Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-12-17
DRIVEN OUT ON
HER BRIDAL DAY
How an Exile's Return Made
a Joyful Christmas.

Ter. Stiu uiu tutic bhly pptSMoItH
as he came into the family sitting
room of the old farmhouse with q
great load of wood on his shoulders.
Grandma Botsworth, who sat In her
accustomed corner by the 'jamb," busy
with her knitting. made no reply. while
Uncle Billy proceeded to remove his
coat. hat and boots and filed and light
ed his pipe. Presently his two sons.
Jacob and Milton. came In.
A little later Mrs. Botsworth joined
them, and then the family circle was
complete--no. not complete. either; a
daughter was missing. Three years
ago this Christmas eve she had gone
out from the parental roof to marry
the man she loved. but whom her IA
ther had forbidden some time before to
enter his doors. But Mary had gone,
and she and her husband, poor me-
chanic, went out west TO build up for
themselves home and fortune. After
they were married, n day or two be-
fore they were to start for Dakota,
Mary and her husband drove to the
old home, where she got out of the
buggy and started TO 20 into the
house to say goodby. She did not ask
nor expect forgiveness from her father
for what she had done. but she knew
her mother and her brothers still loved
her and would gladly have her come
10 see them. So she just had her
hand on the gate latch and. with tear
filed eyes. was taking In the dear and
familiar surroundings when her father,
coming round the corner OF the house.
saw her.
Don't yer come I'm here" he yelled
hoarscly. Don't step your foot inside
o. that gate. Mary Ellen Botsworthi
You're no darter o. mine. Take yer
Ratchet faced paint singer an git"
From that time on Uncle Billy had
never spoken his daughters name.
But on the Christmas eve that
have introduced him to your notice he
sat by the fire thinking. and his
thoughts were OF her He had long
ago admitted to himself that he was
too hasty when he drove his only
daughter away from his home, but he
still remained silent. AS he was busy
with his thoughts, gazing the while
moodily into the fire and now and
then punching up the fore sticks In Il
spiteful sort OF way Grandma Bots
worth suddenly spoke up and said:
"Tomorrer'll be another white Christ
mas. This makes two ON 'em right
hand runnin'."
II reckon It'll be good sleighin' to-
morrer," observed Uncle Billy. AN
all the folks'll come over In the hobs.
Eth. What's that;"
The exclamation with which he con-
cluded his remark was caused by the
furious barking OF old MAZE. the
watchdog. the sound OF voices In the
front yard and what seemed 10 be the
cry of child In fear.
The two boys started for the front
door. while the remainder OF the fam
fly sat intently listening and wonder
ing who could be their visitors. They
had not long TO wait. for minute
later the sitting room door was flung
open and Jacob strobe In. bearing in
his arms bright and lusty two-year-
old boy. Almost snatching the wraps
from about 1t and holding the little
fellow up. he shouted; Pap. look at
your grandson! Mary's come. an this
Is her boy"
1.-THE devil II Is" roared Uncle Billy.
springing to his feet with face as
black rs thundercloud. Take him
away; ! don't want ter see him."
Hold on a minute.' shouted clear
strong voice In the doorway. II was
the son-in-law who had spoken and
who stepped into the room. his figure
erect and eyes blazing with anger
Hold ON minute. say" he con-
tinued: II want word. Bill Bots
worth, can buy and sell you. am n
rich man. but you don't have TO own
me for a son-in-law on that account
AS for mo, can get along without
you. But Mary here wanted to come
back and see her mother and all
OF you once more. and said she
should, and. more than that. said
you should treat her and baby right
or I'd make you. and. by thunder. III
do I'll" Even while he was talking
mother and daughter were weeping in
each others embrace. aud Grandma
Botsworth. rising with difficulty from
her seat. laid her hand on her sons
shoulder. "willlam." she said. "now's
ms good time TO give In as yen ever
have. II Mary an VIII can afford to
forgive you | don't see how you can
help fergiyin' them. Come now. son.
do right"
For an instant he stood struggling
with his passion; then love conquered.
Extending his hand TO his sdh-in-law.
he said: 'Billy. knock under I've
made a mistake an am sorry for II.
Daughter. come here"
With glad cry Mary put her arms
about his neck and kissed him again
and again.
There. there. child" the old fellow
murmured In voice husky with emo
ton, ITS all forgot now. an ="
But he did not finish the sentence.