The daily morning journal and courier., 1906-10-04

spite of the dirt and tear streaks that promptly invited him into my own flat, which was not being cleaned where he played happily all afternoon. The maid, whom I sent down to relieve his mothers possible apprehension, re- ported the other apartment already as neat as a pin, from what she could see, and in no need of further cleaning.
 His mother do be givin' a riciption, or tn loikes iv thot, tn gurrl tould me, an she do be follyin' tn awther gurrl around tn r-rooms as if she hadn't tn sinse herself to do her own worr-k. It's mesilf thot wp'd be objeetin 'if-'
 That will do, Mary" I exclaimed, hastily glancing at my little guest. 50 long as his mother is not worried it's the main thing" At this the baby looked up and shook his head vigor- ously.
 My muvver. she won't worry" he explained. Then, after a moment, he added; My muvver, she's a puffic housekeeperi'
 The next day he came again. knock ing timidly for admittance instead of ringing the bell, which was too high for him. This time he was absolutely spotless and resplendent in a brand new Buster Brown suit, but he still had his beloved blocks. Again he played silent, oontented, as before, and the routine of my household went on undisturbed. Nearly every day after that he came, always smiling always bringing some toy with which he amused himself What his mother ! thought of his absences I never knew. Sometimes she was at the club she went places,' and, again, she would be cleaning house. This last always happened on Friday.
 And who takes care of you?" asked one day Haven't you ever had a nurse" The yellow curls bobbed violently,
 "Once, when I Wa little, had a nur- sery I did love her, too. Put mann ma sended her away. She says I'm such a biggity boy I jus don't need nobody to take care of me. I'm free years old, and takes care of my own self"
 You don't know your mother very well, do you?7 I suggested A troup- led look crept over the sunshiny little face
 Nc" he faltered, doubtfully
 The next day as my little friend stood looking out of my window, he suddenly called to me-
 "Oh come quick, and see my pretty mammag Shes goin' to a reception ]" He knocked excitedly on the window pane to attract his mothers attention.
 She looked up, waved her hand at her baby, and, seeing me beside him, bowed slightly She was a regal look- ing woman, tall, and the blonde like her son. Tn a moment she had step- ped into a cab and was whirled away. As I turned to the little fellow at my side I discovered he was weeping. I caught him into my arms and hugged and petted him, with an ache in my own heart. for under his breath heard him murmur again and again:
 "She didn't kiss me her hand Good by She didn't, and she promised she would, my muvver did!"
 Then for several days I did not see him. I sent the maid to Inquire. "Bronchitis,' she reported I sent flowers, and stopped at the door that same afternoon to find out the little fellows condition, If they would let mo. I was more than willing to help 1 take care of him. and I divined that his mother at least would not mind. As rang the bell the door opened and the doctor stepped quietly out,
 He's dead" he said, gravely. Poor little chap! Perhaps he's better off, after all" He seemed about to speak further then stopped, lifted his hat, and went slowly down the steps.
 A few days later again saw the mother. She was stepping into cah. Her mourning was magnificent Chi cago Tribune.
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