Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1908-06-29
HIS MOTHER.


had cast him of because he had con-
tracted a misalliance. refusing to hail
any intercourse with him. In vain ~
pleaded. She remained immovable.
1t is now two years since his mar
rage, and, though she has often longed
for his presence. she has never ac-
knowleged it until now. Perhaps she
might have remained estranged had 1t
not been owing to the sermon which
the minister preached Sunday on
Mother Love-" relating several touch
ing incidents Of sacrifice which moth
ers have made for their sons. What
had she done? Disowned her son be-
cause he married poor girl. What
need Of her being SO bitter? If Jack
loved the girl. why was she so obsti-
nate? She resolved to search for him
and bring him home.
Two months have passed. Mrs. Ar
den has left no stone unturned to find
her son, but to no avail. She fears
she will be unsuccessful. Perhaps
years may elapse before any account
Of him may be obtained. She Is pac-
ing the room nervously when Mr.. Ry-
mer. her lawyer. Is announced.
One glance is sufficient. She steps
forward, exclaiming You have good
newsY"
"Yes." replied Mr.. Rymer; Il have
seen your son, but did not make my
Is employed by Wright & Carter as
bookkeeper obtained my Informal
ton from Mr.. Wright. contiding the
story to him. knowing you will want
him to come home with you. He is
glad for Mr.. Arden's sake but sorry to
lose such an earnest worker. l also
called on Mrs. Arden, but as book
agent, and | admire his taste While
their home is not luxurious. everything
Is coZy, and I am sure she is an excel
lent wife"
"Oh, | am so glad! Mr.. Rymer. If
start Immediately l could reach the
house before Jack, tell his wife who
supper. could l not?"
Yes: there is train at noon. That
Is an excellent plan. You will call to-
night. Jack will be pleased to see you.
and
II should like to see him. Yes.
shall call. Goodby"
Evening Of the same day. Mrs. Ar
den has been at her sons home two
hours. long enough for her to agree
with Mr.. Rymer by admiring his selec-
ton Of wife. Alice. Jacks wife. is
unlike the Ardens, being small and
fair. while they are tall and dark. Mrs.
Arden and Alice have become the best
Of friends. They are awaiting Jacks
arrival. When they hear his footsteps.
Mrs. Arden will step into the next
room and await an opportunity for her
appearance.
How the time drags" eXclaims
Alice as she kneels beside Mrs. Arden.
clasping her hand. Dear mother. l
am so happy! long for Jack to come.
knowing he but wished to be reunited
TO you to complete his happiness. Ev-
cry moment seems an hour"
what cross woman l have been.
But" smiling fondly into the upturned
face. II did not know l had such a
lovely little daughter"
II guess you thought l wanted Jack s
money. but you know now. don't your"
Her answer is to take the slender
form in her arms and kiss her.
Presently Jacks footsteps are heard.
Mrs. Arden steps into the next room.
The door opens. and Jack exclaims:
"Why, Alice. you look radiant! What
Is it. little girl? Good news?"
Jack. do ever look unhappy"
mo. but you look extremely happy
tonight"
II guess happiness is in the air." re-
plies Alice. with a roguish smile. "Per.
haps you may inhale some of it. But
be seated. Supper will be cold"
Have you made mistake. Alice?"
asks Jack as he sees an extra plate
laid. For whom is the third plate?"
a hand is laid on his shoulder A
voice which causes him to start says
"For me-" In less time than it takes
to tell it Jack has exclaimed Mother"
and clasps her so tightly she fears she
will never be free, kissing her again
and again.
When mother and son have recov.
cred their composure. Mrs. Arden tells
him how her conscience rebuked her
after hearing the sermon. and when
she sat looking ut his picture and long
ing for the sound of his voice she deter.
mined to find him and bring him home
Mr.. Rymer enters at this point. and
great Is Alice'S. or. as he calls her.
''young Mrs. Arden's." dismay to find
that 1.-THE persistent book agent" and
the lawyer are one. Jack Is delighted
to see his old friend.
After greetings have been exchanged
between smiles and tears Jack turns
to the group. saying. "Well, you all
formed conspiracy against me. but if
all plots ended as happily as mine this
would be a good world"
Within week they have gone to live
with mother" dispensing with their
fat. Jacks mother is happier than she
has been for years. Young Mrs. Ar
den" has a stanch admirer In Mr.. Ry-
mer, who thinks she is charming. He
and Jack are fast friends. Alice Won