The Delawarean., 1900-05-12
LITTLE MAINOR|E'S MISSION.

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May Worthington sat in her luxu-
rious home thinking ever the past sew
en- years of her life, and, if one may
judge by the expression upon her fair
face then hers were no pleasant rev.
cries.
Yet they were not all sad memories,
for her face would brighten up with
an almost holy lovelight in her eyes,
as if the dark clouds were almost dis
PEELED by the strong rays Of golden
sunlight.
And it was 50. Hers was the not un-
familiar story of old-a life begun I'M
der the most promising conditions,
domestic happiness and welded unity
Harold Worthington. the trusted and
trustworthy cashier in a large banking
institution. had welcomed his bride to
an elegantly appointed home. For
three years theirs was d life of ideal
happiness, ana when little Marjorie
came to bless their union they felt as
If their happiness had been crowned.
Then came the time when that de-
mon jealousy had entered the breast
of Harold Worthngton, unfounded, it
is true, and sowed by the poisonous
tongue Of an enyious clubman. But
the little seed so cunningly planted
grew until its thorns ranked and cut
deep, and as time wore on a coldness
sprang up between the once united
hearts Each was too proud to make
humble concession, and Harold re-
manned oftener and longer at his club.
until finally, after an open dissension,
he remained away altogether
Hourly each had longcd for the old
happy days of sweet sweet home, but
pride-that barrier to so many happy
tiresides-pride forbade.
On this particular evening May had
put little Marjorie to bed, and then
she sat down and relaxing her self
control, threw her arms upon the ta-
BILE and, burying her white face in
them, cried out:
"Oh. Harold, Harold. If it had not
been for your unreasonable jealousy,
we might have been so happy"
So absorbed was she that she did
not hear tile ring at the doorbell nor
the footsteps in the hall.
The man who had just entered start
ed back as he saw the bowed form.
Then, advancing, he said gently;
"AIay"
She started to her feet, and for an
instant the old glad look of welcome
sprang into her eyes. Then. suddenly
remembering, she drew herself up
proudly and coldly said:
Harold! You here? l don't under
stand. 1t has been so long"
eyes" he replied in an equally cold
tone. 81 am going away for year
two years, ten years. cannot tell
and | have come to make settlements
for your support and Marjorie's educa
tion before leaving forever
"Hush! She must not hear"
He paused, and his glance followed
that of his wife. There, between the
parted curtains. stood a little white
robed figure, almost angelic in its puri
ty. Then she sprang forward will
a glad cry of Papa! Papa! l knew
it was my papa's yoice!'
Straight into his arms she sprans
and was clasped close to the fathers
heart.
The almost heartbroken mother
could bear no more and quietly with
drew. leaving them together.
"Papa?"
Eyes, darling"
"Where have you been so long? w,
have been so lonesome. 1t made mann
ma cry, and when l said my prayers
mamma said if l prayed hard Coo
would keep you safe and bring 70,
home, and, oh, papa, he has, he has
You will never go away again, vii
you?' And she twined her little arm
around his neck and kissed him witt
childish feryor.
The strong man shook with emotion
and a great sob burst from him as h
bowed his head upon little Marjorie
neck and asked:
"And mamma-would she wish it?"
"Oh, yes! She will not cry an.
more if YOU stay--mamma. mamma
Where are youT'
Here. dear" responded May as sh
entered the room.
"Papa is never going away again
and we shall have him all of the time
oh, aren't we glad, mammaT
May. remembering. her husband