Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-02-18
[WHoLE No 57I.


was sitting in familiar conversation with
the family, when Mrs. Thompson, after
looking steadlnsiIy at Charles Tor some
time, remarked how much Emma and he
resrmbled each other.
"Nes," said her husband, 81 hive
often observed i, they look ns much
alike ns though they were really brother
and sister. Our lost Charles-poor lit
lie follow! could not have been mote
like Emma"
"four Charles! | never know you
had any child besides Emma," said he,
"when did he dieW
"Would TO God he had died." ey-
claimed Mrs. Thompson, 'ihen would
have know he was IN heaven bm now,
perhaps, If he is siIll alive, he may bo
buhried about by strangers, whose baid
heats can seldom feel like PARENTS"
then she gave vent TO her feelings in
tears
lie was lost, then J" inquired
Charles.
yes said MIR. Thompson, 'above
seventeen years ago, ! and Mary, Jour
neying north for the benefit OF our heahhs,
and 10 visit some friends IN New York
city. took with MS our little Charles who
was scarcely four years old, and then
our only cmld. We arrived there IN
safety, and after staying with our friends
some time, SET ont on our return bone
Anxious To prosecute our journey, We
Immediately on our arrival IN Philadel.
phla, took the steamboat TO proceed di-
rccty on. ! went To see 10 ilie safety
of the baggage, thinking that my Mary
and Charles were in the cabin but what
was my surprise, when on going into tho
cabin sometime after the boat had left
the wharf, to find Mary there alone -
She thought had Charles with me, and
she swooned away when | informed her
] had not. We searched the boat over,
but no Charles could be found then
IT struck us that he must have wandered
on shore before the boat left the wharf,
and consequently was left behind. How
narrowing were our thoughts 10 think
that the distance was increasing between
US and our dearly beloved child. But
there was thought still more distressing
perhaps he had fallen overheard un-
seen, and had been drowned. How
ever, l determined on arriving at New
Orleans, and leaving Mary with her
friends and relations, 10 return again 10
Philadslphia, and spare no pains nor ex-
pense in trying TO discover his fate but
the great mental excitement, and bodily
fatigue | had Undergone, threw me into
fever on the way, and il was several
months before ! recovered. When |
did, and arrived in Philadelphia, NJ
trace could be discovered of our child,
and never since have we heard any
thing concerning him, but God be prais-
ed, Charles, he has given us IA son IN
your
"Bw was there no mark by which he
could have been known, il he had been
left behind rs you supposed ?'' asked
Charles, eagerly.
eyes, there were scars Of dogs
teeth on his left wrist, and besides he wore
lockct-a birth day present from his
father around his neck, with 'Chales'
engraved on it," said Mrs. Thompson,
with tears in her eyes.
"Then father, mo,her," said Charles,
barring his arm and drawing from his
bosom lockei which he threw into Mrs.
Thompson's lap, "beSold your long lost
son ~
For an instant tlTcy stood amnzed-tho
next they were locked in each others
arms then turning to Emma he for tho
first time pressed TO his bosom a sister.
How different was his situation now,
from the day on which he first set foot
in the city Of New Orleans Then he
was poor and iriendIrss, with scarce a
place to rest his head now lie was
wealthy, surrounded by friends, aud
blessed with fathers, mothers, and
sisters love. lie could claim now what
her noble father would not have refused
to the poor youth had he asked il, lIelen's
hand: aud even her proud mother would
no, object To receiving for her son law
the heir to the richest merchant in New
Orleans
Mirth and music resounded throughout,
and gladness rcigned predominant IN The
splendid mansion of Mr.. Merton. u
was the birlhnighi ball of his lovely and
accomplished daughter, Helen, given in
honor Of her nineteenth birthday, md
The magnificent saloons were thlonged
by youth aud beauty, and The elite of
The metropolis. All paid willing homage
to her lasclnaii3g charms. Nor benca ath
their lervcnt congratulations did there
lurk aught Of malice or envy, for tho
sweet disposition aud gentle mnnners Of
Helen Merton had won The good will of
all who knew her. And now as she re-
piled to their m-hearied wishes, she
looked more beautiful than ever. She
was altired in a plain white dress, loopcd
with roses, and fitted finely 10 her ex-
quisiely moulded form her shining
chesnu curls were confined by costly
diamond hcad-band, that spnrklcd ON heJ
forehead, rivaIling the transparent beau
" and rlcarness of her complexion. Al
times when ,he would minglr in he gid.
DIV whrl or The dance, n smlle would
play upon her lovely features hut when
ever mrlanchoIy expression would
steal into her laughing eye, telling Of
something yet wanting 10 complete her
happiness She was thinking, perhaps,