The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-08-25
In the ! all il of the Comet
BY poRoTH YsLAckMoRE.

Marshall Dexter took the little key from it's
ring and inserted II In the equally rusty lock OF the old
fashioned portmanteau the floor at his side
It's starnge instruction-this," he said looking at
the document in his hand. "And when mother died
and lief; II to me. nearly thirty years ago i doubted
would ever live to carry it ont
re laughed to himself as his eye wandered. almost
m Win unconscious pride. TO the mirror wall of
was tall and his shoulders broad If stopped a
trine-from going through many tight places,
year at his desk in Office and there was not
clerk nor underiing In his employ who had his wits
more keeny with him.
49,. To my son, Marshall. my old portmantean with
the key Il is not to be unlocked until his
and I'm seventy six 70 day repeated the old
opening his Christmas box
In the pocket inside there was a package He I'M
tied the faded ribbon and found book Tears ilTed
ms eyes as he read across the yieaf Babys book.
eresting because of occasion when wis year
old-this book is preserved for him by his mother.
Mary Dexter w - '"e "''
The man turned the pages quickly passing hastily
over everything relating to his tooth his first
party his first little sock pressed between the pages
his curl his many other baby belongings that
dear to the mother.
At last he came to his first birthday this. his
first birthday. baby saw Haieys comet. Papa and I
held the glasses 10 his eyes and tried make him
understand what There was a wonderful View
VIII be the only OF little family Of who
can live to 1t when it visits seventy years
were dear friends and neighbors MIR. aud Mrs.
Thompson and their baby-Murel nine months old IL
y,
is intention teHve Tor FIN to read / wa
him to learn whether or not Muriel Thompson is ain
living II may be difficult. for girls marry and
their names but he is my son and nothing viii be too
The old man read on through the baby record his
mother had so fondly and faithfully kept for him.
Then he laid it aside.
Haleys comet was at tina, very time-say 1885,
the sole topic of conversation Observation airshps
we're everywhere 10 be found. He had only this
night before 1t old-it almost ancient history
to the man But this bookthis record of his having
seen 1t on a previous visit made II worth while. He
leaned back In his chair the old portmanteau at his
feet, the book the table beside him. and sought
the recesse Of his for Of Muris Thomp
son He went back over his married life Of forty
odd years He thought Of his and his
sons family; he fingered for moment the memory
OF daughter now with the mother In another world.
childhood.
from the baby book, following night
he viewed the in the heavens with renewed
interest lie for long the porch of bis
home looking at the great tailed star He tried to pie
ture himself small baby being forced held
seeing to pair of glasses In order to this
| same heavenly body seventy five years ago.
| Even he thus in his
There's lady see YOU sir in the drawing rooms
Although Marshall Dexter had few feminine visitors
ne did not look surprised In the OF his
'lll see her. Gorkins, he said
| Very well. sir"
Leaving the porch with a lingering look at the comet
around which so mus. Romance had now been woven
for him. the made his way the drawing room.
| toward him
lou remember me as little as you Go HaiieF cofneS
/ fancy said the stranger, extending her hand
Marshall Dexter took 1t as he looked searchingy into
the face Of his guegt She Maa delicats tn ss4.sis
In an exqsite toilette of pale lavender and cream lace
Young man accompanied her
II M sure don't qnow YOU, admitted the host, but
| yoare meme the less welcome In my home, nc added
| hospitality, do be seated
| The woman turned TO her companion. Thompson.
| let introduce you Mr., Marshall Dexter
old friend of mine she said with twinkle in her
/ that the Older man noted
TN glad 10 know sou young man. he said. still
mystthed but shaking the firm young hand warmly.
Tn Murel Thompson Dover grandmother Of this
man. Thompson Austin Dover the littia old lady
explained. She paused for the effect of her words
Oh breathed the man. following his guest TO seat.
| I've been trying Ia recall you
But you coud--nor | you,' she hastened
10 remark But is easier hnd-especiaiy
when has alert young grandson help ind him.
Yes-yes--my mother. too kept baby hook and when
/ looked back 1t to IL she mad recorded tina
visit of this for | found that had been
AT the party of Marshall Dexter--ane year
4 keokuk
/ possible exclaimed Dexter, astoniShAd