Oxford Democrat., 1916-08-22

have written had she not been prevent
ed by palsy.
There was a large wedding-it would
have been larger II the groom had had
bis way-after which was the usual
bridal journey. Mrs. Schenk suggested
that they visit her husbands parents
since the poor old couple could not
visit them, but Schenk demurred. CIV
ing as an excuse that they were both
III and visit would be discomfort to
them.
Several years passed, during which
time Schenk by various excuses kept
bis wife away from his parents. Then
one spring Mrs. Schenk took It into her
head that she would like a house in
the country for the summer. Schenk
had thus far had no use for country
residence. 80 not owning one he told
his wife that she might rent one wher.
ever she chose. Seeing an advertise
ment Of a place some fifty miles dis
tant from the city. the description Of
which pleased her, she ordered out her
car and went to inspect It. Being
much pleased with the place and since
her husband might 60 und come to and
from business every day either by
train or auto she rented It
One evening after business hours the
couple started by automobile for their
country residence. They had not gone
far before Schenk found himself NOV
ing toward the scenes Of his boyhood.
But be said nothing. trusting that they
would soon turn in another direction.
Another ten miles and another ten
and still they remained on the very
road he had trudged some fifteen years
before to make his fortune In the city.
Here and there he recognized points
where he had stopped to rest. and on
a rock beside creek he had stopped
to eat the dinner his mother had made
up for him. But when the car left the
main road for smaller one that led
past the house In which he was born
and where dwelt his aged parents q
cold sweat began to gather on his
brow. He was relieved, however,
when another turn was made. and aft
er following a new road up a declivity
they entered q noble place that was to
be their home for the summer Schenk
had hunted woodcock on that hill when
a boy and knew that 1t was not more
than a mile from his fathers shack.
The pair dined, and the next morn
ing Schenk returned to the city re-
solved to be at his country seat as
little as possible and hoping that the
end Of the summer might come with
out his wife's meeting bis parents.
Various excuses kept him in the city
most of the time till September, when
he Joined Mrs. Schenk for the last time
in the country before their removal to
town.
Edward" said Mrs. Schenk. II was
out motoring the other day and stop
ped at a little hut for a drink Of wa
ter. 1t was handed me by an old wo-
man, who asked from what city I
hailed. When I told her she said her
son had gone there years ago to make
his fortune. She said his name was
Edward and the family name was
Schenk. Isn't 1t an odd coincidence
that the name Of this boy and yours
should be the samer
"very," said schenk. looking tn~every
direction except at his wife, and. max
Ing q trivial excuse. he left the room.
A few days later the couple entered
their limousine to go to the city. A
lackey carried out large bundle.
whats thatf" asked Schenk.
"Some CASTOR clothing I'm going to
take to the poor old schenk couple.
Well drive past the house with It."
Schenk stood aghast.
"Do you think we have timer he
stammered. "Why not let James take
II there7'
Because I wish to take 1t myself"
There was something 80 positive In
this reply that Schenk could interpose
no further objection. One faint nope
was within him that his parents
might not recognize him.
When they pulled up In front OF the
shack the old couple came out and
stood looking at them, with the sun
obscuring their vision.
'T have brought you some nice
things" said Mrs. Schenk. "but the
incest Of all is your son. He has been
busy making a fortune since he left
you, and that is very absorbing. But
be Is going now to make amends for
his neglect"
Schenk sat rigid for a few moments,
then threw his arms around his wife's
neck. Then he jumped out Of the car
and embraced first his father. then his
mother.
From that day be was changed
man.