Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1922-01-25
PRINCE OF PEACE
BY GRACE n. oLIN

Little Mrs. Burton pinned a stray
white curl back OF her ear securely.
Il declare" she whispered, pulling
her shawl around her shoulders with an
excited little gesture. If Miss Taylor
AMT outdone herself this year in
decorating her winders."
Merry Christmas. Mrs. Burton"
Mrs. Tucker, the landlady. advanced In
20 the room. "Ain't Il cleared or
right pleasant now7 Did you ever
see so many stars. or such n moonT'
Her round face beamed with Joy, for
little Mrs. Burton was a favorite with
her.
Mrs. Burton" she continued. lower
ing her voice. mfr. Burton don't sus-
pect nothing. and I thought I'd take
this chance. before he comes In. to tell
you | sent Joe up with wood and coal,
and he'll have a fire going so as it will
be warm when you get there.
"And the pies and things you baked
yesterday. along with the groceries you
ordered. l had him take along. Amt
Miss Tsylor's winders gorgeousT"
Il was just admlring 'em when you
came In. Mrs. Tuck err" answered little
Mrs. Burton happily. And wish you
n Merry Christmas. too" she added. II
don't know how | can ever begin to
thank you for all your kindness to me-"
The wrinkled old hand patted the
other woman's shoulder tenderly.
Making il possible for me TO spend
Christmas In my old home. and send
ing Joe to get II ready for me. Why, |
don't know what 10 say. Mrs. Tucker.
l don't. Seems as IL everything is go
ing 10 come out all right after all,
don't IL. IT," Oittle Mrs. Burton's
chin trembled for a moment) ''if only
the Prince Of Peace can come into
David's heart.
There. there now" Mrs. Tucker
drew the slender little form close to
her for a moment. she knew as well
as the whole town knew the sorrow
that filed the gentle soul Of little Mrs.
Burton. She knew that Mary. the shy,
sweet little daughter OF David Burton,
had slept this many a year meath the
maple trees. and Tom. gay laughing
Tom. had run away supposedly 10 war,
and that nothing had been heard OF
him for nearly two years.
Rumor had II that Tom Mas in prison
and finally that report had spread all
over town.
Mother" the frey old man had told
his wife, tom is dead TO US forever.
Let us never mention him again"
And the mother, knowing his wound
ed pride. had kept her silence, hard
though IL was. When the winter days
had come, David Burton, alarmed at
her frailness, had closed the little white
house on the hin, and taken her to the
friendly shelter Of Mrs. fuckers home.
He had hoped the rest and compan-
ionship OF others would help her for
get. but David Burton did not reckon
the depths of a mothers love.
she wanted her own little kitchen,
all the dear familiar things that were
hers. So at last. when the glad season
Of Christmas was come, she could
stand II no longer. David would never
consent she knew, so with the en-
couragement and aid OF Mrs. Tucker
she planned the event that was to
satisfy the longing OF her heart; she
would spend Christmas at home.
She was almost happy as she baked
her pies In Mrs. fuckers spacious
kitchen.
sThere. there, now" Mrs. Tucker
wiped a tear from her own eye. I'VE
amt got no time 10 feel sad, honey.
Mr.. Burton is likely to be here any
time.
Lou won't be needing my company
Mrs. Burton" she said, and for a
moment a strange light shone on the
ruddy features OF Mrs. Tucker.
@And Mrs. Burton" she added. its
going 10 be the happiest Christmas you
have ever known"
nv the table David Burton stood, his
wife's note I'm his hand.
dearest David" said this note, 1
can't stand II any longer. am going
home 10 spend Christmas with the
memories OF my children, and you, my
husband. you win come, tooT David
Burton had SLIPPED into his great coat
his fierce old eyes wet.
81 didn't know II was as bad as that'
dear" he said under his breath.
Half way up the Hill he overlook
her.
I'm sorry. EIlen," he told her. but
she stopped him with a glad htue
laugh.
"we're going home, David, she re-
minded him. "aRd we mustn't be sorry
for anything"
Little Mrs. Burton stood quite stu.
her hand reaching out for Davids. For
suddenly. every window OF the little
white house was ablaze with light.
David" she said, and her voice
sounded strange to her own ears, see,
IN Toms room, the three candles burn.
= -. - sha glory two pairs OF