The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1897-12-24

Earnest called.
Pm going to see mother the voice
answered, upsteadily. Its been
over me all day to 90, and I'm going"
He doesn't see yhere are three of
u.s. Alice whispered, ''Oh, mother,
what s';a!i we do?''
I'm Oh my way to see you, William"
Mrs. WEoatGn's voice rang out with
sweeCnes. across the snow.
The quiet Of the beautiful night
WAS un1fokeu for y moment Even
the sleigh bells Iushed their tinkling
in the blesseduess OF the peace that
held these united hearts.
Wei, which way are you going:''
Earnest shouted, bravely.
oh, TO fathers. We're almost
there" Alice sohbed out. Mother
wants to 90 there, don't you?n
Yes; | don { want tC turn back"
"We're all gong over TO your house
and have that Oysterstew, Mr.. Wheat
on" Earnest shouted.
And then the music o. the bells grew
merry. Mr.. Wheaton turned his
horses he@Gs towards home, and the
two cutters flew silently along in the
moonlight.
IF ever there was Christmas
home this is one Earnest said,
gruvely. as they drove in between
snow covered eyerg.eens and stopped
at the door of q little white cottage.
Father, you 90 right on in, and I'll
take care 81 all tie horses"
Tie old man came to the side of the
cutter. His eyes shone with love and
welcome. but his lips were still closed.
Irs. Wheaton follow d her husband
INTO bis little home, and stood shyiy
by while he turned up the lights.
Alice had fled. and left them alone.
What beautifu! rOomit was, filled
with blooming flowers and soft colors.
It WAS unlike any room she had ever
seen before.
Her husband turned and stood be-
fore her with the same old childlike
look in mis- face and smiled.
- should never had come but for
Earnest Mrs Wheaton said, broken
God bless him." the old man said,
fervantly, suddenly finding the power
Of speech. He took her small gray
head between his two hands and kiss
ed ker forehead reverently. "Glad
you Gomez he asked, presently, glanc-
ing around the room.
"If you can forgive me, William?
81 was coming over to ask you to
forgive me, but I'm glad it is this
way. VIII you come and live with
me in my home, Eilen:'
Il couldn't be here now if had any
other wish"
\ canary in It's covered cage by the
window woke with twitter and
little run Of melody.
There Ted thinks lie must wake
up and share our happiness" Mr..
IL oil
right boy, mothers come home. You
shall see her in the morning. He
drew her down beside him on the
sofa. Il wish had words to tell you
how 1 feel, Ellen. 1t was always
difference between Us, that | couldn't
talk things ever with you. I'm afraid
| can't now
I've used words enough in the
past for both OF us, William. You've
said all that is neeGfuI."
He looked ut her and smiling, shook
his head What will become of the
old homer he asked, after a thought
full silence.
Il shall sell it and give the money
to the children. II would go to them
in time anyway. they might as well
have it now"
Il am glad to hear you say so.
Earnest will know how to make bet
ter Use of it than any one l know.
Come" lie said rising and holding
out lis hand. Let us so and find
them. l suppose they are on tiptoe
waitin, for Us. had little surprise
all ready fer them. Perhaps they
vii! share it with Us"
AS he open the door into the adj
Joining room Mrs. Wheaton uttered
L. of n
centre of the room, on q small round
table decorated with flowers and holly
a real Christmas feast was laid.
"Oh here they come, Alice" Earnest
shouted. Bring in the oysters. Well,
this is a surprise, Father Wheaton!
We didn't expect banquet like this
before TO morrow noon"
1t Was very gay supper, though
the yong people did most OF the talk
AM AL OF the laughing.
u think you'd better change and
be married from your fathers house,
Alice" Mrs. Wheaton said, when
Earnest at last spoke OF their starting
for home.
why, mother, we can't change
now. Every one is invited to come
the other house," Alice exclaimed.
"There's no one invited but Lanissa
White and John Rail, tsides ourown
folks. and they'd 90 to the end of the
earth to find me here Mrs. Wheaton
replied, with decision.
And so il came about, with great
deal Of happy confusion, the old home
was deserted or Christmas morning,
and at noon Alice and Earnest were
married among the flowers lat
fathers and never were there hap
pier Christmas ON this old earth of
OurS