Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-07-25
The Star of Bethlehem.
Bya Jennie w.Ibridge Brigrs


was informed that Mrs. Blake had
left for the nearest city soon after
her husbands desertion. How that
word smote himi He could find no
one who knew her address or aught
of her welfare. But he would find her
he must find her! yet, notwithstand-
ing his constant efforts, he could find
no trace Of her, and on Christmas
eve, dreary and disheartened. he
walked the streets Of the city-loneiy
and sorrowful In the midst Of all the
Christmas cheer he alone seemed to
have no part. At last he paused In
front of church. The lights and mu
sic attracted him. He would go in and
rest awhile. There was a Christmas
tree and happy children singing their
Christmas carols and receiving their
gifts.
Where was his boy tonight?
Would some good angel bring him
gifts? He fervently hoped SO.
Absorbed in his own reflections he
did not notice that a lady and little
boy had been seated just in front OF
him until low sob arrested his at.
tention, and the little boy, stealing
one arm around his mothers neck
begged her not to cry.
Evidently here was GORE one in
distress. Perhaps he could help her.
He noticed that she was plainly
dressed and seemed to have no part
in the festive scenes about them but
was like himself, simply an on:looker.
He watched the pair closely. There
was something familiar In the poise
of the figure before him, and the lit.
tie boy must be about the age of his
own long-sought child
In response to the child's caress
she turned her head toward him
and his heart stood still 1t was the
face of his long-sought wife--a little
paler and thinner than in the days OF
long ago, but there was no 7nistaking
the likeness. How he longed to reach
forward and clasp them in his strong
and loving embrace, but this was not
the place to reveal himself; but he
must not lose sight of them.
When the services were over she
passed out with downcast eyes. He
noted that In all that happy throng
not one rendered to her welcom.
ing hand. Some day she would wear
furs and satin and be as good as the
rest OF them.
1t was with some difficulty that he
kept the pair in sight until they
reached the door of their little room
Pausing outside he could hear the
prattle of his little boy:
Mama, why does not papa come :?
You said II | prayed God to help him
see the star he would come home!"
MY dear, you must have patience, !"
answered his mother.
Mr.. Blake could restrain himself no
longer. Rapping softly on the door he
| heard movement within. The key
was turned in the lock and, opening
the door slightly, she inquired who
was there, wondering what one of
her humble neighbors was making
her such .. late call.
1T is Henry, your long lost hus-
band he cried. pushing open the
door and taking her In his arms.
Harold was not slow to compre
/, bend the situation.
Did you see the star OF hope and
faith?" he cried, running to him and
catching hold of his hand
YES, darling, / saw the star" the
father replied as he drew the little
fellow to his bosom. land by Gods
grace mean to follow It."
Harold was. soon asleep in his
fathers arms while the husband and
wife, hand in hand, sat long before
the dying embers planning happier
future.
When Mrs. Blake told her husband
OF Havrold's fancy about the star and
of his evening prayer the fathers eyes
filled with tears and he repeated 70
himself:
l. "And "a littIe child shall Lad thar, ,,