Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1920-12-24
The Miracle
By THOMAS E. CLARKE
g lsze. Western Newspaper union.l

that this was TO be. He only knew
that be was far from his accustomed
world, in q little sort of cabin place
out on the edge of 0 wood, with fer
tile soil and rows of growing trees be-
fore him. He knew that the ambitious
dream of his life was shattered by
what he termed his fathers fatuous
robustness, and disgust was mingled
with Alan's disappointment Why in
the name Of all that was sensible had
MS father chosen 20 remarFy in the
late years of his life, girl younger
than his own son?
The loss of Alan's good mother waa
still an aching pain to him: that his
father should have been so soon con-
soled was incomprehensible. There
had been heated words over the af-
fair, and the two had parted, angrily.
From the forest days of Alan's col
lege course 1t was understood that
"D' l." so competently able, would
fiiance Alan's plan of a unique tree
nursery, which would undoubtedly re-
pay itself in short time. With this
purpose in view Alan pursued his
chosen study. and the purpose at last
became almost a realization.
Then Alan's encouraging mother
died, and the young man spent more
time in the cottage on the far away
land of his own reserve. But while
Alan stayed on his lands he made
fresh and hopeful plans for the en-
largement of his work, and brown and
happy in the new interest hurried
home TO gain his fathers co-opera-
ton; his reception was forbiddings
Alan wondered. then the truth came
out-Dad was going to be married. He
had decided, he said. to make certain
generous settlements upon his prospec-
tive bride.
In fact Alan now established must
expect to carry in the future his own
venture. This Alan had borne sensi-
bly, but when he learned of the youth
and exactions of the new stepmother-
to-be. his indignation and contempt
found expression in bitter. cutting
words, which separated father and son.
Alan had spent respondent days in the
little hut near the wood.
Then into all this perplexity and
discOuragement came the girl. She ar
rived at the time of the evening lamp,
and frankly begged for food. A sand
witch. she said, or a glass of milk
wOnld do. The hired car which had
brought her from the station had brok-
en- down up the road She was travel
ing on to the village. She was sell
ing garden seeds.
Alan smiled indulgently into the APP
pealing eyes. and eagerly granted the
request.
"You come from the country" he
asked, as she sat in his tiny porch
with her bread and milk, land you
hope TO make a fortune with your
flower seedsT'
1t was the girls time to smile. her
white teeth flashed at him from be-
tween red lips
"Why, | am regular saleswoman,"
she explained 81 cover many towns;
sometimes ! advise them how to plant
their gardens. SO | support myself"
Size was naively interested in his
tiny forest, and together, while the car
was being slowly repaired, they ex-
changed information regarding their
work and future views, while Alan
found that he could help Miss Virginia
Dare TO find worthwhile customers
down in the town. and Miss Dare pref
tily begged to be allowed to come out
to the tree nurseries again.
1t would he necessary for her TO re-
main several days IN the locality. She
came again. and sat on the porch while
Alan rested.
"Glnny." as she had called herself,
came from her desolated southern
home TO earn her own livelihood from
her knowledge of flowers. THE earn
. ing had grown most Giscouraging,"
Ginny said. But" she turned her
dark eyes upon Alan.
"Why did you come away hereT
she asked abruptly. and Alan told her.
The girl was silent for some time
after that. Then Alan saw tears were
on her cheeks Ginny darling" be
cried and the love that had found
him, spoke in his voice.
DON'T" she gasped. don't say
what you are going to say until ]
have told you. ! am the girl your
father was going to marry. The one
who promised to sell herself Tor mon
ey. The striving had become so hard
II seemed that was bewildered. not
knowing where to turn. Then he
came. and was kind. and made me an
offer Of marriage To me that offer
meant-iust home. When | told him
so. honestly. he insisted on those set
Elements which You thought so mer-
cenary Later. when I questioned him
about You. he told the truth. and T.
awakened to a sense Of my own in
Justice to you botb-I left him then
forever and came up here 10 learn
10 know you, and to beg you to 90
back. You must go now alone. Your
father will forgive"
"But I arr not going alone" Alan
cried happily, his arms clasped her