The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1911-12-26

received notice of an application for
divorce on the part OF their mother
Snow had fallen the day before, and
a three-quarter full moon, sinking to-
ward the west, was casting a million
lights upon it. Professor Kenly, as
he was now called, trudged on, wish
ing that he had some other place than
the farmhouse to spend a couple of
hours that the children might have
had time before his entrance to exam
Inc their presents and their exuber
ance of delight might have had time
to expend itself What he desired
was to be furnished with some break
fast and then to sit down with the
| farmer and begin his instruction. But
there was no other house near by, and
those he saw In the distance were all
lighted up, indicating that fond par
ents and their children were making
merry over gifts Santa Claus had left
! during the night. So, there being no
hotel in the place, he was obliged to
go on and stand the merriment as best
he could.
There was a babel inside when, kick
ing the snow of his boots. he knocked
at the door, He heard a voice telling
the children to stop their noise for a
moment; then the door was thrown
open, and woman stood in the open
ing before a background of logs burn
ing on hearth. children. toys and the
confusion Of Christmas morning.
Great heavensl Jennier'
There was no surprise on the wo-
mans face, only a smile of welcome.
She threw her arms around the visi
! tors neck and drew him into the house
els that Ethel?" But without wait
ing for reply he took the child In his
arms and Rugged her, while Sammy.
recovering from his surprise, with a
child's jealousy fought for his share Of
the caresses
This is not an accident, is itT" ex-
claimed the father. turning to his
wife.
mo. I read in the Farmers Home
and Fireside that Professor William
Kenly was instructing the farmers In
this state and wrote you under an as
sumed name to come and give me
some instruction. planned for your
coming at this time and hoped for it.
but hardly expected It,"
There was little opportunity at the
time for further explanation and Civ
ing each other events that had occur
red since their parting. Both were
happy in the knowledge that the bus
band had done his duty so far as he
had been able. that his mother had
received the care due her and that he
had at last assumed the position to
which his talents entitled him. He
must inspect every toy Santa Claus
had brought Ethel and Sammy. listen
| ing to each In turn. and when they
had finished he took from his pocket
two silver dollars. giving one to Ethel
and one to Sam, causing their eyes to
| sparkle with delight.
Then they all sat down to breakfast.
The husband and father, having travel
ed all night. required the good things
his wife had provided for his ex-
pected coming. For the first time In
years he occupied seat facing his
wife. while child sat on either hand
He reverently gave thanks for the
happy Christmas reunion Providence
had given them all and the ability
vouchsafed him to assume his proper
position as head of the family
| All day the husband and wife felt as
If they were enjoying a happy dream
1t seemed to them that 1t could not be
true And Ethel. who was old enough
to remember her father when they
were parted. shared their delight. As
to Sammy. he was pleased that now
like other boys. he had a pop" and
would likely he the recipient Of pen
MES. to say nothing of nickels and an
| occasional dime
The wife by her energy and ability
had acquired a good farm. and 1t was
decided that the husband should dis
continue instructing others and put his
knowledge to their own use on her
farm. The result was a product that
had never been known In that region
before and that brought prosperity to
the planters. Many a Christmas they
| spent together after this first one; but
though they were happy ones, they
never brought the exquisite delight OF
| their reunion.