Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-07-06


thought TO be married. Now at forty
he thought OF IL again When he stop
ped his visits TO Harriet Dover, she
understood why. She had had no
company" he told himself, since then
and his heart gave a great bound a
the thought Why should he not
One day he came to his mother ana
sister, and said bluntly, 81 am going
to be married to Harriet Dover"
There was silence for long mo-
ment. Then his mother said coldly,
"We know it,"
BY the tone and attitude Israel un-
derstood that his mother and sister
would not welcome the woman he
meant TO marry. and this although
they had known her long, and loved
| her. He understood that they thought
| the tie of constant effort of the past
| twenty years as binding 90 wedlock,
and did not wish it broken.
But once after that Israel spoke OF
his marriage: Il am to marry Harriet
| tomorrow. Shall you be thereY'
And his mother answered, mo"
But Israel would keep his vow to
Harriet The twenty years struggle
had cultivated in him the logged reso-
luton inheri ed from his mother.
lie married Harriet, and after a
week brought her home. No one APP
peared to greet them.
"Mother!" he called going through
the house, which was as though de-
serted. At the last. in two remote
rooms, he found his mother and sist-
er.
Harriet Is out here" he said
And we are here; We shall stay
here" said his mother.
Israel looked about, dazed. He re-
membered afterwards that he saw a
stove. with pots and pans and dishes.
and in the other room a bed, a table,
and chairs. The two women had made
all preparations for living by chem
selves.
And this was the brides home-com-
ing!
Yet the married two lived a happy
life together. Israel felt keenly the
mental misery his wife must endure
and strove to alleviate 1t by every
kindly attention in his power. And
she understood his motive, and resol-
utely hid all traces Of pain. Life for
each was as the other made II.
There was no communication be-
tween The TWO parts of the house, and
no messages passed, no visits were ex-
changed.
Thus for two years. when a baby
was born. Then one day Harriet said
TO Israel: Take the baby, and go TO
your mother" He understood, for the
thought had been in his own mind
also So he took the child in his arms
and went and knocked at the door.
who is it?" said his mothers voice.
Your son and granson," he replied.
There was a slight noise, and a
pause within. Then Amanda replied
I'VE are too busy TO see you"
He returned and laid the baby by his
wife. She did not need to question
him by word or eye.
Two years more went by. One
morning Israel called his wife 10 come
down in o the garden. He had some
vegetable wonder 10 show her.
But ! can't take the baby out in the
dew" she objected.
Leave him whore he is. He'll do ne
harm for five minutes
Then toGdle. tsd5le away-the little
feet knew rIe path that was forbidden
them-straight on through the unused
passageway 10 tn, dooc at the end
He pushed and shu.led babily against
it.
Whats that qucel noise at he door,
'Manda?'
sounds like a dog. said Amanda.
and she seized her broom for an on
slaught upon the invader.
But when she opened the door. IN
tottcred a baby. triumphant happy.
eager Every lire Of his baby face. ev-
Fry curl had for forty yea been grav
IN in the widows heart, and now II
suddenly opened 20 show her the like
ness
IT'S Israel over again" she cried
And in moment she was on the floor
kissing. the little one
Blighted Amanda e.ncd ON he
broom bewiidered. looking at this
strange happening. And Israel and
Harriet, Fastening afte: the little
ruant. stood in the doorway wilnesr
ne the first step in a reconciliation
Come TO mamma Israel" said liar
let TO the clild. He looked at her
aughing over his grandmothers
boulder.
"Tum to mama" he repeated, taxing
step and pulling at her finger.
The widow hesita ed but a moment
etween mothers ioye and hard sci
Ell pride. 81 will" said she firmly
and Manda. put down your broom
nd come too"
Then, led by the child. she came 20.
"a d Israel and II lr.iet
My chidren!" she cried.-Harper'
Weekly.
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Causes for Suicide In China.
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