The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-12-15

There was a moments pause, while
the driver gathered the mail, as old
Eb had done so many times, and they
were on
As the rig ratified over the rough
roads the man within watched with
interest the scenes OF his youth The
town had changed little In the years
that had passed
When the coach paused at the old
homestead the mans eyes filled with
tears. A woman came from the house;
mother and son were in each others
arms.
On the porch stood his father to
welcome the man home With misty
eyes the united family stood. All
hearts were full, The parents hopes
had been realized and the prodigal
had come home
How could have remained away
so long?" he asked again and again
as the old folks hustled about, trying
to make him comfortable.
"And Charlie, you are now a bank
er they tell u.s." said his mother. you,
who left us so long ago. are the image
Of your father at your age"
my boy" spoke the father, ut has
been a long time since you went away
but we are mighty glad to have you
back again"
The sons heart was too full for
words. There was one question he
would like to ask but the words re-
fused to come.
Charlie" questioned his mother,
have you ever seen Stella since the
day you went away? 1 know ! ought
not to speak of this, but I must"
'Mother!" All boys anguish came
forth in that word. AS of yore he
buried his face in the parents lap and
sobbed.
She stroked his now thinning locks
and the touch was magical. Why had
he lost his parents for so many years?
His Joy was too much, too good, to
last
81 have never seen her" he said at
last; never since the day she prom
ised to be my wife and then as quick
ly refused to marry me-"
my poor boy, do you remember
Steve Briggs ?-the one that wore the
fine clothes? He had much to do with
Stella'g refusal to keep her promise.
"She never toad me just what he
said, but it was enough to make her
throw you over. You would never
come back and she was too proud to
write"
where is Stella now, mother?"
asked the man.
She lives in the old place by the
creek. Charlie. you remember it
with all the apple trees behind the
house?"
Well did the man remember the,
orchard where he had spent the au-
tumn evening with his sweetheart.
That evening found Stearns walk
ing toward the creek. I wonder how
the old place looks" he thought
There was the old-fashioned house,
the porch with The long steps. Every
thing was as if the old days were still
there.
A figure novel about in the Daror.
He knew well where the parlor was.
He heard the organ. 1t was Stellas
fayorite air. He paused and his eyes
filled with tears as he heard that
voice again
Slowly he ascendod the steps and
pulled the bell. The playing stopped
and he heard footsteps. The door
opened and the light of the hall
streamed upon his face.
1t was evident that the woman 1all-
ed to recognize him, for she looked
askance as he spoke.
rs this Stella Harrington" he be-
gan, but the sound of his voice made
her start
Charles Stearns, have YOU come
back?" she gasped, and followed him
into the room.
80, Stella, you are keeping house
alone now! You-you have not chang
ed very much, either" he said earn
estly.
He saw that her once golden tresses
were streaked with gray, yet much OF
the youthful beauty remained and he
found his heart quickening as ne
gazed at the woman.
"And you are the great banker they
would have us believe-little Charlie
Stearns, who used to ne my tease at
SCHOOL,"
Neither had touched ON the subject
which seemed to be in the minds OF
both. At last the man could remain
silent no longer.
"Stella, my mother has just told me
why you changed your mind so many
years ago. Why did you not tell me
them" he asked.
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