The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-08-28
lINDA'S COMING HOME.
BY MRRY "A. pENIsoN.
throw old is Linda, Mrs. Shippins?''

low old is Linda, Mrs. Shippins?'
Linda? Let me see. Why, she
was born when was 20, an I'm 62. OF
course Linda must be AZ. Good gra-
cious. il can't be possible; but ii is. I'm
an old, old woman, an wasn't spry
at 40
The person addressed sat near the
fireplace, knitting. Her gray hair, very
abundant yet, was pulled together and
turned in a thick knot at the back OF
her head. She had II weary, discouraged
look. as if expectancy and endurance of
trials had set an unalterable seal upon
her face. A thin cap came low on her
hair and her eyes were hollow.
The person who questioned her was
Nancy Holland. wiry little woman
who went out to days work and had
come to Sparrow cottage to finish the
ironing. over which Mrs. Shippins'
strength had given out.
Well I'm sure! and you hain't seen
her for 20 year, did you say?'
II did. It's 20 year since she left the
town with her husband and pair of
twins, the beautifullest boys | ever sot
ewes on DtN Dobl hiSN NISA bhSg
were ten years old, an she's lost two
more sence then, pore creeter. Now
they've lost all the property they had in
the world by the flood. So he's gone to
New Mexico on n small salary an she's
comm here. / declare, i almost hate to
see her, for she must be bowed down
10 the very earth with sorrow"
ANY children left?" asked clipper
Nancy Holland, whose usually bright
face had taken on a somber express
SIGN.
Yes; there's the two youngest, Fred
dy and Myrtle. She'll bring 'em on with
her. Much as | want TO see 'em, I'm SO
worried for fear they'll be into every
thing, as children always is, an maybe
pert and saucy into the bargain. I'm
so used 10 quiet; an to have them chill
dren rompin' and racin' in and out!
But they're Linda's children, an she's
willn to help me out, an dare say We'll
git along somehow" she finished, with
doleful sigh.
You don't seem very happy over the
thought of their coming on said Nan
cy Holland.
"oh, yes, am, dretful happy, only
I'm so bowed down with the thought
Of all her sufferin's for the last ten
year. I'm sure she'll be all broke up
an miserable, though she amt never
wrote like it, an I'm just worried to
death to know how to comfort her.
I've fixed up the north bedroom, an
took out some of the brighter things
for fear il would make her feel bad to
see il as ii used to be. An I'm prepar-
ing to mourn with them that mourn"
Il shd think you'd want to make
everything more cheerful for her." said
the other. pulling hard at lace kerr
chief. I'm feared l put too much
starch in this. Would you rense 1t
out?"
y NO, 1 like it stiff" said Mrs. Ship
pins. "Ef Linda's like me, l never
wanted the sun to shine when was in
trouble, an as to colors, an flowers, an
birds, jist shet myself out of their
sight. They sort o. mock one with
their happiness. Well, 1 guess I'll go
an make that strawberry shortcake.
They'll be here by five, Linda an the
little ones, an do wish, Nancy Hol-
land, you'd stay to tea an help me to
bear my burden"
why, of course, / WILL" said Nancy
Holland. I'm awful fond of straw
berry shortcake, and I'm jest dyin' to
See your folks, and" (she hesitated
moment) "sympathize with EN-"
So it was arranged. The shortcake
was made in the largest pan the house
afforded, and was a marvel of beauty as
it stood smoking upon the sideboard.
The table was set with old-fashioned
dishes and cut glass that had been In
the Shippins family for generations.
BY the time the travellers were expect
ed, the supper, garnished with sub
stantial meats, was ready, and Mrs.
Shippins prepared with an extra large
handkerchief to wipe away the tears
which she intended to shed as part OF
the welcome home.
When the door was thrown open, and
youthful-looking matron came in,
with handsome boy on one side and a
pretty girl on the other, Mrs. Shippins
Just sat and stared.
why, you amt Linda, she SAID.
I'm sure you can't be Linda!" But
her face was caught in two firm hands,
and kisses were showered upon her
cheeks, lips and forehead.
One kiss for every year, mother"
said the woman, laughing joyously. Il
can't make it seem 20 years, though.
since I saw you last"
why. child" and the big kerchief
was deftly put aside, you're younger
looking now than when you went
away" her mother said.
"Of course / am. I'm a good deal
younger now than when was 16. They