Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-02-04

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of youth, and opening manhood on his cheek
1t was only for a moment that she stood thus,
for the stranger had thrown aside the cloak, in
which he WAS enveoped and gazed in her face,
for a second. Have yOu too, forgotten me-
Motherp he asked in a low tone which thrilled
through the mothers heart The next moment
he was folded to her bosom, and tears, hot tears,
prompted by feelings of which the pen can give
but very inadequate idea we're mingled in that
long, silent embrace. AT last the youth drew
back with quivering lip, and moistened eyes,
while his voice faltered and an expression of
deep humility, stole over his fine face. Moth
err am not worthy that yon should receive me
so kindly, for have been wicked and migrate
full son. do not ask you to give me your bless.
ing for do not deserve it, But have come
to you like the Prodigal son, to ask your forgive
ness, and then if you do not receive me home
again, ! shall be less miserable here his
i lips quivered, and he turned hastily away to hide
the tears, which in spite of himself, gathered in
his eyes.
For the first time, Mrs. Ashley spoke to her
repentdnt son, and though she was very pale, her
tones were calm and steady.
at is true, Edward, that you have been wick
ed and ungrateluI, and have caused your father
aud myself more trouble than you can conceive, y
she sqid "but il you come home with penitent
heart and sincere desire to reform, oh how
gladly shall we receive you to our hearts again. "
"Then my father"-bu he stopped again,
and looked at her in trembling anxiety
"Your father will forgive and forget the past,
said his mother, anticipating the question he was
about to ask "But this is no place for you,
Edward, at this hour. Come with Inc to the
room you used to love so much, my own little
sitting room, ard let me talk with you awhile "
folded him to her heart once more, and covered
his brow with her mingled kisses and tears, till
the spirit of that former proud and reckless
youth, was completely subdued, and he wept in
/ her arms, long, and in silence "The world
has dealt harshly with you, my poor boy" she
] said as she parted back the thick and mat
ted curls from his forehead and looked anxious
IIy in bis face, while he dashed away the tears
= which it is no shame for manhood to weep
S Care and suffering had left their impress or
c that youthful brow, and there was an expression
on those fine lips, which told that the world haC
, done much to cast shade of sorrow over that
mpctuous spirit. Then as he rested his heat
. on her bosom once more, he told her of his wan
r behring's since he left home, how he had embark
S as common sailor for foreign port, and o
f the tolls and privatons, which had fallen more
!, heavily upon him, from their contrast to hi
# former life, when he had scarcely INDUCED
d wish that remained ungraAed. As the mothe
r looked at his attenuated form, she thought tina
J. he must indeed have been dealt hardly with
d and in the fullness of her sympathy, she strov
IS to cheer and animate him by the hope of bright
t. er days, which was soon to dawn upon them
n Although Edward was anxious to see his fathe
+ and receive the assurance of forgiveness from
d his own lips, Mrs. Ashley would not permit this
e for she had a scheme which she intended to car
n ry into execution, and after providing for his &C
l. commodaton, and charging him to remain
l. where he could not be seen by the family, she
h descended to the paror, where her husband AM
l. children were assembled
d "Now, Papa for our secret" exclaimed AL
h ice, gaily, as the family circle, consisting c
d Mr.. Ashley, sister Mary, beautiful girl of sixteen
ID Ellen and Willie, moved towards the mysterou
Y, apartment, where Mrs. Ashley had retired a fe,
Is minutes before, to make some necessary prepa
1t rations.
v AT length the door was thrown open by Mr.;
S, Ashley, and the little party entered. On
J. large table in the centre of the apartment stoo
d the Christmas Tree, in accordance with tina
n beautiful German custom, which is becomin
e prevalent among US; surrounded by blaze q
IS light, every bough loaded and glittering with tn
e gift which each member of the family had bee
Is preparing for each other, and the arrangement @
y which, in this novel style, had occupied thu
4 thoughts of Ellen and Alice, for a long time
n Eagerly did they watch the expression of tn
t. fathers countenance, as he first caught sight
a the famous tree, and though he was not perhaps
$, so ignorant of their arrangements as they imag
d ined, yet his face expressed as much of supprs
! and supreme satisfaction, as they could have de
), sired
l.. But on on closer examination, suppris
S awaited them. They not only saw the gift
" which they themselves suspended from the bough
but several new and beautiful ones, bearing thei
J. own Names had been added by some mysterious
: hand After enjoying their surprise for som,
d time, Mr. Ashley unraveed the mystery, ant
It confessed his share in the plot, Blessings OF
1t the custom of exchanging these delicate token
d on this joyous holiday How it unseals thu
e fountains of human love, and how the hear
J. gushes forth in streams of pure affection 70
is the beloved ones, who feel that another link il
t, added to the golden chain of sweet sympath,
!, binds them. Had not the little group arcunc
& the Christmas tree been so absorbed, they nigh
if perhaps have noticed that tall figure stood il
e the sbadowy recess of the fartherest window
d watching the motions Of each with intense in
terest, and evidently laborug under some power
r ful emotion.
n "a gift to me, from all but yourself and vii