The daily Alaskan., 1912-12-24

misfortune. lt was a condition thht she had brought upon herself Docs not the sacred book say that mnn must leave father and mother and cleave unto hls wifeg And how can he do that unless his wife leaves father and mother and cleaves unto him7 Ills wife's family had striyen to prevent the marriage and since the wedding had treated him with contempt He would not go to their abode, but they came to his-to see his wife, not him. and to influence her against him. Then he had forbidden them Co come. His wife said they should come and that she would go to see them. Perhaps this was natural, but every man must be master of bis own house. Since he could not be he had left it. What a pity that a household should be broken up by such a cause!
 He had been much disappointed at his wlfes course. He had waited for her Co take what he considered proper action in Che natter and when he found that she would not he had talk en action himself He had forbidden her to go to see her family.
 When John Underwood came to this feature of hts mcditations he winced. Had he not demanded that which was not natural7 Suppose his Lucy should grow up and marry a man who forbade her to visit Johnny and Willie and the baby What would he think of that man?
 The thought turned the current of his medltations into another channel. After an, had he a right to forbid hts wife to visit her relatives? Perhaps, since they were obnoxious to hlm, he had right to forbid them his house. but 1t was another thing to forbid her Co visit them. This doubt as to the nat uralness. the wisdom, of his course caused a paug, So long as he bad felt that he was right be could endure the consequences of his act But this pic ture of his injustice that thrust Itself in upon him vas a grip fastened upon ms NNNIl AlIN ANN lAANlN AN AaAaNAtsAAN about it the tighter the grip.
 An impulse came to him to go home, confess his error. and he. bis wife and his children could enjoy their Christ. mas as before the separation. He was turning to take up his hat and coat and carry out this purpose when he stop ped short. What would be the use? The wranCle would go on as before. Never mind that He had taken posi- ton which was wrong, and he could not rest until he had repudiated it. Yes: he would go up and propose a compromise-that his wife might visit her family whenever she chose. but that they should remain away from his house.
 The distance to his house was sew eral miles He had made half of it when through the still falling flakes he saw a woman's figure coming to- ward him. When she came closer he saw that she was his wife
 Where are you golugy he asked.
 "To see you. | have a compromise to propose, i1 order that you, and the children may enjoy this blessed Christmas"
 And | was going to you for the same purpose"
 What have you to propose1'
 CT was wrong Co forbid you to visit your relatives. You may 60 whenever you like"
 "No; it would be wrong to go where you cannot go. | will not go to see them unless they need me-
 'po as you please about that ! am ready to go home with you"
 They turned and walked homeward. John Underwood noticed that his wife's cloak was thin. She was shivering. Taking or his overcoat, he put it about her. This necsssitated his inclosing her in his arms She looked up fin his face with an expression he had not seen there iu n long while He kissed her
 When they reached their home they saw Mrs. Underwood's father coming out of the gate. He seemed much sur prised to sec husband and wife to- gether.
 How is ths7" he asked
 "I was wrong" said John Underwood Ito forbid Ellen to visit her own 6esh and blood"
 And l was wrong" said the wife, 'to go where John cannot go.'
 We arc an wrong said the third person in the group. We are about to celebrate the birth of our Lord fin a state of disobedleuce Co his commands He has told us, First be reconciled to your brother, then lay your gift upon the altar | came Co invite you, my daughter and through you your hus- band to eat your Christmas dinner with us this year, and l have tbe prom ise Of each member of my family that you shall both be made welcome'
 John Underwood entered his home with not only a temporary but a per maneut load lifted from his shoulders He took each of his children 10 his arms iu tuTn, and there was not one or them, except the baby, but clung to him, refusing to be parted
 It was late that night when Mrs Un- derwood telerboned to her parents that fhpir invitation wgg acceptcd