Waterbury Democrat., 1903-01-29
e;S 6

raked the fire away; when it threat- ened to do no more than simmer she put on a fresh stick of wood. Once or twice she stopped it from boiling over by throwing in small bucket of cold sap. Also there wasa piece of fat pork on the end of a willow wand which she knew the use of and dipped into the kettle, when its contents began to thicken and turn golden, in a masterly way. When she grew hungry, which was early in the day, for the breath of the woodsin spring is wonderful ton ic, she took down her pail and ate ham sandwich and a pickle. Her father came back in time to finish the cleans ing and the boiling, but it was not un- til sunset they were ready forhome.
 The sky was a pale primrose, and the trees stood out plainly against it. Jamie was glad that they faced the west on their homeward way. God had made the world so beautifuL They came out on the highway and she drew her cloak closer, for there was a cLiH in the air. The gate at the foot of the hill was still open; from the lane be- yond came the sound of whistle she would have known anywhere white-haired woman met them and stopped to. speak.
 Brother Hiram,' 7 she said, tyouhave never been in Archie's house. come in. with me now. No; don't refuse," as he shook his head stubbornly, flor I've something there to show you. Come!''
 Cant help it, ? snapped Hiram Mat t.hews; ssI'd do a lot for you, Lizzie, but I couldn't bring myself to go in there. Don't ask me.
 .sDo you know what was thinking of as I came along. was thinking of the day 24 years ago, when you came hurrying through the fields crying that Alice needed me-" her voice was very gentle. Ut was hard day, Hiram; you and I will always remember it; but at sunset you could kneel and thank God for "a little child. You were very proud, Hiram"
 He nodded. Every man is a fool over his frst-born especially when it's boy" he said.
 eAnd Alice was glad it was boy, because you wanted a boy. She al- ways wanted what you wanted-dear Alice!'' said his sister, and Janieclung to her skirts and cried softly for the mother she had never known. He was the handsomest baby in theneigh- borhood, and the sturdiest, she went on. Before he was two years old he was your shadow z
 .sYes,'' he answered, ives, I never got far away from Archie" Then, with sudden bitterness, ssI was a good father to him and look how he treated me!''
 ssThe day we buried Alice" her voice grew softer still, T remember how he tood.close to you and checked his own grief to comfort you. Mother left dad and the baby in my care, I'll look after them,'' he. said. We were all so proud of him, weren't we, Hiram2"
 Look hsre," he cried, ssyou needn't try to soften me. I won't make DO overtures of peace toward Archie. but your talk makes me recoliect that l owe you a heap, Lizzie, a heap, and so I'll go with you since you ask me. I've no right to refuse you anything, Liz zie. Lead on, show me what you want to show me-and let me get on home. !" She led him up the path, and around l, to the side entrance. She led ham in through the parlor to bedroom, pausing at the door; Jamie followed close behind. Hiram Matthews felt dazed. His sister was saying to some one:
 s'ArcI1ie's father has come to see Archie's boy,'' and he was forced into l a rocking chair and a soft bundle put in his arms. ssIsn't he" his sister said, .the image of what Archie was at his age?"
 He looked down at the little pink face, the downy head, one tiny hand clenched under a~dimpled chin; looked 1 a long, long while. Sometimes when we grow hard and bitter God sends 1 an angel to lead us back into some day of sweetness and hope, some day of
 the happy past, and once there the 1 hardness and the bitterness meltin the l glow of it.
 Hiram Matthews saw himself a young man again with his first-born on his l knee, saw his wife beside him; they were poor in worldly goods, but rich in 1 love and hope. And now, now he was old and prosperous, but Alice was no more and his boy had not looked on his 1 face for two long years. A tear crept' l down his furrowed cheek and fell on l the baby's brow. Somebody laid a | hand on his shoulder and he looked ! VNhy ff1S