The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1908-06-02

the first time she had ever been called
grandmother, and she had never known
there was a child
When Robert Jordan went to the
city six years before to study book
keeping and during the first year mar
ried one of the chorus girls belonging
to the "Froth and Foam Extravagan-
"a" his mothers Methodist principles
had refused to acknowledge that she
any longer had a son. His letters, I'M
answered, finally stopped altogether
There had been no word from him. d.
rect or Indirect, until this small boy
with the eyes and mouth Of her own
little Bobbie, called her grandmother.
81 never saw you before at ALL" he
said. softly patting her cheeks with
the cold little hands from which he
had removed the mittens. but papa
said you would love me dearly and that
every time you made cookies you
like a doggie. with currants for Its
eyes VIII you. grandmother. pleaseT
Mrs. Jordan trembled from head to
foot at the vision Of another little boy
of long ago watching her put the cur
rants in for eyes. She could fancy his
childish voice saying. Mind. muvver.
don't make him cross eyed
where is your papa?'' she asked. I'M
buttoning the ehild's overcoat mechan-
ically.
"Papa's gone away. He said he was
going to stay with mamma and that
was to be your little boy. He sent
you birthday letter in my overcoat
pocket. You do want me for your lit
tie boy, don't your"
His childish mouth quivered appre-
hensively at her continued silence
She left the letter unopened while
she Rugged him suddenly to her breast
Eyes; want you for my little boy.
have wanted little boy for years
and years-so terribly long" she said
crushing the words against his short.
curly hair.
Marietta, take the child upstairs and
wash his face and hands before break
fast He's all covered with train
dust" she said. suddenly becoming
conscious that the young girl had been
standing silent in the kitchen door.
Left alone she looked at the letter
long and silently. The years rolled
back-she seemed TO feel with all the
intensity of her young motherhood
she realized that the letter must tell
her that her son was dead, yet the
child. her child. seemed miraculously
restored to her.
Bringing her glasses from corner Of
the dining room mantel. she opened the
letter.
81 shall not live to see your birthday,
mother. but little Ned will be with
you. and you can't help loving him
His mother has been dead year The
doctor says he will see that the boy
gets to you safely And. mother, If
you will only love him and forget these
last few years.
The woman leaned her head on the
table. and deep sobs convulsed her.
Marietta, coming downstairs with an
immaculate little boy by the hand. saw
through the front window some one who
caused her to run hastily to the door.
Come to the steps a minute. John. ;"
she called softly. Il was afraid !
wouldn't get the chance to see you to-
day. I've determined to say Yes. even
If Aunt Ann doesn't give her consent.
She seems to have a horror of people
getting married It's getting unbear-
able. / wanted her to say | might
marry you. but I'll do it. anyway"
John Terry's strong hand closed on
hers convulsively.
"Will you wear a veil and carry big
bouquet" eagerly asked the child.
overlooked by them both.
The man laughed good naturally.
Hello. youngster. where did you
come from? Yes. she can have the
veil and bouquet. and maybe there will
be long train that you cal walk be-
hind and carry just like the picture OF
the princess and her little page. But
who on earth are you. and when did
you strike this town.
'T'm Ned Jordan. and my papa's
name is Robert Jordan. and I've come
to stay with grandma. and ! hope you
are WE'LL" the child answered. with a
polite timidity that caused him to rush
through his explanations and wind up
for lack of breath.
Terry gazed at the girl meaningly.