Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-12-28

e, uiu tueg ever, aunt susie! cHImed
IN Edward, casting up from his platea side
long, demure glance. that brought bushes and
dimples to her cheeks,
Susie had seen some quiet little Airtatons.
even under her fathers August eve. Sudtlerly
her face grew serious She caught Adelaides
expression OF countenance, as the latter quiet
ly rose from the table, and made some excuse
for Withdrawing.
The wish-bone was broken TO charm
swapping exactly in the middle, to the infinite
amusement OF the Juveniles, who had been
making bets on the result. The babies
went to sleep at the right hour precisely, and
were packed into their snug cradles with
blankets and pillows. The elders of the iu-
venile company were ensconsed 10 corner to
| play button; and the brothers and sisters
clustered in qniet little knots. William and
Susan sat by the window, not to sentimental.
ize over the moonlight that came Pickering
through the fleecy clouds, but to gather up
the threads of confidential tete a-tetes-to chat
OF college scrapes, and-Saye The mark
school ma'am's rogueries
Grardmamma had her knitting, of course
bless the dear old fingers that had kept so ma
ny ft e. warm; and Susie, the modern substi-
tute. a crochet purse to net
William said Susie, lowering her voice
at pause in the conversation, and alancing
up filrtiyely, whit do you think of Addie, to
day
William stole glance around. Much as
| usual, is she not, poor thing?'
See how she sits there with her fingers
moving through Bobby's curs, and her ewes
| fixed on vacancy.
| This was he wedding night YOU know
| Il tell you, Willie, that Addie loves Rev.
/! nolds with all her whole heart yet, as truly as
she ever did on that evening She had never
| spoken his name, even TO me, since the day
her father forbade it ever to be mentioned il
his presence, but there is something terrible.
in this statue like grief Of hers
sharp: quick bark under the window ar
rested the conversation.
BE quiet. Growler, old fellow, what are
you about" shouted William, and tie dog
was still.
Dear silent Adelaide now brought around
the tray Of nuts and apples, and every one
Der sflIIe was as rant Us nUunrgnt on an
icy lake.
Harry and Nelly had called aunt Susie over
10 the corner to name their apples and all
were quite silent for few moments.
The quick bark came again from the dog
followed by low, protracted groan. Edwart
jumped up to investigate matters, but before
lie reached the door it was opened; slowly hut
firmly, and tall, pale figure stepped within
it, and sood-sently. The sudden paralysis
of surprise bound every voice. A moment
more, and with faint, desperate cry, Ade-
laide dropped her boy from her lap, and
sprang across the room to-her husband
AS his arms closed around her, and her
! head sank like lily on his shoulder, farmer
| Talbot started as if stung by bitter memory
| His arm raised, and his white locks foated
back
Fatherp
1t was Sfsans voice choked with burning
agony as she sprang to catch the hand of the
old man.
The uplfied hand fell, and all was hushe(l
for one long moment
Come you as reformed man, Caleb Ree-
noldsY and farmer Talbo's tone was firm
though quiet.
4 do, by the help of God, my father the
stranger solemnly answered.
Farm er Talbot threw the glaze Of the can. ,
die on his features
Caleb Reynolds never spoke like that, and
the old man modulated each word, as il 10
steady his trembling voice.
'And have you signed the temperance
pledge9
4 haue signed it, and have kept it for
year.
Then, my son,'-,he old mans hand was
extended, bat his voice was choked He bow
ed himself down and wept like child.
But the arms hung loosely around Caleb
Reynolds neck the surprise had been too
sudden, and gentle Adde had tainted. Not
till they had won back the life tide to her
cheek, and seen her again in the arms of her
husband, turning to him that look of soul full
earnestness, that her early years had worn
not till then-did the Others approach to well
come, with fearful embraces, their long lost
brother.
'And is this our boy, Addie, whom never
saw ? murnured Caleb pressing his lips 10
the little round forehead Of the sleeper She
only replied by her tears
No question further was asked but Caleb
soon spoke of his wanderings. Wounded in
battle, and brought TO the point of death, be
had listened to the angel Reflection. But viii
reflection and good resolutions came also re-
morse and despair. Who should win back to
him the forfeited affections of his deserted
wife II was then that the lesson learned on
his mothers knee came beamng up through
the gloom Of years squanderod in dissipation.
He went TO the fountain Of peace md drank
the diving waters Having fixed and fin
ished his term Of probation, he sought again,
his home.
'lknew,, said he, you would be all Assem-.
blel here tonight; and fingered, shivering
long before could man my heart to come in
among you.' fs...a f..-. s.s..,i i,
Brother, exclaimed more voices than one.
| The clock in the corner struck nine-it was
the hour of prayer. Farmer Talbot laid his
hand on tie family Bible, and wiped his
glasses. @a
Gone, my chiLlren, let me give thanks ioss
~ .,.er 81. i.