HOME COMING

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 191, 10 May 1941, Page 16

HOME COMING

(Original by Lady Constance (15), Napier.) QLD Mother Smith put down her knitting wearily and closed her eyes, giving a little sigh as the cuckoo clock on the mantelpiece struck seven. Here was mother's day nearly over and no one had remembered. Her son was a rich and famous doctor in London, and was no doubt paying a visit to one of his wealty country patients. Slowly her head drooped, while the kettle sang merrily on the stove. Time passed and dreams of years ago came

flooding back. Once more sbe saw a little boy with great shining eyes trying to keep some secret with difficulty, aud recalled bow, while dusting, she had found his little present with a shaky “To Muwer” written across it. When mother’s day had come he had shyly slipped his present into her hand, and she had found a little boat, carved with a pocket-knife out of wood'in the carefully knotted parcel. She smiled a little jn her sleep, as sbi thought bow eagerly he had offered to help her undo it. Then a rich relative bad offered to pay for his education at Eton, and he had slowly drifted away from her. but for sending a small monthly allowance.

A loud knocking, awakened her Half dazed, she hurried to the door, and looked out. She was puzzled to find no one there. Suddenly a merry laugh rang out: ‘‘l’ve brought tea for you and me- It’s going to be a real party, mother!” “■Why, it’s Jim!” exclaimed Mrs. Smith, shaking with excitement and drawing him in with trembling hands. And so a great spread was laid out upon the table instead of the usual meal. The table creaked with delight and the kettle sang a new song above the fire. Truly, as Mrs. Smith declared happily, it was one of the best days in her life.