Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-09-17
LITTLE MOTHER
BY EDNA BOUTWELL,.

down the dusky hall, her eyes filed
with welcome for the little figure
hastily approaching.
"Oh, I'm so glad you came" whis-
pered the Winsome Ludy, drawing the
tiny figure within the room and clos
ing the door.
The frail hands caressingly stroked
the brown hair. For a moment there
was silence, then the Littlest Mother
spoke:
You are dear girl, Ruth, and I
love you. I'm sorry you're going. But
it's better, as you weren't made for
settlement work. Are you going to
marry the Doctor Man?''
The girl raised her head quickly.
Marry him?" she scoffed. I'D sooner
die!"
you say things so beautifully. But
talk to me-" begged the Winsome Lady,
as she resumed her former position.
Il think you need love story. 1t
sometimes proves u cure for q certain
sickness. I'll tell you my own love
story"
"Yours ~ smiled the girl, her brown
eyes filed with tender light.
1T was long ago." began the Lit
TEST Mother, bending her white head,
when ! was girl. ! lived in Ire
land, by the sea. loved and was
loved by Tammas Wynne. One lovely
moonlight night as we strolled hand
In hand up the side of woodland hill,
l told Talnmas that was sure there
were fairies about" :
'Fairies-little, menr" Knocked he,
there are no such things!"
1--WE heard a peal Of shrill laughter,
but could see no one. Then Tammas
turned boyishly to me and said: Wait
for me, Ellen, wait for mev With
this he was gone. l waited for long
time and then, being childishly afraid,
went after him." Here the speakers
voice broke, but she continued gravely
as if grown weary with the telling:
AT the top Of the hill l found Tam
mas-dead., Dead. with n smile on his
face, and In his hands-a tiny silver
button! The fairies had punished him
and left their sign"
The girls eyes were luminous with
unshed tears. But you don't believe
that-do your Queried the girl as they
both arose.
"Of course! Everyone believed It'll,
But it's children I've always wanted.
At night dream OF them. with their
little hands that they hold out to me-
went to night school for long years
Ito be teacher; but came here,
mt NJ II fynL kod To- S~k1
day, and I've saved enough to buy
ticket to Ireland. don't feel like
cleaning lin ,factsI don't feel very well
-" She hesitated as the door opened
and revealed the handsome, debonair
doctor.
II heard the story" he announced,
flushing, land Ruth, forgive me! I'm
not in the service. because belong to
the secret service.
"Oh, my dear" and the girl kissed
him. why didn't you tell me? l
thought you were slacker!"
And the Littlest Mother, being
worldly wise, slipped quietly out, into
the crowded street.
Suddenly she heard her name called.
She turned and confronted big Irish
policeman known as Tim Reilly. By
the arm he held a girl with painted
lips and wide, frightened eyes.
In his rich brogue he narrated to
the tiny lady, how the "slick un," as
the girl was famed, had been caught
stealing again.
"An' It's me as will give 'er her
doos," he grinned.
Let me whisper in your err, TIm,"
commanded the Littlest Mother, rs If
she did not mind the curious throng.
"Sure an I WILL" shouted Tim,
Strengthening up; I'VE air saint. Take
her if We can find good in the loikes
Of her"
The wee lady's eyes twinkled like
stars as she drew the girl into a door
way, while Tin dispersed the crowd
'Take this" she said, giving the girl
a roll Of bills, "and try to be better
girl"
The girl looked shrewdly after the
disappearing figure. "God-what a
fool ~ she snecred, and fed.
The Littlest Mother reached her
cherries room at last, and sank wear
lily down in a,char facing the distant
sunset.
Below the window stood wanderer;
his violin tucked lovingly beneath his
chin. Seeing the weary figure, he start
ed to play haunting melody.
The weary look fed, and the Littlest
Mother, CHANGING to raise her eyes,
gave cry of rapture. For there, hung
on the faded wall, was a picture of
the Madonna and Child--the birthday
gift Of her friends.
5'Tammas," whispered the Littlest
Mother. "see the baby--and lOok--the