The Springfield herald., 1899-03-31
A Daughters Devotion.

Bhe walked home among tne troop OIL
gay, chattering girls, whose spirits
even physical fatigue could not sup
press. She heard their voices, but
took no part in their talk-nay,
she had but little comprehension
Of 1t. She was weary in body
and in mind, and had most intoler-
able longing to fee away from the sur
roundings which she hated-to get
taste of another life. She did not look
strong. She was very tall and SO slen-
der that they called her for a nickname
at the factory the "Beanpole." She
was not beloved there, except by the
little children, to whom she was al
ways tender and kind, helping them
with their tasks as she had opportu-
nity-often, indeed, making 1t. For
any child, no matter how grimy or un-
lovable, Hannah had smile and
loving word, which showed that her
heart was in the right place and that
she was good, true-hearted girl.
When she entered the little home to
find the table, as usual, set for the
evening meal, she. Instantly gathered
from her mothers face that something
unusual had happened.
Surely you're very late, dear" she
said gently, as she glanced around from
the fire, where she was experimenting
the contents of saucepan. Il have
been looking for you for good half
hour"
"oh, 1 don't think am late, moth
er," answered Hannah. why, there's
nobody in but me-"
Your father has had his supper. my
dear, and gone out" said Mrs. Pym.
and both her face and voice perceptibly
hardened.
why, he's In a great hurry tonight,
mother. Is there anything up?"
"Yes; a match down at Bradleigh.
don't expect we'll see him this side OF
midnight
A slight shadow crossed Hannah's
grave face, and without speaking
word she went into the back kitchen to
wash her hands.
That's what's making you look SO
upset, mother" she said when she came
back with the towel in her hands. Has
Tom gone with him?"
mo; Tom hasn't come In yet, either.
You're not asking for my news, Haa-
nah. I've had letter from home"
Have you, mother?" cried Hannah,
with the most intense interest. From
grandfather
"Yes; and what do you think? They
want you to go down to pay them
visit! 1 can't believe that 1t has really
happened; it's like dream"
MAY 1 see the letter, mother?"
asked Hannah, in low, eager voice.
which indicated that the matter was OF
scarcely less moment to her than to
her mother. .
Eyes, you can; but it's only short.
Father didn't write 1t himself, but your
Aunt Bertha. The great thing Is that
they've asked you; and, OF course,
you're going at once"
Am II" asked Hannah. "Oh, moth
er. can't believe it. would give
anything to see the old house where
you were SO happy. I've sometimes
thought I'd save up and go down for a
quiet holiday on my own account, Just
for the pleasure of looking at The
Gables and thinking Of the days when
you were a girl there"
II have often felt that way. my dear"
said Mrs. Pym, with a little sob in her
voice. But now you shall go prop
erly, l am nearly beside myself with
Joy over it, and L don't seem to care
a Bit about all the hard things your
father said about it."
II suppose he wouldn't approve Of
my going" said Hannah, wincing
slightly. She was not very fond OF her
father, but to her sensitive nature a
word was as blow.
"No; he was as angry as he could be-
He said you shouldn't go. OF course
he feels bitter sat them because they
disowned me when l ran away with
him: but I don't see what else they
could have done, ! was SO wicked and
disobedient; and want you to go down
and tell father on your bended knees
how sorry and repentant l am, and
have been for years and years"
Mother, II / do go l won't tell him
anything of the kind" said Hannah
with a sudden passion. You're my
mother, and In my eyes you couldn't
do wrong. 1 am not going to demean
YOU in grandfathers eyes or anybody
else's, SO you needn't ask me-"
ats good Of you to speak like that,
Hannah, when you might easily be
reproaching me for what you are"
she said almost gratefully; and the
words stung Hannah even more than
her former ones had done.
"Oh. do be quiet. mother; can't
hear to hear you speak like that. l am
quite happy as l am, and as have
never known anything else have no
reason to be discontented. But now
tell me, do you think father will con-
..a4 ~ nv, UOinp2"