The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-11-26
ELLEN, have you any coffee in the

ELLEN, have you any coffee in the
house?"
Yes, Tom"
She did not tell him that her sis
ter had given it to her. She was glad
to hear him ask for coffee, instead
of the old, old cider.
Il wish you would make me cup
good and strong"
There was really music in Toms
voice, and the wife set about the work
with strange fiutter in her heart.
Tom drank two cups of the strong,
fragrant coffee, and then went out
went out with resolute step, and
walked straight to the great manufac-
tory, where he found Mr.. Scott in the
office
Mr.. Scott, want to learn my trade
over again"
'Eh, Tom, what do you mean?"
81 mean that it's Tom Darcy, come
back to the old place, asking forgive
ness for the past, and hoping to do
better in the future"
TONI" cried the manufacturer,
starting forward and grasping his
hand. ARE you in earnest? Is it
really the old Tom?"
IT'S what's left of him, sir, and We'll
have him whole and strong very soon,
if you'll only set him to work"
Work! Aye, Tom, and bless YOU,
too. There is an engine to be set up
and tested to-day. Come with me-"
Toms hands were weak and I'M
steady, but his brain was clear, and
under his .skillful supervision the en-
CINE was set up and tested, but it was
not perfect. There were mistakes
which he had to correct, and it was
late in the evening when the work was
complete
How it is now, Tom?" asked Mr..
Scott, as he came into the testing house
and found the workmen ready to depart.
Shes all right. sir. You may give
your warrant without fear"
God bless you, Tom. You don't
know how like sweet music the old
voice sounds. Will you take your
place again."
wait till Monday morning, sir. If
you will offer it to me then, will
take it."
At the little cottage Ellen Darceys
1uttering heart was sinking. That
morning, after Tom was gone, she had
found a two-dollar bill in her coffee
cup. She knew that he left it for her.
She had been out and bought tea and
sugar and flour and butter, and bit of
tender steak; and all day long a ray of
light had been dancing and skimming
before her-a ray from the blessed light
of other days. With prayer and hope
she set out the tea table and waited,
but the sun went down, and no Tom
came. Eight o'clock, and almost nine.
Oh, was it but false glimmer, after
all?
Hark! The old step! strong, eager for
home. Yes, it was Tom, with the old
CRIME upon his hands, and the odor of
oil upon his garments.
Il have kept you waiting, Nellie?"
Toni"
81 didn't mean to, but the work hung
on"
Tom, Tom! You have been to the
old shop"
Yes, and I'm to have my old place,
and"
"Oh, TONI"
And she threw her arms round his
neck and covered his face with kisses.
Nellie, darling, wait a little, and
you shall have the old Tom back again"
"Oh, Tom. I've got him now, now
bless him, bless HIM My own Tom!
My husband! my darling!"
And then Tom Darcy realized the
full power of woman's love.
1t was a banquet of the gods, was
that supper-of the household gods all
.restored-with the bright angels of
peace and love and joy spreading their
wings over the board.
On the following Monday morning
Tom Darcy assumed his place at the
head of the great machine shop, and
those who thoroughly knew him had no
fear of his going back in the joy to
joylessness.
A rev days later Tom met Peter
Tindar on the street
Eth, Tom, old boy, what's up?"
81 am upright side up"
"Yes-I see. But hope you haven't
forsaken us, Toni"
Il have forsaken only the evil you
have in store, Peter. The fact is, con-
cluded my wife and little ones had fed
on husks long enough, and If there
was kernel left in my heart, or in my
manhood. they should have it."
"Ah, you heard what said to my
wife that night"
Yes, Peter, and shall be grateful
to you for IT as long as live My re-
membrance Of you will always be re-
lieved by that tinge of warmth and
brightness. National Advocate.
ITEMS,