The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-09-12

the dwelling were even more rugge,
and weird-like. My home had beel
one of affluence, and the improved ant
smiling aspect of all around showet
that peace and righteousness still
dwelt within. How sweetly the har
vest song, mingling with the whistle o
the black-bird, rang through the cleal
atmosphere! The sounds We're the
same as in days of yore, and now, in the
meridian of life. its morning again dawn
ed upon me. Precious recollections-
sacred associations-busied themselves
at my heart. But list! footsteps are
heard on the grass. | start from the
rustic seat where had placed myself
as two figures, arm linked in arm, ad.
vance along the broad avenue.
Oh, faithful memory faithful as
fond; though years have passed since
we met I at once beheld in these two
graceful women, my sister Charlotte,
and Leila, the beautiful orphan, reared
at nv paternal hearth, and from youth
even to ripening manhood inexpressibly
dear to me. The needless step of seven
teen was exchanged for a gait more
staid, yet scarcely less elastic. The
fair hair of my sister was as redundant
as ever, and Time seemed to have add
ed lustre to the raven tresses of Leila.
Nature prevailed over studied FORMS
Rushing forward, clasped them in a
single embrace.
at is Albert-it is my long lost bro
ther.n cried Charlotte 'can it be that
we again meetw
"Welcome, a thousand welcomes
home, said Leila, pressing the hand
that held hers" we feared You were
with the dead.'
L could not speak: my head still
restSds on my sisters shoulder, while
deS6 S6anotion shook my frame. "Let
ussS the house," said Charlotte, and
again was in the old oak parlor-
Fashion, in its fitful moods, had BAN
ished many an antiquated relic Of other
days. but there still remained the re-
membered cushioned chair, in which
nv mother used to sit, with that quiet,
dignified mien so well betitting willow
hood. | advanced towards it, casting,
at the same time, glance of eager in
quiry around,sinStantly comprehended
by Charlotte, who answered: "Six
years ago we lost her. Your name, Al
bert, was the last upon her lips" ! threw
myself into the vacant seat, and con-
cealed my face in my hands. Time |!
timei how did its changes thrill my
soul! Then, then alone it was. | felt.
that the tie binding the child to the
parent was truly one of surprising
strength.
40 cease,n said Leila, in a low, sweet
kew. whose sounds at once awakened the
slumbering passions of my youth.
Fondly did gaze on her well-re-
mem6ered features, and her matured
graces appeared preferable to her girl
ish beauty.
We had parted without any confess
sion of love OF interchange of vows
but trusted that her attachment. like
mine. had been faithful. The stead
fastness of my gaze broug6t q. deeper
color to her cheeks.
.You have not asked about our bro
ther Henry said Charlotte. He is
married, has charming little family,
and is surrounded with every blessing"
sHe is truly useful man-his estate
is a fine one, and his tenants revere
him."
Yet again, and again, did my eyes
rest on my mothers vacant chair
Time ha1 softened the affection of her
death to all but me. to whom the event
seemed as recent as the shock it created.
cit was. at first painful object"
remarked Charlotte, mournfully, "but
we could not bear to remove 1t from its
accustomed place."
"No, let it eper remain-it will do
US all good. To me, at least, it will, |
am sure.n
A child Of FIVE years of age, ran into
the room. She was a sweet little fairy,
with hughing eyes, peeping from dark
ringlets."
"Thisis Lelia's daughter" said Char.
loite. "a
"Lelia'ss" repeated, starting with
intense surprise. She had been . wife
for several years sat rigidly upright,
with compressed lips and heart Of ice,
while my sister detailed the prosperous
marriage Of Lelia-her perfect felicity
and the premature sagacity OF "the
witching little Haidee.n
And then, for the first time, | felt
how truly l had loved the woman how
lost to me for ever!
"Have you quite forgotten BerthaW
said Leila, entering al smiles followed
BY : very young girl
is this my sister-the qniet child l
leftyears agop
Bertha answered by throwing herself
into my arms with charming frank
ness
A spotless rose, did this dear girl aP-
pear. Her figure had all the round
ness and symmetry Of youth and health,
though her checks were as pale as
She had omy an indistinct re-
collection of me; bat / was "the be-
loved Albert" 20 long lamented in the
family circle, and she continued to hang
fondlv around me.
Despite the wearinees l felt, no sleep
came TO me that night. My departed
mother my lost Leila! their ipages tor
tnr>A - k,>;n Gladly wnuld have