Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1922-02-09
THE RETURN
BY FRANCES E. GOODRICH
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had never daWHcd more nearly per
feet new year. IL was cold, but not
the wind-driven, piercing cold, TINT cuts
ones thin clothing Ike knife The
sun was melting the last remnants of
snow, and as he stopped in sheltered
doorway he felt almost warm.
After ten years James Creland was
in his native city. He had crept IN
during the dark hours, and had
walked the streets to keep from freez-
ing.
Two blocks away was the stately
home he had known until ten years
ago. He knew just how II would look
that morning. WreathS in the win
dows and doors; the fires blazing In
the great fireplaces; the fragrance
of the holiday greens and flowers. His
own room would be warm and sunny.
How he had loved that room. and yet
he had given 1t aA up--all the wealth
and love and companlonship, because
of imagined slight
He had been proud and stubborn.
and because he thought his older
over himself, he had sworn he would
20 and never return until he could
come back with assured position and
wealth that would cheaper his broth
er'S possessions. With bitterness In
his heart he had turned a deaf ear to
his mothers pleadings and his sisters
tears. He had refused to see the hand
his brother held out to him. or hear
the urge in his brothers voice, as he
begged him to reconsider, II only for
their mothers sake,
He had gone, and after ten years
came snealling back like n criminal
without the money or position he had
so arrogantly boosted would be his.
Two months before he had secured
copy of a newspaper In which his
mothers name was mentioned in con
nection with some charitable event. II
was this which had created the long
ing in him 10 come back and see her
If possible from a distance, and to see
the home he had left.
He had three dollars In his pocket
II was predetermined when he would
earn more but he would have good
breakfast anyway. He went to a
cheaper section of the city, where he
knew he would get satisfying food for
little money.
After he had eaten, he wandered
about the streets, fighting a constant
ly increasing restleSsness and home
sickness. TO be so near his own
home, his own family, and feel he
could not 20 to Them seemed more
than he could bear Pride whispered
to him all the vows he had made when
he left home No. he couldn't go back
now. He cursed himself for n fool 10
coming back at all.
Paper. sir?" barked shriIl voice
in his ear. He started II had been
months since newsboy had thought
it worth while to ask him if he want
ed a paper. A faint feeling Of self
respect crept over him. He straight
ened up and felt in his pockets for the
pennies.
He sat down in a sunny little park
and opened the paper, wondering what
he would find to interest him again
in the news of his native city.
Suddenly his lips whitened. Blazing
at him from the crowded sheet was
small item. 1t told him his mother
was seriously i'll.
In binding fash the folly OF the
last ten years came 10 him The bit
terness and hate swept away He
saw only his own error.
He must go to her, penniless and
ragged as he was. His mother would
came.
1t did not take him many minutes
TO reach his home. The door was
opened by new servant, who looked
askance at him. But just then his sis
ter came into the hall For doubt
full instant she regarded him, then
with little cry Of recognition and
welcome, drew him in. There was no
hint of reproach in her greeting, or
wonderment at his shabby appearance.
only a tenderness that cut him TO the
heart.
He held out the newspaper item.
How is she?' he managed to wills
per.
"a little better. this morning. In
fact, she is not as in as the papers
stated, and l feel sure now she will
recover quickly. l think | had better
prepare her before she sees you, how
ever. Walt here, or, no, perhaps you
would rather 90 70 your room first.
II is just as you left II, and every
morning mother mas had a fire built
there"
Chohngly, he went up the familiar
stairs, down the long hall to his room.
Il was as his sister had said. The fire
burned redly In the fireplace. His
clothes were hung carefully IN the
closet He took down a gray suit he
had liked especially we'll. He bathed.
then dressed in The gray suit. A
knock came on the door and hts sis
ter was ready 10 take him to his
mother,
Al the door ~ nis mothers room
she kissed him and eft him to 20
alone.
Straight to the big bed he went. his
head bent low. He knelt blIndlv ha