The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-11-28

uahered them in-sr James Trap
teiu, an aged recluse from Bppsr
River, Alsa Nelly Fame. . retired
dres Smaller md TWO old la9iee
from the poothouse; Miranda Isaf
rabees d strong. ninded Spinster,
who accepted charity due her IS
an unpaid debt, and old Mrs. Abner
Mumford, the last Of her Well
known family and once q leader IN
Little River!
The warm fires soon, thRwed ont
the half frozen old folks, and tho
minister had them laughing at his
witty stories, One word led 70 an.
other and they chartered like olo
friends. Mr. Trapham had iust told
the minister that he was coming
back to church, when Caillope au,
nounced dinner.
Mr.. Newton. the minister, gave
his arm to old Mrs. Mumford, and
James Trapham followed suit with
Miranda Larrabee. NTH the ladies'
from the poorhouse taken care Of,
calliope and her other splnstss
guests went IN alone and llnafraid
TO attack the tempting meal.
There might have been aehlne
hearts there, but their owners
brayely concealed the pain.
perhaps Mr.. Newton will ask q
iblessing," said calllope In her sen.
sible way, ''and then the rest o:
us can each make a little inward
prayer Just for the home folks VINO
have gone on ahead. / always do
that. Seems to keep the family
link strong and bright"
How happy they all were after
that. Even Miranda Larrabee and
James Trapham laughed at each
others Jokes, and Miss Nelly Fame
responded to a toast In sweet
old treble that quayered with 10y.
Mrs. Mumford sitting next TO Ca
Hopes did not smile often. but her
eyes sometimes turned to her hos.
tess and there was a. strange look
in their gray depths. Suddenly she
spoke. 'If my son Abnei had not
been lost at sea would never have
gone to the town farm she said
softly.
Calliope paled. "of course not,
Mrs. Mumford," she said in shak-
ing voice.
And Caliiope would have beea
my daughter.inlaw, In spite Of tho
fact that / tried my best to sepa
rate her and Abner twenty-five
years ago. I've been punished and
l want to apologize to Calliope, for
I've been a proud, wicked old worn.
an"
"Don't-mother!" whispered Cal
Hope tenderly. This is your home.
You will never go back to the
farm, never!"
They all applauded this. even MI
randa Larrabee, and in the midst
OF the laughter and chatter theirs
sounded a summons from the pol
ished brass knocker and some ons
entered tho door. Strobe through
the hall and appeared In. tho din.
ing room.
They all stared at the tall. sun.
tbronzed figure In nautical uniform.
as my mother here?" he asked
hoarsely. "Mother!" and he picked
little Mrs. Mumford out OF no:
chair and held her in his strong
arms.
"Abneri" she screamed. He hell
her closely as he told a hurried
tale of shipwreck, sickness and loss
of memory. a month ago he had
awakened to Full memory Of the
past and he had returned home 10
learn that his mother had been "a
duced to penury and had been TAX.
en- to the poorlouse. He had fol-
flowed her here.
at was Calllope who took ma
away. and she vas going 10 keep
me like daughter. We though.
you were dead" whispered Mrs
Mumford In his ear.
] Calliope was setting a place TO-
Abner next to his mother; and the
long lost man was welcomed bg
the other guests Calliope sat In
a happy dream, eating nothing and
avoiding the devoted eyes OF her
lover. So many things to be thank
full for!
ut was a wonderful Thanksgiy.
ing party" said Miranda Lnrrabsa
TO the Interested group that await
ed her return to the poorhouse. "TO
cap 1t ALL" she concluded, "Abner
Mumford came home well-to.do
and is going to settle down on the
land. And what do you think?
] Tba ,,or1nr ,no.,Iad ktr, and FSat