The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1893-10-27

SELL surely they must care little
for their old father" But this dreary
November night the old comforting as
surance was no longer his. In the bit
terness of this new pain he gave up all
hope that he could ever be wanted any
where.
With these thoughts in his mind the
old man stumbled on. and at last turned
in at the gate and reached the house
that he called home. lie stepped out
| IF the cold and gloom Of the night into
the wal NTH and cheer of the cozy little
hall. lie paused for moment and
held Ills thin, chilled fingers over the
register. The grateful warmth stole
in upon his benumbcd senses. and
despite his sorrow he felt a thrill of
| pleasure. Then as he looked up IL
seemed for an instant as il he were
waking from n painful dream; for there
in the doorway stood winsomc little
maiden, who eyed him with childish
curiosity. The old man was passion
ately fond of children, and his faded
eyes grew wistful as he said in culver
ing tones: Come and see me. little
one"
There was little in the gaunt old man,
with his STOPPING shoulders, thin, spec
taelcd face. and shabby. scanty, i'll
| fitting garments. To attract a child. But
she started toward him, and was almost
in his arms when "A sharp voice cried:
Father Wade. what right have you 10
touch her? Come away, Elsie dear. the
ugly old man will hurt you" With
these words Miss Harriet, the younger
of the daughters, led away the child,
and Parson Wade was once more alone.
The look Of adherence and terror that
stole over the child's face cut deep into
the old mans heart as his daughters
cruel words failed to do. A slight
moan escaped his lips. but. dreading a
fresh rebule. he choised back a rising
soband hobbled away into the darkness
of his own room.
Half an honr later the little house
hold gathered at the tea table. Miss
Wade. tall and stately, presided with
cold dignity. and opposite her sat Miss
Harriet and little Elsie, the daughter
Of near neighbor, who had left the
child with the Wade woman for the
afternoon. The parson took his seat
and rcvcrently bowling his head moved
his lips in a inurmured prayerof thanks
Instantly his daughters began clatteI
of silver and china while in needlessly
loud tones they began to talk gayly OF
some amusing and trining subject. This
was disciplinary measure in their eyes
I'VE must break him of the absurd
habit" they said to each other. in talk
ing the matter over. Come, you've
mumbled long enough. cried Miss Har
riet The toast is getting cool"
Little Elsie eyed the old man furtive
" during the opening of the meal. an,
fidgeted uncasily in her chair. Sh'
was timid child. and Miss Wade's re
mark fingered in her memory.
'Will he hurt me now?" she whis
pered To Miss Harriet, after some min
utes.
why. you poor child! Does h
frighten you? You'd better take you
plate and cup into the kitchen, father
don't wonder the child is frightened
You really are uncanny tonight"
So Parson Wade was banished TO tn
kitchen, there to eat his bread and drinl
his weak tea alone. lie longed for
bit Of meat for his supper, and littl
cream and sugar for his tea Once
months before. he had made bold u
reach for the milk pitcher, but wa
stopped by the words: do You thinl
we can afford to provide you with lux
uries-vou who do not earn clear tel
even?" After that he did not offend il
thi, way again. but to- night he watched
with almost q feeling of envy, tn
sleek, wcl-fed cat as she Tapped he
trimming saucer of creamy milk. Luck.
cat. There was always enough food 70
her.
On his way upstairs awhile later
Parson Wade passed the parlor doc
and paused a moment To look in. Tn
fire was burning cheerily in the CRATE
there was cushioned chair before IL
and on the table by the big lightc'
lamp was the evening paper. The oil
man hesitated. lie was never allowe'
in that room, he knew; but the girls,
he remembered. had gone to take Elsi'
home, several doors away. And tina
paper. he was sure, had long repor
OF the conference held the day befor
in neiyhboring city. The temptation
was irresistible. lie sat down in tn
big easy chair and began to read. Thi
weary old Christian veteran, his year
OF active service ended, yearued 70
news of the thousands Of soldiers i
the thick of the fight, and rarely did
paper or magazine enter his hands
That the work he so loved was still
going on. he fel, sure; but in his nal
row. cramped life he longed for d.
tailed tidings Of the progress Of tn
church.
With glistcning eyes he read, forge
ting his own SORROWS Half an hou
had passed when hand drew IN
paper from his grasp, and his cldes
daughters cold voice said: You fol
get that this room is not intended IL
your USE Miss Wade was never $
abusive in her language as her hot-ten
percd sister, but her icy, sarcasti
words were often quite as cuttins
But tonight her father scarcely hear
the words. lie rose mechanically. an
, with feeble steps climbed the stairs