The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-12-23
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worn in the battle of life, like him
self.
"Yes. Light the fires little early,
johnson, please, for shall be on
hand before the Others"
"All right, SIR" The janitor looked
after him with plying smile. poor
old duffer. | expect he knows he's
got to put in his best licks II he holds
his job. It's hard world, that's
what 1t is"
1t was small cottage home where
the weary footsteps at last halted,
and there was female figure on the
little porch in front.
Is that you, papa?"
"Yes, Matte. How is my dear to-
night?"
"How is my dear? Your dear is
all right" she answered, with brisk
pleasantly, as she locked her arm In
his, and swung the door wide open.
al know you are tired. can feel
your muscles quiver."
"Yes, Matte. How warm and saw
ory you smell in here" he said, inhal-
ing the pleasant odor and warmth
gratefully. 1t was such a cheerful
little sitting room, with pictures
tastefully hung, draped windows, and
restful easy chairs invitingly placed.
In one corner stood an organ and in
the warmest corner couch, where the
father could stretch his weary limbs
at night and listen to the old songs,
which, better than the finest opera
music, rested his tagged brain and
lifted him out of his present into
happier past or into the swift COM
ing future, where the books will be
opened, and credit given to poor,
weary, old bookkeeper who has done
his best.
Just beyond, the little tea table
with its snowy cloth and glimmer of
modest silver and glassware, beck
oned temptingly, but Matte shook
her finger in warning. you are not
even to look toward the dining room
until l call you, papa," she said,
laughingly. IL should have had sup
per all on If you wore not such an
unpunctual party, Sit down now and
get warm while am gone"
He sank into the red covered rocker
with the slippers standing suggestive
ly before it, with smile. 1t is SO
good to be at home, and Matte was
such CHEEKY little homekeeper that
his mantle of care slipped off for the
moment, and his weary eyes dropped
dreamily in the warm freight.
II do believe you have been nap
ping, papa," Matte said, as she came
in ten minutes later. She did not tell
him that she had dropped tear, and
kiss as light and soft as a downy
snowflake on his tired eyes to awaken
him, as she stood beside him, her
heart swelling with a great pity and
love.
"Come, dear, waffles and tea will
rest you, know, and Aunt Dean has
sent in a platter of fried chicken ane
some of her fine, white clover honey"
"Quite a feast, my child" said the
father, smilingly, as he took his seat |
before the plate of steaming wafles.
"Aren't you afraid l shall develop
gout If we live SO high?"
1t was their little joke. and each |
laughed merrily as Matte poured the |
tea. "How is 1t to-day, papa?" she |
asked. wistfully, as the meal pro-
gressed. She dreaded, too, to bring |
in any of the days worry or griev-
ance, but she had been SO anxious.
"Not much better, daughter. Mr..
Rollin: was coolly civil, that was all, |
and the manager fretted over a mis-
take which was more his fault than |
mine. 1t is of no use to disguise the |
truth, dear. ! can feel 1t in the air
that there will soon be younger
bookkeeper at the desk, and the old |
man will have to take what he can |
get. / can see they put their heads
together and speak low, and are
careful to close doors when / am
about. They mean to let me down
easy. suppose, and not hurt my feel
ings; as II anything would hurt worse