The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1910-01-28
ReCOrnpense

sOunu until the CLOCK on the mantel
struck 4, and then the sweet-faced
lady who sat in the rocker facing the
west window rose and walked to the
farther side of the room.
Come. daughter" she said, speak.
Ing to young girl who sat behind
large desk writing rapidly. Leave
your books few moments and come
with me to watch the sunset. One
sees 1t best from Claron Hill and the
walk there is brisk and invigorating."
Yes, mother, Just let me finish this
thesis first. Professor wants II in to-
morrow, and ] do so wish to please
him. I'll be right along"
But In her interest the daughter for
got the mother waiting and let her
go alone to Claron Hill. Along the
snow-covered path the mother slowly
went, not needing the beautiful win.
ter scene about her. The trees. their
strong, armlike branches laden with
myriad glistening snowiakes; the
gloriously clear blue sky, now tinging
gray in the far east: the cold, exhila.
ratlng wlnd-all alike had lost their
wanted charm for her. What was the
use OF a great, beautiful world in
which to live when ones own flesh
and blood did not return the most
natural OF affections-thato OF daugh-
ter's love for her mother?
Great throbbing tears rolled down
the mothers face, for the thoughts
that forced them were a strange in
termingling of the bitter and the
sweet
"Ellen!" The words came involun.
tartlly from her lips. How | have
worked for you-ever since your faith.
er died! You were a wee. tiny thing.
so sweet and 30 pretty. Shall ever
forget how thankful / was to have
you left when he was taken away!
Since then, how ! have nursed you,
cared for you, worked for you, to
give you the advantages that would
have been yours had your father
lived! Have l succeeded? Yes-too
we'll for / have made myself a slave
to you. You consider all things fist,
last of all-your m-mother."
The sobbing woman had reached
the summit of Claron Hill. Before
her was spread the beautiful sunset,
and as she gazed upon it's glory in
deep admiration her sorrow some
what lessened Rich, changing hues
filled the western sky. First. all was
deep red blood; slowly the red shad-
ed into faintest pink and again into
yellow. Creeping from behind SOM
bre cloud stole a rosy glow, envelop-
ing all in softest light, till a purple
haze settled over the low hills and
darkening valleys. Then. like gar.
ment turned, the purple revealed its
lining of silver gray and peaceful,
lovely night set in.
To the woman on the hill summit
| this silent communion with infinite
beauty brought happy hope, and she
turned from it with lighter step, we'll
knowing that he who provided all
| that splendor for his own glorification
and the worship OF man would care
for her and let her hope be realized
The day Of realization came in the
balmy June. Claron Hill was beau
tiful crown of growing wildflowers
which sent up their sweet fragrance,
like incense, to the clear, cloudless
sky OF all lovely days in June, that
| day must have been the best. 1t was
! commencement at college, and Ellen
| her Ellen-was to graduate with
highest honors. How selfish she had
been to think herself neglected even
for a moment when Ellen had been
working so laboriously these last four
! years to win these honors that she
| her mother-might feel the great pride
! of owning such a brilliant daughter
! In the large crowded hall she felt
! that every mothers eye enviously be-
held her when she clasped her daugh.
! ter to her breast after the exercises
| Enraptured. her cheeks flushed with
bloom like youth and her eyes
/ sparkled with joyful tears.
why. mother. how pretty you
/ look!" the daughter exclaimed. draw
| ing her arm through hers and leading
her into the festive college grounds.
But II was in the evening that the
mother realized her dearest hope. To
gether she and her daughter walked
| to Claron Hill, and when they reached
the summit the world was wrapped
| in the sunsets afterglow. Still. while
1t lasted, the mother lifted her face to
her daughters and the thin lips quiv-
cred and her eyes were wet.
why, mother-mother, darling!"
the daughter whispered, and gazing
upon the sweet face she noted for the
first time it's numerous lines of care
and worry, the sad mien on every
feature. A great pang seized her. She
drew the slight form closer to her,
raining kisses upon the gray head un-
til the mother looked up in surprise.
It was the daughter who spoke again.
Darling, have neglected you; !
have been so selfish. You shall never
! be left alone hereafter. Forgive me-"
And while the happy revelation Of
a love deep as her own crept into the
mothers heart, the afterglow ebbed
into gray and night laid its heavy
| hand IN all without its RrasD until