Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-05-14

neat sum Of two dollars and ten cents
ooh, quite enough for the four bas-
kets," exclaimed Gladys joyously, "and
nice ones, too
So they put on their hats and hur-
ried to the Gift Shop kept by Mr..
old man, who was always so gracious
to them when they entered his place
, Of business. He was always the same
whether or not they bought anything.
On this evening the old man was not
alone, for sweet-faced old lady was
behind the counter beside him. When
the twins entered old Mr.. Adams In
! troduced the little old lady to them
as his wife. She's just recovered from
a long illness and is once more able
to be with me in the shop of after
Moons, when I am the busiest" ex-
planned the old gentleman, happily.
He really seemed as pleased as a
child to have the companionship OF
/ his wife once more.
The twins fell in love with the
dear little old lady right away, and
Gladys explained that they had come
to get four baskets to fix up for May
Day gifts. me old lady's face beamed
with eagerness when they asked her
choice of baskets, and she fell to 60
ing over the shops assortment, pick
ing out the prettiest ones to show to
her charming little customers.
"Oh, isn't 1t a pretty custom?" said
Mrs. Adams, as she arranged the bas-
kets on the counter. II had forgotten
the May-day gift baskets" she went
on, during the many long years of
illness and struggle. You see, my
dears, Father and have no children
on earth. We had two beautiful little
ones, but they left us long, long ago.
Benny,-our elder child-lived to
reach his fourteenth year, and Sally
was IL when she was called away. Oh,
how lonely we were for so many
years without them!' A mist gathered
in the old lady's eyes and her voice
choked with emotion-"But-it was
the Lords will, and, Of course, was for
the best. But-we mourn over our lost
ones in spite Of the fact that we re-
alize they are far better off,"
yes. mother, our Benny and Sally
have been spared many heartbreaks,"
consoled old Mr.. Adams. "They were
so bright and happy like these little
girls" he went on. do you mind,
mother, the last May of Benny's life?
He fixed such nice little gift basket
for you-one with potted plant "a
rosebush. And tucked inside the
basket were candies and fruit, and all
tied about by a green ribbon. Benny
fixed it up himself and placed 1t be-
side mothers plate on the breakfast
table,"
A smile of happy recollection fitted
oyer the old, lady's face. "Ah, Benny
was 80 thoughtful" she said "He and
Sally gave us many little gifts, but
that last May-day basket-ah, 1t was
the dearest of all. I have it now,
tenderly put away, the little rosebush
all faded and dried. but 1t is the rem
nant of the blossoming one Benny
bought for me. oh, how long ago that
was! Why, our boy would be 40
years old were he living now, and our
girl-golden-haired little Sally-would
be SO. It doesn't seem possible"
And Mrs. Adams eyes took on dis
tant look.
"Ah, but our little girls want their
baskets" said old Mr.. Adams. And
seeing that his wife was far back in
the past, he proceeded to wait on the
customers himself Gladys and Gloria
were not long in choosing their bas-
kets, and after paying for them, hur-
ried out and down the sterets. AS
they walked along Gladys said: Sis.
ter, have been thinking of doing
something with your approval and
help"
Gloria smiled. I'm quite sure
have the same plan in my head, Glad"
she said. SIS it this: Shall we make
Mayday basket for that sweet, lit
tie old lady?"
Gladys stopped suddenly and kissed
her sisters cheek enthusiastically.
"You have the very same idea," she
declared. Lets let Uncle Tom out,
and make up the basket for Mrs.
Adams"
eyes, Uncle Tom is just 80 years.
DID," said Gloria. "He's not young
enough to care much about such
things, and not yet old enough to feel
real Joy over May-day basket. Well
have to give the basket intended for
him to that dear old lady"
Hello, my little ladies!" cried a
CHEEKY voice behind Gladys and Gloria
Just at this minute and, turning about,
the girls saw the very person of whom
they conversed approaching them.
Their Uncle Tom was smiling at them,
his arms full ofabundles. Say. don't
look like delivery boy?" he asked.
Eyes, you certainly do, uncle" said
Gladys. Then, after few knowing
glances at her sister, answered by a
few knowing mods, she unfolded her
plan to jolly Uncle Tom. "Just the
thing" he declared. "And I've got
enough stuff here-fruit, raisins, bon
bons, etc., to fill dozen baskets. You
see. mother. who's as young as a child.