The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-03-02
PRINCE OF PEACE
BY GRACE r. oLIN

! e. 1922. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate
J 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
TO the room. "Ain't it cleared of
right pleasant now? Did you ever
see so many stars, or such a moon? ?"
Her round face beamed with joy, for
little Mrs. Burton was a favorite with
her.
Mrs. Burton" she continued, lower
ing her voice, Mr.. Burton don't sus-
pect nothing. and I thought I'd take
this chance, before he comes in, to tell
you I 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. I had him take along. Amt
Miss Taylor's winders gorgeous?"
Il was just admiring 'em when you
came III, Mrs. Tucker" answered little
Mrs. Burton happily. "And I wish you
a Merry Christmas, too" she added. II
don't know how 1 can ever begin to
thank you for all your kindness to me-"
The wrinkled old hand patted the
other woman's shoulder tenderly.
Making it possible for me to spend
Christmas in my old home, and send
ing Joe TO get it ready for me. Why, I
don't know what to say, Mrs Tucker,
don't. Seems as if everything is go
ing To come out all right after all,
don't il. If" Qittle 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 filled 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 to war,
and that nothing had been heard Of
him for nearly two years.
RumOr had it that Tom was 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 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 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 it no longer. David would never
consent she knew, so with the en-
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. |:
There, there, now" Mrs. Tucker
wiped a tear from her own eye. I'VE
amt got no time to 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
moment n strange light shOne on the
rudy features of Mrs. Tucker.
And Mrs. Burton" she added, its
going to be the happiest Christmas you
have ever known
BY the table David Burton stood, his
wife's note in his hand.
Dearest David" said this note, "I
can't stand it any longer. I am going