The Springfield herald., 1909-11-19

2 Oc@eO Gent t6ef.eA9
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little and her laughing eyes grew So
rious and she held up her pretty head.
"A young woman; strong and
healthy and useful young woman
good young woman. believe me-"
The mothers wet eyes stared at
the girl.
why do you tell me this?" she
asked.
The mother took a step nearor.
"You!" she whispered.
Il see you guess" cried the Girl
Yes. am your sons wife!"
The girl gently pushed the gray.
haired woman into a chair.
Let me tell 1t all in my own way.
madame mother 1t is like this John
married me one-two-tLree years
ago. Who was 1? A poor girl trying
to earn living, madame mother. On
/, the stage. yes. l will tell you how
that was. When we came to this coun.
try my father was carver of wood
and stone, had fine business. Then
he was killed in an accident and we
were very poor, my mother and |. And
SO. because we were SO poor l sang
for a manager and he gave me place
on the stage.
And SO because I loved John We
were married and went away, far
away into the desert and into the will
derness. John had the fever and there
was only mel was doctor and nurse
and all-and. please God. he did not
of ha NId
stole into the girls and held 1t close.
Then the luck changed. John Is made
manager. And pretty soon my big.
hopeful, always patient, always loving
John-I kiss his mothers hands
rich. quite rich"
| The mother arose.
my boy is coming home.' she
cried. Then her face clouded. But
his father-he is SO hard and unyield.
/ Ing-I'm afraid he has not forgiven
him."
Leave him to me, madam" cried
the girl Hush, think he Is coming.
Not word, madam. Leave him to
me-"
The bent form of the tall old man
appeared In the doorway.
Hiram" said the gray haired wo-
man, II have visitor here. She
will stay with us for a day or two"
The old man looked at the girl cu-
riously.
you are quite welcome" he said.
The girl had left a bag at the sta
ton and the old man drove with her
to get 1t. And when she came back
she waved her hand to Johns moth
er on the porch and there was some
thing more than a graceful greeting in
the gesture.
wait, good sir. II you please" she
said to the old man before he could
drive away. Tomorrow is Thanks
giving day. May l ask friend to
dine with me here? The good moth
er is willing"
The old man nodded.
1t certainly was a fine Thanksgiving
spread. The turkey was the tender
est, and all its train of accessory
dishes the most palatable that culin-
airy art could offer. And presently.
when the girl had cast final glance
at the clock and another through the
window. the old man was hidden to
the feast.
You spoke of friend" he said.
Yes. SIR" she quickly answered.
He will be here. Seat yourself. ma.
dam. Hark, he Is here"
The outer door suddenly opened. a
tall young man stepped into the room
and looked quickly about him, With
swift movement he stepped to his
mothers side and kissed her cheek.
and then drew back.
John" the mother whispered, but
her eyes were on the stern face of the
old man.
Father" she bravely said, this is
my friend, my dearest friend-will
you bid him welcome?"
The old mans face was dark, he
hesitated, his troubled look rested on
the girls sunny face.
Then he spoke, but his voice was
hoarse and scarcely audible.
Your friend is welcome for your
sake" he slowly said.
At that the young woman cried out
and ran around the table and put her
arm about his neck and kissed his
wrinkled cheek.
"Ah, such Thanksgiving" she
murmured.-W. R. Rose. in Cleveland
Plain Dealer.