The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1908-12-25

worn In the battle OF life, like him
self.
Yes. Light the fires a 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 duifcr | expect he knows he's
got to put in his best licks If he holds
his job. It's a hard world, that's
what it is.
II 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.
II know you are tired. ! can feel
your muscles CULVER.
Yes, Matte. How warm and saw
ory you smell in here" he said. inhal-
ing the pleasant odor and warmth
gratefully. 1t was such cheerful
little sitting room, with pictures
tastelr1y hung, draped windows, and
restful easy chairs invitingly placed.
In one corner stood an organ and in
the warmest corner couch, whore 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 "A
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 i'm warming. You are not
even to look toward the dining room
until | call you, papa, she said,
laughingly. 81 should have had sup
per all on If you were 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 a 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 i'm the warm frelight.
Il 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
n kiss as light and soft as n downy
snowflake ON his tired eyes 10 awaken
him, rs she stood beside him. her
heart swelling with great pity and
love
Come. dear. wailles and tea Will
rest YOU. | know. and Aunt Dean has
sent I'm platter OF fried chicken and
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 watlles.
Aren't YOU afraid | shall develop
gout if we live SO high?"
IL was their little Joke, and each
laughed merrily as Matte poured the
tea. How is it to-day. papa?" she
asked, wistfully. as the meal pro-
gressod. She dreaded, too. TO bring
i'm any OF the days worry or griev-
ancc. but she had been So anxious.
Not much better, daughter. Mr..
ROLES was coolly civil. that was all.
and the manager fretted over a mis-
take which was more his fault than
mine. 10 is of no use TO disguise the
truth, dear. / can feel Il in the air
that there will soon be a younger
bookkeeper at the desk. and the old
man will have 90 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 IL anything would hurt worse