Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-08-07
JOSSELIN'S DREAM.

did not often go to church, and when
he did it made an impression on him.
He made up for this impression by
eating a Welsh rarebit for supper Sun
day night That niSht be dreamed
that he was in heaven
1t was just like what he had mag
ined it ever since he was a little boy.
The streets were gold, and so were
the houses, with diamond panes in the
windows. The inhabitants wore halos
and carried harps. Some Of them did
not seem to know just what to do
with their haTps. JOsselin remember
ed the noise his next door neighbor
made in trying to learn the banjo, and
shuddered.
As he stood in the street, waiting for
hishalo and harp, he heard familiar
query.
"Oh, Marie, is my halo on straight?"
Several ladies sat on the clouds near
him. They had to sit up very straight
on account of their wings, which were
more or less in the way. Josselin
thought they must feel relieved not
to have to watch the children, who
consisted of heads with wings, thus
being effectively prevented from doing
any mischief 1t was quite conven-
lent arrangement.
A large and majestic-looking angel
presently sailed up TO ST. Peter, look
ing very much disturbed. She said:
My dear st. Peter, is it customary
in heaven for the washerwoman to
come in the same streets as their en-
81 NJ
girl flying through the front door of
yOnder mansion, and / must say | am
very much surprised
On the other side an angel with side
whiskers appealed to st. Peter with
still more mOTried expression.
"My dear sir, l have been preaching
to a congregation which utterly re-
fuses to listen to me- They spread
their wings and few away in all di-
rections as soon as / had finished the
text. l am Bishop Gildersleeves, and
| must say / am very much surprised
at the lack of respect which is shown
me"
Josselin did not hear what the saint
said. but presently these two angels
fioated down the street together, talk
ing earnestly. 1t looked very much
as If st. Peter had referred them to
each other for consideration.
He ventured timidly down a path
which ran along by the river side, and
there eSpied two people fho seemed
to be in a state of perfect and rap
turous bliss One was an old, wrink-
led. patient-faced woman; the other
veying each other with a somewhat
bewildered air.
why, mother" the man said, you
look Just same's you used to-"
ITO be sure. son, she answered with
a happy little laugh. Il amt changed
none. and neither have you. And
how did you leave Mary?"
A shadow crossed the mans rug
ged features. I'm afraid she'll have a
hard time. All them youngsters TO
look after. and her so little and frail
But couldn't help it. had to stand
by the train"
Certain, certain, son. the woman
answered tenderly, laying hand on
his arm. Don't I know? Want 1
right there with you the whole time
in that burnin' fiery furnace? But
you saved the folks, child; you saved
the folks And Mary'll be all right
You and nell go down and see about
that, by and by"
The mans face cleared as sun
burst clears a dull sky. "D'you mean
il. mother?" he said eagerly. Il don't
feels if I could stay away from her
and little jim and the kids. You
were always good to Mary. ever since
brought her home.
.Josselin's eyes were full Of tears,
and he moved hastily away. He want
ed to be alone.