Crowded Out! and Other Sketches by Susie F. Harrison
page 49 of 229 (21%)
page 49 of 229 (21%)
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evidently in a very delicate state of health. He is accompanied by a
lady whose dress is also a marvel of beauty and costliness though hardly of fitness. The broad bands of gold which adorn her wrists and neck would alone procure for her the entire attention of the congregation were she seated in a more conspicuous place. As it is they are seated near the stove for increased comfort. "Good King Wenceslas" sings the choir, the small boy finding the long word very trying, and coming utterly to grief in the last two verses, for his companion appears to have lost his place. With the last verse of the carol comes the close of the service, the straggling congregation disperse and the jolly clergyman drives off again. Then an important thing happens, and happens very quietly. So quietly that the richly dressed lady who is a bright, shallow and unsentimental Californian does not mind it at all. "Humphrey!" says the tall man, "Hugh!" says the other, and all is said. There is not much sentiment in the meeting, how can there be? Their ways have gone too far apart. The years--nearly twenty, since they parted in Los Angeles--have brought gold and kith and kin to the one, with an enfeebled constitution and an uncertain temper. To the other, they have brought the glory of health for his manhood's crown, content and peace unutterable. To learn to subdue the ground is to learn one great lesson. So the strange meeting is soon over. The Christmas spell may not always last and the brothers separate once more. * * * * * FINIS. |
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