely.
She carried the letter, wrapped in a bit
of newspaper, everywhere she went, and
showed it to the people for whom she
worked. It was touching to see the air of
innocent pride with which che displayed
| it, as she said, "Pve had letter from my
gran'son out in Chicago. Prehsps you
might like to see It." Faulty as 1t was in
construction and orthography, there was
| an honest, manly ring in 1t, and a touch
| of pathos withal, which made more than
| one eye moisten in sympathy with the lit
tie woman.
| Cordial congratulations she received
from all; for her employers had learned to
entertain a hearty respect for the uncom-
planning bravery which she always dis
played.
Mrs. Huntley paid her the money for the
two months work due and inisted on Civ
ing her a nestly-msde black gown which
| was nearly new, but which did not suit
her exactly. at will need only a slight
alteration" che said, land it will be 8
good dress for You to wear on your jour
ney." 1t required much persuasion on
Mrs. Huntley's part before Mrs. Parker
would accept the gift, 'for 1t seems jes
like charity" she said.
The last week, however, she stayed al
| homs, as there were many things to get in
| readiness for the removal. The little Grip
pied girl who lived next door was her con
stant companion during these days. How
they talked and planned for the splendid
futurel This fsiry-like future that opened
wide before them; and wild were the i'm
aginations of the visionary pair.
Mrs. Parker wanted TO raise money
L =, sa1a of har nd of1
household furniture, which she could no
| take with her, to bay a wheeled chair fo
| the child, SO that she might be able to pro
| pei herself through the streets aud recsiv'
the benefit of the fresh air and brigh
sunshine. But, of course, this was pro
found secret now; 1t must be kept for
surprise at the very last moment, when l
would help to sssuage the grief of parting
On the evening of December 22d every
thing was In readiness, and Mrs. Parker
arrsyed in the new black gown, sat in he
| rocking chair before the stove, nervousl
expectant; starting at every sound ant
listening to every football in the street be
low. The tes-kettle was singing on th
highly polished stove and the table wa
spread for two. The room was bright an
cosy in the warm light and the clock wa
at its old tricks. 1t was as noisy as ever
1t ticked as loudly as II voice spske, "h
/ 1s coming, ne ID coming.
At last she heard hurried step, whic
as she listened seemed to pause in front c
the house; and then after awhile ahe hear
the same footstep. stumbling and uncel
tain now, coming up the stairs. he
heart stood still for a moment, then bea
so violently that she could scarcely g
O. her breath.
She opened the door and broad shsi
3 | of light strsamed across the open garrt
, | and reached the stairs, up which a man
: head and broad shoulders were just az
4 pearing. She stood still as he spproache
= her, a great stalwart young fellow full
! 1 six feet in height.
"Does Mis- Parker live heret" he asked
"rm Mis- Parker" she replied, "t
. you Dick Tsylorl"
"Thst's my name cure" laughed Dicl
!. . "and you're my gran'mother an no mi
: take" as he gave her a ringing smac
on each cheek.
'I never should a-knowed you," sl
: said, looking up into his face; "Ye
, | amt a mite like yer mother S.he VI
: hala'some; the las timeI ever see her b.
. face WAS as white as lily, an her cheel
were jes' like live Goals. She looked
!. perty az wax doll, eff / do say 1t,
hadn't orter."
"You don't like my looks then, lit
. pranma," and Dick laughed again, SIS
. looked down on the small figure of Il
old woman before him.
Something about his eyes, and an e
preston sroun< h mouth when
= smiled, reminded her of his mother, q,
= = she said, "You look jes' like Mary VIII
you laff."
It took her some time to realize th
this strong young giant was indeed b
grandson. She had thought Of him
Msry's baby, and she kept saying, % 3
Il Il looked proudly up to him, chow you mt
"How yer grsn'father would a-reckon
th on seein' you, Dick" she said, VII
In l they had finished their supper, "hi
have ben proud of you. He was a DIR
n full small man himself, and he was
Ia | ways a-wishin' he was big"
"Quesr old chap my gran'father "
'cordin' to all accounts" said Dick, lei
ly ing back In his chair, ''what dye SIP,
es ever come of him snywayn
T. 'T d'no; I wish I did," sighed
grandmother. He went away that mo
ny In with his dinner pail on bis arm,
II hain't seen him senoe, and IL viii
srf forty year the tenth day of next Ap
We didn't have no words an he kis
I'd ne ss' the baby iss' the zane - 10