The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-20

"Anna Anna - she said, taking hold OF
her and shaking her gently. aa
Anna Immediately arose, and looking wild
ly around her, muttered something that her
sister could not comprehend
"Anna, brothers come home.'' fa
But she did not seem to comprehend her
meaning. Nj. a.aF III
The glaring brightness of Annals eyes, and
her flushed cheeks, convinced Mary that all
was not right. Stepping to the head Of the
stairs, she called to Alfred, who Instantly
came up.
Here is Alfred, Anna,n she said, as she
re-entered the chamber, accompanied by her
brother
For moment or two, Anna looked upon
him with vacant stare, and then closing her
eyes, sunk back upon the bed, murnur-
ing
6 1t is all overall overo
sWhat is all over, Anna ~ her sister ask
| ed.
What is all over?" the sick girl respor-
ded, in a sharp, quick tone, rising suddenly,
and starting at Mary with a fixed look.
"Why, it's all over with him. Hav'
drained my hearts blood for him' Havn't
| stood all day at the counter for his sake,
when felt that was dying' But it's all
over now! He is lost, and shall soon be
out of this troublesome world -
And then the poor half-conscious girl,
covered her face with her hands and sobbed
aloud.
'sDon't do so, dear sister!o Alfred said,
\ M fp fba rI H. l.
arm around her. ''Don't give way so
You won't have to stand at the counter any
longer. lam Alfred---you brother-your
long lost, but restored brother, who will care
for you and work for you as you haye SO
long cared for and worked for him. Take
courage, dear sister! There are better and
happier days for you. Do not give up now,
at the very moment when relief is at hand"
| Anna looked her brother in the face for a
few moments, steadily, as her bewildered
senses gradually returned, and she began to
comprehend truly what he said, and that it
was indeed her brother who stood thus be-
fore her, and thus appealed to her with af-,
lectlonate earnesmess. 6 H.b .ftls
| 80, Alfred,' the almost heart-broken crea-
ture, said-as she went forward, and leaned
her head upon his bosom" Heaven be pras-
ed, if you are really and truly in earnest in
what you say %
i am most solemnly in earnest dearsis-
ter" the young man said, with feryency and
emphasis. "Snce ! saw you this morning,
have signed my name to the total abstinence
pledge, and will die before that pledge shall
be broken! And that is not all. | met
Charles Williams Immediately after that act
and have had long interview with him.
lie confessed to me that he had often felt
that he was too much to blame for having
first introduced me into dissipated company,
and that he now desired to aid me in reform
ing and assisting my brothers and sisters, if
would only try and abandon my past evil
courses. ! responded most gladly to his
generous interest, and he then told me,
that if would enter his and his fathers store
as clerk, hewould make my salary at once
thousand dollars per annum. OF course |
assented to the arrangement with thankful
ness. Dear mother Dear sisters There
is yet, trust, a brighter day in store for
you" "H
MAY our Heavenly Father cause these
good resolutions to abide for ever, my sonp'
Mrs. Graham, who had followed her chill
drcn up stairs, said, with fearful earnesmess.
" He will cause them to abide, mother, |
know that he will,'' Alfred replied
Just at that moment some one entered be-
low--immediately after quick feet ascended
the stairs, and Ellen bounded into the room.
90, have such good news to tell - she
exclaimed, painting for breath as she entered
"My husband has joined the reiormers! |
felt so glad that had to run over and let
you know. 0, aint it good news, indeedr'
And the poor creature clapped her hands to-
gether in an ecstacy of delight
6 1t is truly good news, my chid,n Mrs.
Graham said, as she drew her arm about the
neck of Ellen. ''And we too have glad
tidings. Alfred has joined them also, and
has got situation at thousand dollars
year."
Ellen, who had always loved her brother,
tenderly, Notwithstanding his vile habit Of
life, turned quickly towards him, and fling
ing her arms about his neck, said, while the
tears gushed from her eyes, ..
"Dear brother have never wholly de-
SPARED of this hour. Truly, my cup of Joy
is full and running ovcrm
II was about eleven o'clock on tho next