The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1900-04-13

But tonight an inspiration seized her. In
moment it flashed over her. The pretty,
regular features lost their sorrow and the
| light of blessed new hope flooded the tear.
wet face
With quick, elastic step Joyce Carol ran
hither and thither, gathering up the neces-
sary articles to carry out her heart-resting
| purpose.
The inspiration she knew, had come from
above.
Their custom--his and hers--had been to
carry an Offering OF lilies to dear old Joy
memorial at Eastertime. She would begin
again. The loveliest sprays in the shop were
selected by the intensely in earnest woman,
and on bed of feathery ferns she placed
them Now for the other
| "Why! mamma, has somebody ordered
more lilies"
Eyes, Bernice," answered the mother,
they are to go TO Joy Memorial right away.
| We are to take them down in few minutes,
dear"
A heavenly smile transformed her
features as she knelt and kissed the wonder.
ing child.
Joyce knew the church would be open,
for the choir practiced at this hour, and,
doubtless, the decorating committee were
there yet.
What's that you put in among the bios
SONS, mamma; letter."
eyes, dear, little mite of letter"
"What does it say, mammal" persisted the
child curiously.
at says everybody forgives everybody at
Eastertime;' isn't that right, dearest"
YES, mamma" and the child waltzed
about the room in an ecstacy of expectation
of once more beholdiug the loved place of
worship. She remembered where they used
to sit when papa stood up to sing. She was
taller some now, but she was sure that when
he came back he would still know her
when will papa come, mamma" she
asked, crossing her white arms on the coun-
ter where her mother was writing some.
thing, and looking up with great longing in
her face.
"What ails the child, tonight of all
nighls?' whispered the hungry hearted wife
with qulvering lips "She stabs me to the
hearts center; will she keep on until | shall
not be able TO work to my purpose" No,
she would find the way, somehow. Cyril
would not know, Of course, but God would
see and send him back to them
"Bernice," she said, slowly, papa will
come as soon as he can, l think Now,
please ask me no more questions, dear; nam
ma is very, very tired"
And by something il her mothers look
and tone, Bernice sought the familiar chair
and fell to wondering at the things she could
not understand.
Not until her mother said: Get your
wraps, dear" did she resume the gladstone
spirit of childhood. Then in a great furry
she indicted herself into cloak and cap, and
stood. waiting.
Not in all the ten years of her life had
Bernice Carol looked so much Like her faith
er. Joyce turned away and put her hands
over her eyes; memories flooded up sol
"Are you afraid Of me, mamma" queried
the child, coming round the big heliotrope
and brushing its fragrant blossoms as she
passed, in order to see the dear mother face.
"My child, didn't mamma say don't ask
questions"" She took the perturbed face
between her cold palms and kissed away the
shadow.
90, | forgot your DON'T truly did,
mamma" laughed Bernice, clapping her
hands by way of emphasis.
"You may carry the offering, dear" said
Joyce, as they stepped out into the semi
darkness.
The April moon in the clear, crisp west
santed pale, faint CLEANS through the black
budded trees overhead The walk was
boon after the long, shut-up day; and the
new nope shed lts glory over all
The light through the stained glass gave a
ruddy look to the face of Joyce as she helped
Bernice up the steps. A blessed welcome
fairly beamed upon them, even in the vesti-
bule. The organ was throbbing out glad,
praiseful prelude and she felt as if Heavens
gates were truly open about her. The jani-
tor followed her inside "The new soloist
has come, >" he exclaimed, "the one you wrote
to-" thinking she was one of the music com
mittee.
"The new soloist" How everybody com
bated her purposel Where was the old So
loist? She leaned against the wall a moment
to regain her composure.
"Haven't had such a tenor since Carol
went away" the janitor continued; just
hear him sing"
yes" answered Joyce, ut is fne;" but
she heard nothing, there was such buzzng
in her ears.