, 1922-06-28
GRATITUDE
BY | MATHER

1 koftA,s lnat save LdIDdTd tie lQAn-
though 1t was more than an idea to the
lonely young woman. for 1t became
her constant longing. Barbara Wainco,
had so long known only the care ~
others that sacrifice'was a part of her
life. so when the last invalid. an ann,
passed on to her rest leaving Barbara
quite alone with a simple legacy IN
barely cover her needs-well, the kind.
ly young woman began to look about
for another needy charge. The babv
In its lacy nest typi6ed a heretofore
unknown need of her own.
why not" she asked herself. her
soft cheeks glowing. "why not adopt a
baby and have something to love and
something to love me29 The thought
grew to fill Barbara's dreams. With
the assistance of a friend Barbara
was able to find the little one of her
desire. The baby's mother had died
at its birth-the father Just before.
Barbara made arrangements for adup-
ton, which had been the sad mothers
wish. She named II Sylvia.
Sylvia sounds so prettily romantic"
she told the friend.
II hope that my little girl will know
In life all those beautiful things which
I have been obliged to forego."
But all too promptly had Barbara
put girllsh dreams aside. Just as Syl.
via was learning 10 lisp the name
'Bab,' which was the nearest baby lips
could get to Barbara, along came Bar
bara's delayed lover. Paul Strong pos
sessed qualities which made him
worthy TO be Barbara's mate. but In
the friendship which followed his fail
ing became unpleasantly evident-Paul
was u~nreasonably. persistently Jealous
and as the only occasion for Jealousy
must come through baby Sylvia. Paul
was Jealous of Sylvia.
An imperious small ruler was Paul
Strong's rival. And Barbara's tenoer
heart was torn. her will lowering, for
she had learned TO love Paul. and he
would accept only undivided homage.
Surely" she begged her lover. you
would not ask me to give Sylvia up7
Why, dear. she loves me as she would
have loved a mother of her own
"You are not that mother" Pau an
swered sharply. land In a very short
time another could take your PLACE i1
the chiId's affections"
A pang crossed Barbara's heart. Yet
she knew that this little clingfng thing
needed her guiding care, no other must
substitute. This, her charge. so griey-
ing deeply. she sent Paul away.
The years went on. In her carefree
girlhood Sylvia Haunted more and
more her happy rule.
"Babs will do anything In the world
for me-" she lovingly boosted. Sylvia
had grown very lovely-Barbara had
grown paIer. thinner. Then Paul
Strong came back. Sylvia was the
first to see him as he came down the
village street.
"~Sweetie," she addressed her foster
mother, II saw a most distinguished
man turning In to the old Strong place
today. Why here he comes now"
Barbara looked to see her old lover.
Then. trembling a little. Barbara went
to open the door to him. She fancied
a flash of disappointment In his eyes
as he looked at her. Her own heart
Vas singing. He has come back
come back"
During the following weeks Paul
was a constant visitor at Barbara's lit
tie house.
"You still love Sylvia better than
lifeT' Paul asked Barbara. but now
his tone merely humorous.
Eighteen years has not made me
love her less" Barbara answered quiet
ly. Paul and Sylvia, walking one eve
ming In the moonlight, stopped to rest
on the porch steps. Barbara. seated
Just inside the open window. knew
what was coming, and. she told herself
that she could not blame Paul. Sylvia
had grown into such a lovely creature,
Sylvia, sweet and desirable. who
counted admirers by the score.
How could one help but love you.
Paul dearY' said Sylvia. on the moon
lit porch. The mans response came
sadly:
81 am old. child. old In years, with
nm unruly heart still young to love.
Slowly Barbara went up to her
child's room. She would wait to give
Sylvia her goodnight kiss-and Sylvia
must never know.
Coming gayly, Sylvia switched Bar
bara around TO face the light.
II thought So" she triumphed, "you
do care for the delightful Paul after
all. And ! had to deliberately make
you jealous in order to be sure. Go
down and tell him Sc, sacrificing per
SON and make him happy after all
these years. Oh, Paul has told me
of his undying love for you'll refuse
10 be a cruel barrier any longer. And
any way" added Sylvia, smilingly. 81
may be married myself one of these
days"
Intelligent Mistletoc.