Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-03-17
hIHDH'S COMING HOME.
BY MARY n. DENIsoN.
: . i u = y = ls y
nIIow old is linda. me-. shipplns2r

Tow old is Linda. Mrs. Shippins?'
Linda? Let me see. Why. she
was born when | was 20, an I'm 60. or
course Linda must be AZ. Good gra-
cious! it can't be possible; but tits. 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 thick knot at the back of
her head. She had a 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. why little woman
who went out to days work and had
ecme to Sparrow cottage to finish the
ironing. over which Mrs. Shippins'
strength had given cut.
We'll. I'm sure! and you hain't seen
her for 20 year. did you say?"
81 did. It's 20 year since she left the
town with her husband and pair of
twins. the beautifullest boys ! ever sot
eyes on. They both died when they
we're 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 food. So he's gone 10
New Mexico on small salary an she's
comm here. | declare, almost hate to
see her. for she must be bowed down
to the very earth with sorrow"
ANY children left?" asked clipper
Nancy Holland. whose usually bright
ace had taken on a somber express
iicn.
Yes; there's the two youngest. Fred
y and Myrtle She'll bring 'em on with
Ter. Much as | want TO see EN-. I'm So
Worried for fear they'll be into every
hing. as children always is. an maybe
sert and saucy into the bargain. I'm
% used to quiet; an TO have them chill
lren rompin' and racin' in and out!
}ut they're Linda's children, an she's
villn to help me out, an dare say we'll
it along somehow" she finished, with
doleful sigh.
"You don't seem very happy over the
bought of their coming on" said Nam
y Holland.
"Oh, yes, | am. dretful happy, only
IN SO bowed down with the thought
If all her sufferin's for the last ten
ear I'm sure she'll be all broke up
IN miserable, though she amt never
wrote like it. an I'm just worried to
leath to know how to comfort her.
I'VE fixed up the north bedroom, an
ook out some of the brighter things
or fear il would make her feel bad to
ee it as it used to be. An I'm prepar-
ng to mourn with them that mourn.
II sh'd think you'd want to make
verything more cheerful for her" said
he other. pulling hard at a lace kerr
,hief. I'm feared | put too much
starch in this. Would you rense it
1ut?"
no, like it stiff said Mrs. Ship
oins. "Ef Linda's like me, 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
heir happiness. Well, | guess I'll go
IN make that strawberry shortcake.
THEY'LL be here by five, Linda an the
little ones, an | do wish, Nancy Hoi-
land. you'd stay TO tea an help me to
bear my burden"
..Whv. of course. WILL" said Nancy
Holland. I'm awful fond of straw
berry shortcake. and I'm jest dyin' to
see your folks. and" tshe hesitated
moment) "sympathize with EN-"
So it was arranged. The shortcake
was made in the largest pan the house
afforded, and was snarvefof 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.
Ev the time the travellers were expect
ID. the supper, garnished with sub
s+antial meats. was ready, and Mrs.
sbippias 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. ana
= COMMUNICATING matron came IN.
with a handsome ooS ol w
pretty girl on the other Mrs. shipp'ns
lust sat and stared
why. you amt Linda" she e. said aid.
..1m snre YOU cant be Linda, But
,,ar face was caught in two firm hands
and k;sses were showered upon her
cheeks. lips and forehead. !.
zone kiss for every year. mother.
said tile woman, laughing joyously'
can't make it seem 90 years. though
since l saw you last.
WHY. child and the big kerehleI
- Jsftlv put aside. you're younger
,eal,;nr now than when you went
a,vav." her mother said.
~. course am. I'm a good aeai
,,,,x than when was 10. ihey