The Prescott daily news., 1915-05-29


 sought his wife. He could find no trace of her He had taken up anew now the earnest burden of life h. cidentally he had come across the Warringtons. His soul longed for com panionship and the presence of the dear little children was boon to him.
 Come, children, finally spoke Mrs. Warrington, it is time for school"
 Two of the little ones got ready. Nella, the eldest, reminded her moth CT that she had been tardy the day be- fore and the teacher had insisted on an excuse.
 My old hand trembles so, ] dread the task spoke the invalid.
 Wont my doing it serve?" inquired the accommodating Blair ' "Oh, surely"
 | Blair wrote the excuse in question and signed it with the name of Mrs. Warrington
 You are still thinking of-her?"> spoke Mrs. Warrington, as the chil. dren departed for school and the oth. CTS quieted down.
 Always and ever" replied Blair sorrowfully.
 "Oh. if your lost wife could only see you now." exclaimed the old lady. Tt she could only know her faithful re- claimed husband!"
 Blair shook his head sadly and went away to the business tasks of the day
 "Oh, Mir. Blair" cried Nella as he returned that evening, "I have such strange story to tell you"
 'Indeed?" responded Blair smiling. ly as he stroked the fair golden hair of his little favorite
 Yes. it's about Miss Foster
 The school teacher?"
 Yes. sir. When I handed her the excuse you wrote. she gave a great big start and turned pale"
 "Is that true?" murmured Blair wonderingly
 Then she asked me to stay after school for few minutes, and I did" went on the rapid narration. She began to ask me all about our home Then she asked me who wrote the excuse"
 And what did you say?" asked Blair, getting interested, but as yet completely mystified
 q told her you did. Then she asked your name. and I told her that, too. Oh. MT. Blair, you should have seen her. She began to tremble Then her eyes closed, for she tainted right straight away I screamed. and some other teachers ran in and car ried her into the office room where there is a settee'
 Blair had become pale. He drew up rigid. As a man in a dream he stood staring straight before him.
 The invalid had come to her feet. She slowly hobbled to his side. She whispered qriveringly in his ear:
 May this mean happiness for all you have done for us!"
 And, oh" added little Nella. T couldn't help thinking all day long how much Miss Foster looks like the picture of the lady you drew on the window pane this morning"
 Mrs. Warrington was putting on her hood and shawl. She touched the arm of Blair.
 MT Blair will you stay here and look after the children while I visit a neighbor for a little while?" she asked.
 He did not speak, he only nodded his assent. He sank to a chair thinking, dreaming, hoping
 The little ones seemed to recog- nize a new mood. They must not dis turb. They amused themselves quiet ly in one corner of the room, while Blair sat, his face buried in his hands, not noting the lapse of time
 It was two hours later when Mrs Warrington returned. Her face was wreathed with a strange excitement. She touched his arm tremblingly
 MT. Blair" she said in tones Quav- ering with emotion, Il have been to a neighbours whom I sent for Miss Eos ter. l have been telling her of your brave repentant life and"
 She cannot forgive!" faltered Blair abjectly.
 'She has not only forgiven you but she still loves you. Come"
 It was like the summons of some guiding angel Mrs Warrington led Rufus Blair to the little home next door. into it's best room and closed the door as she retired
 A woman advanced toward him with radiant face and outstretched arms-she of the frosted window