Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1907-12-26

N--N -'A~Ng eNtA eAoO NASh
hrst met the fair young girl who
seemed lost to him forever.
1t was a sad face upon which Mrs.
Massey gazed when she welcomed her
old favorite to the house.
MY son told me how altered y,u
were she said, holding out both
hands to Lord Bayneham.
Life has not been a bed of roses
for me-"
Nor for any of us" interrupted the
lady Il have gathered more thorns
than flowers"
Mrs. Massey was a stately gentle
woman, one of the old school. kind
and charitable, yet dignified and re.
served, and firm believer in etiquette.
If she had fault, her son declared it
was in being too frigidly correct and
proper She was dressed as Lord
Bayneham remembered always 10
have seen her, in the stiffest of bro
cades and the most costly of lace caps
She made many inquiries about Lady
Bayneham and Mss Earle, yet her
visitor thought there was something
unusual in her manner. She talked
more than he had ever heard her, and
seemed afraid of a moments silneca.
1t was relief when the child came IN
and ran straight up to Lord Bayneham.
All, what was it? Why did his eyes
fill with tears as the tender arms
chung to him? Why did the sweet
oh ldish voice seem to reach the
depths of his heart, and stir fountains
that had long been sealed and dry?
My son tells me you have taken a
wonderful fancy to this little boy"
said Mrs. Massey HE is a noble
little fellow, and we are all fond CT
him"
Il have never loved child before"
said Lord Bayneham, and his lips
trembled as he spoke; land in my
solitary life, do not think l sh, Ia ever
care so much for one again"
Would you like to live with this
gentleman, Lionel?" asked Mrs. Mas
sey.
Eyes" said the child; ''but cannot,
because | cannot leave mamma"
Il am to be introduced in proper
form to-day said Lord Bayneham;
what is my little friends name? [
shall ask permission to take him down
to Bayneham with me-"
Captain Massey smiled a strange
smile that the earl could not under
stand
Would you like to see Lioneps
mamma, and ask her permission ?''
said Mrs. Massey.
Yes" replied Lord Baynenam, "lf
it would not be an intrusion"
Il can answer that it would not"
sad the lady.
Her face was strangely pale, and
Lord Bayneham wondered at the
emotion he read there
"She is in the boudoir here" said
Mrs, Massey; "go and make your re-
quest, my lord"
"Will you not accompany ne?-the
lady is a stranger; shall need an
introduction" said Lord Bayneham.
Go alone" said Captain Massey
and even as he spoke, Lord Bayneham
noted the change in his vo ce-the
nervous, agitated expression of his
face. 60 alone" continued the cap
tain. Lionel will introduce you"
A strange tremor seized Lord Bayne-
ham; strange, vague hope came to
him, as he looked at those pale, agi-
tated faces. He tried to speak, and
ask another question, but bis lips
seemed numbed and dumbed.
Lionel" said Captain Massey. "go
with that gentleman, and take him to
your mamma"
The child gently laid his little hand
on Lord Bayneham's, and led him
through the long drawing-room. A
door at the other end of the apart
.ment led to the boudoir. He turned
the handle, and opened it, slowly NOV
ing, as one whose senses are wrapped
in dream. He saw a small, pretty
room, where fragrant flowers were
blooming and golden sunbeams came
in through the clouds of white lace.
He saw-was this dream "a golden
head raised as he entered. beaut full
face, sweet and pure and tender; he
saw violet eyes full of tears, culver
ing lips that tried in vain to utter his
name; he saw two little white hands
clasped as he had seen them clasped
years ago; and thick mist swan be.
fore him. noise as Of rushing waters
filled his ears. A little voice aroused
him; the child ran from him to the
lady.
This is mamma" he said proudly
1t was no dream,-it was his own
wife clinging to him, her tender arms
clasped round him, her beautiful face
wet with tears so near his own, the
golden heal dropping on his breast.
1t was no fancy, no dream, but a real,
glorious truth. Once before he had
wept like a child.-it was when ie
lost her. Again the strength Of his
manhood seemed to desert him, and
warm tears fell upon the golden hair.
"Claud" whispered a gentle voice,
can you forgive me, -- fogiye me