The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1910-01-26


were grey and very bright. Rich
ard Hazen did not see the girl until
he was close to her. His gray head was
bowed and his thoughts were FAR
away.
Then he looked up and saw the
bright eyes intently regarding him.
The owner Of the bright eyes
smiled and put out her hand.
81 am Toms wife," she simply said
The old man gave little gasp and
his lip suddenly trembled.
Toms wife!" he whispered. "Wh-
why | was thinking Of Tom at this
very moment" He stared at the girl
"Tom's wife!' he duly repeated
"Yes," said the girl. Don't you
zee my hand?'
He saw her hand and then took it
in both his own.
"Tom's wife, he murmured. Il am
very glad to meet you, my dear" Then
he gave a quick start and stared at
her garb. It was walking costume OF
steel gray and he sighed with relief.
"Tom is well?'
"Tom is very we'll and very busy.
How is it with you, father Richard?"
He gave little start at the title.
81 am always fairly well, and al
ways busy"
She glanced at~the worn figure and
tired face and her voice grew gentler
81 have wanted for a long time to
know you, father Richard. That's why
/ am here
He suddenly looked from her toward
the house.
"Have you seen Toms mother?" he
asked.
mot yet. l waited here for you.
They told me at the Office you would
stop at the bank and 50 took the car
ahead of yours. Shall we go inE"
He hesitated and again looked to-
ward the house.
LET us walk around the block, my
dear" he said. 81 have something to
explain to you"
VERY we'll" she said. 81 doubt your
ability to tell me anything | do not
know, but I'm glad to walk with you,
father Richard. Don't forget that. I've
wanted to meet my Toms father for
a long, long time"
The old man suddenly smiled.
81 like your appearance, my dear"
he said. 81 like your voice. | am sure
you are good to my boy, and l know
he must be proud of you" He hesi-
tated as they moved away. ''But have
you thought of Toms mothers?
The girl softly laughed.
every often she answered. "And
I'm not afraid
"She is very proud"
80 am l. father Richard"
"She does not forget"
81 am glad of that
"You may find her sadly prejudiced."
Il expect it, father Richard"
He looked at her and his face
frightened.
you are not at all what What
we imagined you might me, my dear.
And am very glad
you knew Tom was married?"
"Yes. The news came to us through
several hands, and there were no par
ticulars. And now tell me about
Tom"
The girl laughed.
"He Is we'll, he is busy, he is hap.
by. am going to ask you to wait
for further particulars until l meet
his mother.
His face clouded.
"If she will listen to you"
The girl-she seemed no more than
q girl in years-nodded lightly.
The old man laid his hand lightly
on the girls arm.
'You inspire me with confidence,
my DEAR he gently said. 81 am sure
that Toms mother grieves for her boy,
but she is very proud and unyielding."
Il know" said the girl, "but she will
find that I'm Western girl and some
thing of fighter myself, and dread
full stubborn when l think I'm right"
And she laughed lightly.
They had returned to the house,
and now they went up the walk to-
gether and the old man opened the
door and they passed into the lib
,Tary.
And the girl saw that the old man
seemed to grow older and grayer when
l1ne entered the house, and he locked
about him with nervous air.
WAIT here, please, and l will call
Toms mother" he said.
! And she smiled back at him.
As he passed through the door she
,lave a quick glance into the long
mirror between the old fashioned win
ldows, and Strengthened her hat and
gave her plumage quick little shake,
and threw a confident glance at the
reflected image.
As she turned away a lady came
into the room, and Richard Hazen
W1s close behind her.
DO you wish to SEQ me?" the lady
4sked.
The old man STARED anziously at
~ girl.