Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1904-05-07
WHEN DAVID
CAME
BY HARRIET G. CANFIELD
Copyright. 1903, by 7. G. Mcclure

hlIl Dale WIS tuc SCtue vi JoSlui
preparation, for Mr.. and Mrs. Ezra
Hammond were soon to celebrate their
golden wedding From far and near
their children and grandchildren were
coming to the old country home under
the great elms.
All Of the neighbors were interested
in the coming event, and number Of
them were pledged ''to help out on
chairs and china" Patience Saybin,
Familiarity known as Patty" and her
brother lived only mile from Elm
Dale, but they had not been asked to
contribute, and Patty felt sighted.
I've offered to lend them every
thing on the place, even you. John,
she said to her brother, "but Mrs.
Hammond says they have all the ar
rangements made 1 did want finger
in the pie"
John laughed Never mind. little
girl" he said consolingly. Mr.. Ham
mond says they may ask us to sleep
one or two II the old house won't hold
them ALL"
The day before the celebration Mrs.
Hammond drove over in the morning
to see Patty. 81 thought we could
stow 'em all away" she said, with a
smile, "but l was thinking Mary had
four children stead of five. l don't
see how l came to forget little David
when counted noses. I've been won
dering, dear, II you'd let him sleep
here-either him or one Of the others"
"Oh, yesw Patty cried delightedly.
II should love to, Mrs. Hammond"
The old lady smiled. II brought his
picture along" she said, 80 you could
see what n dear little fellow he was"
Patty bent eagerly over the photo
graph A pleasant little face smiled at
her from the cardboard-the round.
dimpled face Of five-year-old. Hes
a perfect cherub" she cried.
I'm expecting most Of my children
this evening, and If his folks come I'll
send him over before bedtime"
The dear old lady forgot to tell Patty
that the picture of David was taken
twenty-three years before.
All that day Patty was very busy
preparing little David's roOm." An
old high chair and trundle bed were
brought down from the attic and dust
ed. Lizzie, the good natured girl in
the kitchen, made some little round
cakes, and Patty frosted them and put
a pink I'D" OH the top Of two or three.
When evening came everything was
in readiness for the expected guest.
The tin waiter and tiny knife, fork
and plate were on the dining room
table, and the little rocker held out its
welcoming arms in the sitting room.
An old rocking horse that had been
Johns long ago waited patiently for
its gallant rider, and little woolly
dog stood on three legs with an air Of
expectation.
The day had been long one to Pat
ty. At Z o'clock she was rearranging
the furniture in little David's room
when the doOrbell rang. She went to
the head Of the stairs and called to
Lizzie.
Hurry, Lizziew she cried. They've
brought little David over. Take him
into the sitting room and amuse him.
I'll be down in n few minutes" She
fitted back to her work and did not
hear Lizzie's exclamation of astonish-
ment when she opened the door and
saw big, broad shouldered man
standing there Probably he had over
heard Patty's instructions to the girl,
for his eyes were full of laughter,
though he said soberly enough: Good
evening. l am David Terrell. Miss
Saybin was expecting me, believer"
"Y-y-yes, sir" Lizzie stammered,
"but she wasn't expectin' quite She
paused in embarrassment.
"Quite as much of me?" he asked
laughingly.
Lizzie giggled and led the way to
the sitting room. The little chair held
out its welcoming arms in vain to this
guest David Terrelrs eyes rested at
once upon the rocking horse and WOOL
ly dog, and his expression momentari-
ly grew more cheerful.
"Were Observation-Disclosures prepara-
tions made in my honor?" he asked
Lizzie. But before the girl could an
swer sweet voice came from the
upper landing, Are you amusing him,
Lizzle" Lizzie giggled Historically.
'"Tell her you are" the young man
whispered.
"Yes'm," she called in muffied tones
from behind her apron.
"Show him the picture books" the
voice went on, land If the little fellow
Is tired take him up in your lap"
Lizzie stepped into the lower hall
and turned her laughing face up to her
mistress. please. ma'am, can't
,he said. I'D hate to try"
I'm ashamed of youw the indignant
reply came. I'll come right down and
take him myself"
Lizzie fed to the kitchen, and there
was the quick click Of heels on the
stairs. Then David Terrell saw pref
ty picture framed in the wide doorway.
Miss Patty stood there, with surprise
and disappointment plainly written on
her expressive face.
"Where-where is she began in q
bewildered way.
David came forward. 81 don't know
where he is," he said. "If did I'd get
him for you, Miss Saybin."
sYouT she asked.
"Yes. I'm little David's successor.
Will you forgive me for growing older
and larger, Miss Saybin?"
h.. n