Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1909-12-17
ReCOmpenSe

NF~AAHI 1AE1-A
dow, making aim the objects In the
simple yet cosy room. There was no
sound until the clock on the mantel
struck 4. and then the sweet-faced
lady who sat IN the rocker facing the
vest window rose and walked to the
farther side Of the room.
Come. daughter" she said. speak
Ing to young girl who sat behind a
large desk writing rapidly, Leave
your books a few moments and come
with me to watch the sunset. One
sees It best from Claron Hin and the
walk there Is brisk and invigorating."
Yes, mother. Just let me finish this
thesis FIRST. Professor wants It in to
morrow, and I do so wish to please
him. III be right along"
But In her interest the daughter for
got the mother waiting and let her
go alone TO Claron HILL Along the
snow-coyered path the mother slowly
went. not needing the beautiful win
ter scene about her. The trees. their
strong. armlike branches laden with
myriad glistening snownakes; the
gloriously clear blue sky. now tinging
gray In the far east; the cold, exhila-
rating wind--all alike had lost their
wanted charm for her. What was the
use Of a great beautiful world in
which to live when ones own flesh
and blood did not return the most
natural OF affections that Of daugh-
ter's love for her mother7
Great throbbing tears rolled down
the mothers face. for the thoughts
that forced them were a strange in.
termingling Of the bitter and the
sweet
"Elleni" The words came invoIun-
tarilly from her lips. How have
worked for you--ever since your faith.
er diedl You we're a wee. tiny thing
so sweet and so pretty. Shall I ever
forget how thankful / was to have
you left when he was taken away!
Since then, how I have nursed you.
cared for you. worked for you. to
give you the advantages that would
have been yours had your father
livedl Have l succeeded? Yes-too
well. for l have made myself a slave
to you. You consider all things FIRST,
last of all-your m-mother."
The sobbing woman had reached
the summit Of Claron Hill. Before
her was spread the beautiful sunset,
and as she gazed upon its glory in
deep admiration her sorrow some
what lessened. Rich, changing hues
filled the western sky. First, all was
deep red blood; slowly the red shad-
ed into faintest pink, and again into
| yellow. Creeping from behind a SOM
bre cloud stole a rosy glow. envelop-
ing all In softest light, till a purple
haze settled over the low hills and
darkening valleys. Then, like a gar
ment turned. the purple revealed its
lining Of silver gray and a peaceful.
lovely night set in.
To the woman on the hill summit
this silent communion with infinite
beauty brought happy hope, and she
turned from 1t with lighter step. well
knowing that he who provided all
that splendoT for his own gloriiication
and the worship of man would care
for her and let her hope be realized.
The day OF realization came in the
balmy June. Claron Hill was beau
tiful crown of growing WildhoWers
which sent up their sweet fragrance,
like incense. to the clear cioudless
sky. OF all lovely days In June, that
day must have been the best II was
commencement at college. and Ellen
her Ellen-was to graduate with
highest honors. How selfish she had
been TO think herself neglected even
for q moment when Ellen had been
working so laboriously these last four
years to win these honors that she
her mother--might feel the great pride
Of owning such a brilliant daughter
In the large crowded hall she felt
that every mothers eye enviously be
held her when she clasped her daugh'
ter to her breast after the exercises
Enraptured, her cheeks flushed with
bloom like youth and her eyes
sparkled with joyful tears.
"why, mother. how pretty you
Iooki" the daughter exclaimed. draw
ing her arm through hers and leading
her into the festive college grounds
But 1t was IN the evening that the
mother realized her dearest hope. To
gether she and her daughter walked
to Claron Hill, and when they reached
the summit the world was wrapped
in the sunsets afterglow. Still. while
II lasted, the mother lifted her face tc
her daughters and the thin lips quiv
cred and her eyes were wet.
why, mother-mother. darling!
the daughter whispered. and gazing
upon the sweet face she noted for the
first time its numerous lines Of care
and worry. the sad mien on every
feature. A great pang seized her. She
drew the slight form closer to her
raining kisses upon the gray head un
til the mother looked up In surprise
II was the daughter who spoke again
Darling, / have neglected you;
have been so selfish. You shall never
Be left alone hereafter. Forgive me-
And while the happy revelation oi
a love deep as her own erept into the
mothers heart, the afterglow ebbed
into gray and night laid its heavJ
hand on all without it's grasp Until
the rising sun chased II away and
brought to these two another day full
Of love. hope and glory.-ALVA
MARIE PETERSON.