Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-06-22
.How m ron hennn,n rndnnnd >, I as

Is tne grl who brought me here, your OF
" child I? Icnquired
: Ah, it is of that l would speak, sighed til
sick man, pressing my hand-I had anothc
S child-a SON
: And he is dead?
'No--but he is dead to me- lost hin
through my pride-my worse than folIy!'
Where is he now p
Alas know not
Has he deserted YOU p
} No drove him from my door. Tt was il
the days of pride and afiuence that disown
ed him and cast him off penniless.'
. The old man pressed his feeble hand upol
his brow, as if to stillits throbbing, and closec
! his eyes with a suppressed groan.
4 loved my son. he continued after a paus,
III was proud of him, too, but even he eoult
not change the irmness of my will. 1t is tha
which has estranged US
In what manner? p
Can you guess? Had you known Edward
/ you would have discovered ere this. His gen,
erous soul, SO unlike my own, was totally free
from the family pride and prejudice to which
l owe my ruin. He had no idea of The aris
tocracy of wealth, and when he found among
the laboring classes maiden whom he thought
might make him happy, he cared not for her
humble condition, but resolved to win her
heart and hand'
And you opposed him !?
Firmly-bitterly-blndly opposed him
exclaimed the old man. He was a Major, and
could not enforce my commands, but / threat
ened, little thinking my threats were in vain.
told him in moment of calmness that the
hour which saw him united to the poor girl
be was wooing, saw him no longer my SON
But his soul like mine was above compassion,
and unlike mine it seorned the allurements of
wealth. He believed that toll and poverty
were honorable, and that worth was oftener
with them than with luxury and riches. He
trusted that he had found priceless level in
the person Of the humble girl he loved, and
he boldly, unhesitatihgly offered her his hand,
although he knew that would disinherit him. ;
And he married her?'
'Yes-and from that time have never seen
him. He provided home for himself and
wife in Boston and wrote letter In that he
begged me to excuse-he did not say forgive
his acting against my wishes, but said not
a word-not syllable about being received
once more as my son and heir He ended by
inviting me to visit him in his new humble
abode, and expressing desire that might
live on friendly. terms. / was too proud to
visit him, and he never saw fit to cross my
threshold again
And he continued TO reside in Boston-in
the same city with you his father p
Yes, for a time; but he was poor, and
could not bear, presume, the sight of those
of his old associates who ceased to know him
when he was no longer able to live in STYLE
He scorned them, it is true, but he hated the
sight of them, and therefore removed from the
city,
And he never came to you or wrote to you
afterwards p said l.
Never. The last l heard of him he was
in New York, and in tolerable circumstances
0, what triumph it would be to him could
he see me thus reduced-shorn of nv pride
and WEALTH. You see am now left alone in
this unfriendly world, with the child whoI
brought you hither. As my riches failed me,
being swept away by misfortunes, my only
friends dropped off one by one; and now sick
ness has reduced me to the hopeless, misera-
bic condition in which you behold me. There
is not an individual living who cares for me
and mIne! You have already shown some
kindness to us-for which heaven reward YOU
but you are the only one-only one.'
The sick man turned his eyes.upwards, then
closed them with sigh.
At this moment l observed chat the stran-
ger, who at first appeared to take no interest
IN the old mans story, had at length drawn
bis chair closer to the bedside, as if to listen
My pride is humbled now,' resumed the in
valid, after long pause. 1 think I might be
brought to ask relief of the very son have
1isowned. %, God, how how Just has been
ny punishment; to think he whom cast off
now, very probably, able to laugh at my fall
n the midst of his growing prosperity. But
hink you he would do it? Think YOU nv
Edward, who was once my Joy and pride,
would have the heart to triumph over me in
ny misery?'
No, he would not said a deep earnest
Foice behind me, which made me start
On looking around saw the stranger had
Idmitted approaching the bedside. AS the
lght fell upon his brow, beheld It dark with
'gony, and there was tear glistening in his
ye. at
Who spoke? What voice is that? de-
handed the invalid, turning on his pillow.
made way for the stranger and he drew
ear the bed. He bent over the form of the )
Id man and their eyes met.
1t was that spoke said the stranger, in !
urried, husky tones, it was my voice. l.
-
The old man stared at him wildly. |.
And who are you,' he demanded.
DO you not know me p murmured the 9th
r. 'Oh, God! that it should come to this :
nat am forgotten by my father :,
Edward my son Edward!' sobbed the in = !
aid, oh, my injured-my noble and forgiv- 7
g boy! :.
The old mans voice was choked by sobs, !.
J with his feeble arms he drew his son more e
osely to his bosom. turned to dash away :.
lie tears that came unbidden to nv eyes,
INNING their sight; and when 1 looked again, :,
ear minute after, l beheld the father and :,
IN still locked in each others arms. AS I =
,ntemplated that silent, heartfelt embrace, l !.
1t my eyes again fill with tears, and my bo- !
I'M heave with sympathy. +
%, my son. murmursd the invalid at length, :
that good angel has brought you hither - :
am no longer what once was-but an :, a
umble, miserable wretch Adversity has g
uUht me- a daaD ond bol,, 1os,o, III :. .