The daily morning journal and courier., 1907-10-24

knees well apart ana garment oL Patsys held at a good distance, she piled a coarse needle swiftly, draw ing the long, unwieldly thread to arms length, She gave her head an affirmative shake as she thought to herself that Tom couldn't be long coming now. He never had stayed away like this before. She had few i dollars put by. If it be enough to get a bit O ground in the country, maybe she could keep him. She could see him with his hoe and his pipe, and herself "milkin' the ould COW, the way it was before iver we left the ould country"
 The thought of the boy was sud den reminder that he would be wanting some dinner at noon. She bit off her thread, dumped her work on the lounge, dropped a woolen skirt over her calico, and threw on a shawl, to go to the store. But Patsy found no dinner ready when he looked in for 1t after school. At that mo- ment his mother was walking rapidly beside a messenger from the city hospital
 Your man ain't kilt, I'm telling you, only terrible hurted," the mes senger explained from time to time, in response to the moans that escaped from Maggies lips.
 Her genuine horror of the hospital was in abeyance as she ran ahead of him and up the broad stone steps, Scarcely needing directions she made her way to the mems surgical ward. In the long row of white beds all alike, among the wan faces that all bore the same badge of the brother hood of pain, she instantly detected Toms. Pale faces were turned hasti- ly aside and tears ran down rough cheeks as she threw herself on her knees beside her husband and covered him with kisses rom darlint! Tom darlint!" she sobbed.
 Toms eyes moved restlessly. "I did not taste dhrop since" he murmur- ed. Home be the sthroke O nine"
 Maggie felt gentle, firm hands on her shoulders and saw a white cap bending over her. He is out of his head now" said the nurse, land we must not tire him. Tomorrow you shall come again"
 The doctor met Maggie coming out of the ward and led her into his office. The eulogy that she poured forth in answer to his few questions about Tom was oddly in contrast to the es- innate of the man which from long experience he had made.
 When she had done speaking, he remained silent for moment. q am sorry for you, my poor woman" he began at last.
 Maggie's eyes overfYowed at once, for his manner seemed to foretell the worst. But when he added, Your husband will not be able to support you now, she instantly whisked away the tears. Sure he didn't do that in good phile," she said with prompt cheer. An he won't die on mel"
 "He will get we'll said the doctor ''but you will have to do everything for him."
 | "Glory bel" exclaimed Maggie | The doctor hesltated. Accustomed as he was to the bearing of bad news and to the variety of ways in which 1t could be received, lie was complete ly taken abaclS by the eager, joyous look in Maggle's face.
 "He'l not die! can bring him homer" she exclaimed. "Yes, yes" said the doctor, "but he'll be burden, disabled; you'll have to wait on him all the time" "Glory be to God!" was the dlscon- certing reply,
 Tt was necessary-it could not be avoided-we were obliged-to take off his hands-both his hands"
 His two hands An he hasn't thim at all?" cried Maggie.
 No, my poor woman; am sorry for you" oo
 "Oh! Glory be to God!" Maggie broke out again, and with such gen. ulne, hearty joy and relief in her face that the doctor was nonplussed.
 Are you sure you understand?" he faltered.
 "Indade, thin, an I do. Oh glory bel An thin the dhrink'll niver have him desthroyed any more?"
 well I hope not" said the doc tor, mystiled anew at this burst of optimism, "but it's hard for man to break up that habit"
 But how could he get it?" cried Maggie excitedly Himself can't keteh holt O it, an who'd give 1t | to him? It wudn't be me, thin An I'll never lave him out O mo sight again the longest day he lives.
 Grove street was beginning 8 new day. Trim maids were sweeping the sidewalks; hyacinths and tulips shone brilliant in the dew; and pleasant faces came to windows to look out upon the new world of spring.
 Mrs. Norton was reused from last nay by the sound of singing.
 Maggie was to come this morn ing" she thought, "but she is usual | ly so quiet"
 Down stairs she found her on her knees, the music following the rhythm of her broad back as she scrubbed and sang.
 Good morning" said Mrs. Nor ton.
 Maggie turned bright face over her shoulder
 Toms home" she said.
 And the song went on singing in Maggie Egans heart. 
 BOX BUSINESS DULL.