The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1900-01-20
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why doesn't your father come home to
his breakfast?' he asked.
, Gle goes to work at midnight and quits
at noon," she answered.
"And now far do you Gomez
"About mile and a-half"
She gave him little nod and turned to
cross vacant field that would save her a
few steps. Amos watched her for moment
as she sturdily stepped forward.
"a good little woman, and her father
should be proud of her. hope he is" He
sighed softly as he plodded on.
He enjoyed the lake with its dimply sur
face, and the swash Of the little waves as
they struck the piling, and the black ban
ner of smoke trailing after a faraway
steamer. Presently he turned and stroled
over toward the iron mills. Almost in a
moment he came upon the girl of the lunch
basket. She was sitting on q low pile of
boards, and close beside her sat working
man, bare armed and sinewy a swarthy
man, with small black eyes and short
black beard. He was eating, with evident
enjoyment, the breakfast the girl had
brought him. Amos Brandon paused at
the picture. 1t pleased him. He nodded
smiiingIy 10 the girl, who nodded back,
aud when the swarthy man looked up he
nodded to him too. Amos leaned against
a pile OF lumber.
''Your load will be lighter on the way
back" he said to the girl.
''Ges,' she answered, father always
has good appetite"
The swarthy man looked up. He nodded
gravely to Amos.
"She good girl" he slowly said. Come
long way"
eyes" said Amos, 'T'm sure she's. a
good girl
The swarthy man looked around at the
object of his praise. There was fondness
in his glance
''Smart girl, too" he said. Teacher
says smartest girl in English school" He
said this with some difficulty, but with
evident qualification.
"Oh, father" cried the child, with a
swift little blush.
Then the swarthy mans rough voice
grew softer
''She all GOT he said.
81 see," said Amos Brandon.
"Mutter dead, bruder dead, sister dead.
Only Lena left" He turned a little and
stroked the girl 3 hand.
Something rose in the rich mans throat,
and a mist swan before his eyes.
The swarthy man smilingly looked his
child over from hat to shoes. When ne
reached the shoes he scowled.
bad shoes ~ he said. bad shoes ="
The girl turned to Amos Brandon.
'Father thinks should wear my best
SHOES, she explained He doesn't know
how fast this walk would wear them out !"
''Best hoes - echoed the swarthy man !;
Eyes, yes, best Shoes lie looked at Amos
Brandon. Then he softly touched the girl IS
shoulder with foretnger and struck him
self sharply on the forearm and chest
'She what l work for" he smilingly
said.
81 must co. remarked Amos Brandon
hurriedly. He paused and stepped for
ward, 81 would like to shake hands with
you,' he said to the swarthy map, who
met the advancing fingers with warm
clasp. Amos nodded to the girl and strobe
away.
There was a cross town car waiting for
the signal to start. He caught it and 90
minutes later opened the front door Of his
home. The housekeeper met him in the
hall Her anxious face cleared.
"Glad You have returned, Mr.. Brandon"
she said. "We were beginning to worry a
little over your unusual absence"
"Out for an early stroll, Mrs. Emerson, !"
he said. "Kindly have breakfast ready in
half an hour"
He stepped into the library and opened
his desk. For moment he sat in deep
thought Then he rapidly indited this
letter:
Ny Dcn Mary Il find it is quite i'm
possible to hold out any longer. / am
growing old, and | need you, dear child.
The door from which | turned you two
long, long years ago is open for you and
yours. You are all l have in the world,
dear. Without you the house is cold and
desolate. For what have been toiling all
these years but for you? Come back to
me, daughter, and all will be forgiven and
forgotten Tell your husband that hearty
handclasp awaits him. Say to him that l
confess that | sorely misjudged him. Write
to me, dear, as soon as you receive this and
tell me when to expect you and George.
Your affectionate father,
AMOS BRANDON.
He looked at the letter when he had fin
ished it and shook his head. Then he care
fully read it through. Again he showed
his disapproval. After moment or two
he raised the sheet and deliberately tore it