The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-01-16
The Daily Short Story

the naples. He has disgraced the
flair name of Burton. Let US never
mention him again"
And the mother, knowing his
| wounded pride, had kept her 81
lence, hard though it was. When
the winter days had come, David
Burton. alarmed at her frailness,
had closed the little white house
on the hill and taken her to the
friendly shelter of Mrs. fuckers
home.
He had hoped the rest and COM
panionship of others would help
her forget, but David Burton did
not reckon the depth of a mothers
love. To all outward appearances
little Mrs. Burton was CHEEKY and
contented. But inwardly she could
not forget. She wanted to tie
fresh ribbon on Mary's little rock
ing chair in the parlor, and smooth
the bright patchwork quilt in Toms
room.
She wanted her own little kitch-
en-, all the dear, familiar things
that were hers. So at last when
the glad season of Christmas was
come, she could stand. it no longer.
David would never consent, she
knew; so with the encouragement
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. She actually
laughed, as Joe Tucker, IA, and
with an appetite BETTING one of
his years, shifted at the air hungri-
ly as he came from school. Tom
had always done that, she remem-
bered
So the game had been played
well thus far; now only the climax
remained. She and David always
went to the church to help decor
ate for a while. She was to plead
a headache and insist on David's |
going alone. Once he was out of
the way everything would be easy.
She would leave a note for him. |
and because it was Christmas he !
would come to her. She would go |
on up the dear old path and light |
the Christmas candles. And she |
would not forget the three candles |
in Toms window, zone for each of
US, mother
There, there, now" Mrs. Tuck
er wiped a tear from her own eye.
We amt got no time to feel sad.
money. MI Burton is likely to be
here any time. I've put the note
where he can see it the minute he
lights up. You'd better be going
right away; there's a heap of folks
going up the hill about now.
they'll be singing carols before
ong." She held out the warm coat
% the little old lady. and wrapped
t around the frail little figure.
You won't be needing my COM
1any, Mrs. Burton" she said. and
or a moment a strange light shone
IN the rudy features of Mrs. Tuck
II.
And, Mrs. Burton" she added.
it's going to be the happiest Christ
mas you've ever known,
BY the table David Burton stood. /
lis wife's note in his hand.
Dearest David" said the note.
can't stand it any longer. am
,oins home to spend Christmas
With the memories of my children,
md you, my husband, you will j
ome, too?' David Burton had ,
Tipped into his great-coat, his !
ierce old eyes wet.
Il didn't know it was as bad as {
nat, dear" he said under his, ]
reath.
Half way up the hill he overlook ,
err {
I'm sorry, Ellen" he told her,
ut she stopped him with glad 1
title laugh.
were going home. David" she !
him. and we mustn't be t
orrv 1or anything. It's Christmas
me, glad time. See all the people /
efore our house:" she asked him, F