Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1908-05-14
CHAPTER XIII.
The Promise Kept.

The Promise Kept.
Alfred came downstairs 10 Mrs. Har.
mons spacious paTlor. 1t lacked some
minutes of the dinner hour, and he
hoped for a coy chat before the Judge
came in At least, he felt sure OF the
few minutes it took the Judge to
scramble. grumbling, into his detested
evening clothes
Mrs Harmon entered, stately,
white-haired woman in creamy, SHIN
merins satin, whose merry eyes be-
lied the somewhat stern mouth.
Alfred" She was beside him in
front Of the fire before he was aware
of her presence How good it is to
see you, Oh, but you're changed"
She looked him over critically, yet in
a breath You have acquired tan.
few-just a few-lines, and business
face 1t is all becoming, though, the
tan, the lines, and-and the business
face" she added hesitatingly. You're
a trife stouter, aren't you?"
Yes, am"
That's good You were too thin.
How sorry l am have been away
when you arrived. 1t was so inhos-
pitabie."
It's very good to be here, to see
you after this long time. And don't
trouble a minute about not being here
to receive me. Toy is whole do
nestle retinue He took me to my
old chamber and fused about delight
fully"
Yes, Toy is my right-hand man, half
my Housekeeping brain"
1T is like home, even to the hello
trope on the stand. How good of you
to remember my favorite flower"
He glanced swiftly around the quiet
room, inging his eyes again to her
calm face He felt welcomed, warmed,
his heart lighter. This beautiful home
was like his own, ample, refined; and
its genius stood on a pedestal beside
the memory of his mother.
--Flattering OF Toy" Mrs. Harmon
replied to his last remark; you were
a favorite of his. l can't claim credit
for any such definite memory Of your
tastes I'm afraid I've forgotten even
the songs you liked me to sing; but
I shall never forget some OF yours.
1 can hear you now as on that first
night when you sang Down Upon the
Swanee River as if God had turned
you out OF heaven"
7 thought he had then; know bet
ter now"
Because you have gained it since?
- L
know-a little about-hades." He wa:
looking down, and quite unaware O
the detection in his voice.
You poor boy" She stepped close
and put her hand on his arm. 'Yo'
must tell me when you're in the
mood of that trying experience I
must have been dreadful.'
The KIDNAPPING? Oh, yes, that wa
pretty bad; and the long illness ate
but there, What silly l am to un
load my troubles before I've given yo7
a decent how-do-you-do! That's wha
used to do to my mother at home il
-" He trusted his voice no farther.
I'm your mother in California, 20
know" she said softly.
He lifted her hand from his arm an
kissed it reyerently.
Alfred, dear, I understand. b
cause you've been so long from thing
you need, have missed things, perhaps
that don't know of, my sympathy ha
undone you Some other time, whe
no guests are coming, forget that II
not your own mother and tell me a
your heart Meantime, brighten VI
The very dearest of my many girls
to be here tonight. I've been wishin
you might meet her. She's beaut
full woman, a heroine, too-Miss A
thony"
Alfred started, and his lips straish
ened instantly. Stella Anthony"
asked thickly.
NO, Esther Anthony" Mrs Harmc
answered, noting his agitation She
not one you'd take the liberty Of mic
naming Sit down, Alfred, and let II
tell you of her"
is she large. rosy, with red-gol
brown hair, very light, a dozen-a
the colors of the sunset In it,"