The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-03-31

couple who stood there looking at her In surprise. The old woman was partly supporting the nsed man on her arm, but both were feeble.
 You must excuse the boldness of my brother and myself In daring to enter your house while you were away. but as this is the blessed Easter morning we felt that we might make you q bit happier by coming i'll and paying our respects and leaving basket of Easter dantes. to- gether with box of Easter blossoms
 Why, bless your dear young faces, said the old ladv entering. with her hus- band on her arm. as she spoke. "How bright and cheerful to see two pretty children In the house. You must sit down and tell us who you are and how you came to remember us on this beautl- ful Easter morning."
 With the greatest tact and sweetness June explained how she had seen them one day while passing by. and how she had remembered their looking so ill. For that reason her brother and herself had come to call on them and wish them Il happy Easter.
 Tom. always bashful under such circum- stances, was trying to say something bright and happy to the old man. who had lain down on his cot. But he hushed to hear what the old lady now told them.
 Well. my dear children she began. 'I must tell you how timely your sweet call has been. This morning we received a telegram from our son, whom we had not heard from for many years-and whom we hnd feared was dead -telling us that he was on his way here; that he would arrive on the 8 o'clock train from the south. He has been ill the mining country of South America. Somehow his letters must have been lost. for this is the first time we have heard from him since ha rcoch oil bot lnp1 Well fnil of excitement we went to the station to meet him. We found that the train Is three hours late. Oh. what would we do to pass the time till then! And to make 1t harder we had anticipated the joy of his company for our Easter break fast, which. though very poor, would seem feast having him here to share 1t. But after he arrives we'll no longer want for necessities of life. His telegram says. Bringing plenty to father and mother. Bless our boy. Oh, how we have needed him''
 Well. our visit Is indeed timely said June. flor now the dinner shall all be spread and waiting for your son. Please let me fix It on the table before I mist go" And without waiting for reply June had the table cloth brushed neatly and was placing upon the table plate of fine roast chicken some cold boiled tongue. jelly. salad, loaf of white delicious bread, n lOGI caEe. IruitS anu ruiSiHS Then, last of all. she placed in the cen ter q bowl of Easter eggs. but fit to cut as well as to look upon. They had been deviled and placed in hand-painted shells. bouquet of Easter lilies also adorned the table which June TOW carefully GOV cred with cloth till the longed-for guest should arrive.
 "Oh. you dear children, how can we thank you" cried the old lady. tears flow ing from her eyes Al we had to offer to our dear son on his return was bit of bread and cheese and cup of tea. You sec my husband has been very Ill and had to throw up lis work. So the money he had saved while in health was all gone when the telegram arrived to give us hope. Though we both knew our Lord would not desert us in our hour of need. And see-how you dear ones have come to cheer us anu minister to our wants? You shall receive your rewa rds. my dear, dear boy and girl. This Easter morn you have been thoughtful of an old and sick couple. Your presence has cheered us and made us quite we'll again.
 In weak voice the grateful nid man