Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1914-05-26

"Who wanted him rich. Uncle Den
nisY' cried the girl hotly. I'VE were
satisfied, you and I. We pleaded with
him not to 60 away and leave us. But
there; perhaps it was for the best, but
there Is an ache behind 1t allP
"What Is thatT Dennis lifted his
head.
1.-THE music of the band. The knights
q green are. parading. Shall we go
down to the corner Of the street and
watch them, Uncle Dennisr
Eyes. 'Twasn't 80 many years ago
that I marched with 'em meself on St
Patrick's day. and Larry hoped BY
this time he would be back among
them, brave in a green and gold uni
form. Help me on with my overcoat.
dearie."
So the old man, leaning on the arm
of the slender, upright girl, went down
to the corner and with swelling heart
watched the passing Of the gallant
knights who marched In honor Of the
good st. Patrick.
As the tail Of the procession passed
out of sight Dennis Flanagan and his
niece turned toward home.
Molly knew that the old mans heart
was far away In Alaska with the be-
loved son. who was vainly seeking the
will o. the wisp, gold.
Tonight gold and the luxuries 1t
brings seemed tiny thing to the girl
with the aching heart
Again they were seated about the
glowing little stove in the sitting room
when there came soft knocking Mt
the door to the porch.
Molly crossed the room and opened
the door only to fall back against the
Intel white Tipped and staring.
Uncle Dennis, Uncle Dennis. I'm
seeing visions!" she sobbed. pointing to
the snow covered porch.
Dennis hobbled to her side and saw
the form of man huddled on the door
mat.
"Poor soul" he muttered, turning
the face toward the light, and then ne
fell back, with startled cry.
Heavens, Molly. it's our own Larry!
IT'S my dream come true" he moaned.
Molly recovered her courage when
she realized that she was actually
needed to allay suffering. She rubbed
the cold face with snow and poured
strong stimulant through the white
lips. After awhile Larry opened his
eyes. smiled, shook himself and slowly
staggered to bis feet
When he was safely inside, support
ed on either side by father and sweet
heart. be looked down at them from
tender green eyes that were rarely
beautiful.
Dennis and Molly looked ut him hun
grtly.
Larry, who had gone corth so gal.
lantly to seek his fortune. who had
promised to bring back emerald sham
rocks to deck his sweetheart's breast
Larry was shabby and obviously poor
and undeniably hungry. for be was
thin and pale and worn.
But he was Larry. come home to
them once more!
Clasped In his fathers trembling
arms, Larry soothed the old mans ex'
element, while Molly hurried to and
fro making a pot Of strong coffee and
broiling a piece Of beefsteak.
When she had set the table with the
meal Larry's eyes beckoned her across
the room, and she came and stood be-
fore him.
molly, darling" said Larry In low
tone. my fine promises are for moth
ing. come home poorer than when
went away, and the emeralds was
to bring home. lassIe"-his voice shook
fare missing. find you have been as
q daughter to my father. My heart Is
broken with the shame Of 1t all. and
Molly's soft hand closed his lips.
"Be STILL" she smiled at him, while
Dennis chuckled In his corner. BE
still, Larry. You have brought home
Jewels to me worth more than emer-
aids. Your true eyes Of emerald green
are my Jewels. and your love and con-
stancy shall always grow green In my
heart, and the little bit Of living green
yonder'-she pointed to the shamrock
on the tablets more to me than life
less gems or cold gold"
While Larry held her close to him
Dennis nodded his head at his son.
"'Tis true. lad. A good woman Is
above rubies, but our little Molly is far
above rubies and gold and emeralds"