Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-03-02

white lips. "Whatn Con do II he
comes back and finds the old homo
empty and the door shut before him? p
Why, of course. he'll set to and
self Michael avic." The little priest
spoke cheerily, though in his heart he
douDted whether the son who had cal
lousy let his father suffer for him and
then written only once since his arrival
In America, would prove of much COM
fort If he did return.
Michael shook his head DULY. His one
idea ever since Cons departure had
been that Of his Homecoming, rich and
happy nappy, to settle down in prosperous
shaken ominous heads over his idle
ness and self-will, proving their augu-
rtes for his future to be wrong.
and 5ustifying his fathers fond bel eft
sustained him through the bitter dis
appointments of days on which the
neighbors rejoiced over their news
from Ameriky." while none came for
him. And the waiting there, in the
old home. had become the one aim OF
evening. as he sat by the fire, he would
hear the longed-for footstep in the bo-
reen, the latch would rattle, and before
he could rise from his chair the door
rang. constantly in his lonely heart
would cry "Father!'
Sometimes it happened in his dreams
and the old man started from sleep
with tears of joy upon his face.
AS his strength failed and his few
savings slipped gradually into the doc
tors pocket the thought Of Con com
Ing home to take care Of him kept
him serene. The loss of the savings
did not matter, after all.
Con to come to. That was all his dulled
mind could grasp. And 1t meant the
shattering of all his hopes. The words
hammered heavily in his brain. INC
homo for Con to come back to-" over
and over again. Michael felt that he
had somehow failed in his duty. but II
was all bewilderment and WEAKNESS
and he could not think the matter out
His head dropped lower; his confused
thought grew wagner. the ache in his
In the corners grew darker, the all
more chill
In the heaviness that had fallen upon
him he did not hear the sound of foot
steps outside. AS they drew near the
door of the darkened cottage they fal.
man did not move.
The door latch was raised softly, the
door pushed gently open and some one
stepped into the room. 1t was man
young, alert, upright, who stood for a
moment peering eagerly into the shad
ows. AS the dropping figure in the
armchair gradually revealed itself he
moved hastily toward it.
Kicking a momentary flame from the
dull fire, he bent anxiously over the ole
man.
Michael reused a little.
''Is that you, Father O'Brien?" the mar
drowsily. Sure. it's good friend yor
Nare to me, but there's no more you car
do for me now"
Its not Father O'Brien," the mar
spoke softly, but Michael raised his
head to listen as If something haG
thrilled his dimmed senses.
But I'm a friend all the same. anG
one that'll give the rest of his life tc
He checked word on his lip and
took Michaels hand in his.
who are you, then? Don't l know
your voice" the old man peered
strangely into the others face. But
maybe it's dreaming / am again OF
the voice I'm always hearing in my
heart. Is it dreaming I ann" He
seized the others shoulder with q
trembling hand, straining his dim eyes
to see his features.
Rising quickly. the younger man
struck a match, reached with the GER
tainty of old custom to the spot on the
high mantel shelf where the brass can
dlestick stood and lighted the candle in it
Then he knelt before the old man, in
whose face bewffderment and joy were
struggling, and looked up at him witt
remorseful tenderness.
Its no dream, father" he said anG
in his voice was something that
brought new life to his nearer
Don't you know me- Don't you know
the son that shamed you? It's a bac
son was to you, father agra, but
, please God, I'll make up for it al
now.'
Con! my SOM come back at last te
mel" His duavering voice broke with
joy, as, laying his trembling hands or
CONS head, he whispered a blessing.
II knew you'd come back, Con, nc
matter what they said" he murmureo
at last They won't take me to the
workhouse now, Con, surely? You and
me will live here together, won't we
avic?"
That's what l came home for. ia.
Their. / worked hard out there, and
have money enough to keep you COM
Portable Wen have grand times TO-
gether here. father" and Con smiled
boyishly up into the happy old face
smiling down on him.
MY son, my boy Con. come home al
last" Michael repeated blissfully.
And 1 am proud Of We, Con, and al
the past forgotten! Oh, it's great
day entirely, Con, SO 1t Isl"
tTHE ENDD
The volume of the saline matter il