Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1851-12-18


the modern substitute. a crotchet purse
To net.
"William," said Susie, lowering hel
vnice at pause in the conversation, ant
gancing up furiively, "what think you
of Ad'iie to-day!"
William stole glance around. -
"Much as usual, is she moi! Poor
thing"
"See how she sets there with her fin.
gers moving through Bobby's curls. and
her eye fixed on vacancy!"
"This was her wedding night, you
know"
II tell you, Willie. Addie loves Rey.
nolds with her whole heart yet, as truly
as she ever did on that evening. She
has never spoken his name. even to me
since The day when father forbade il 10
be ever mentioned in his presence; bu,
there is something terrible in This statue
grief OF. hers"
A quick sharp bark under the window
arrested the conyersalion.
"3e quiet. Gfowler, old fellow, what
are yon about" shouted William; and
he was still.
Dear, silent Adelaide now brought a.
round the tray of nuts an6 apples, and
every one sought to make her smile, as
she took her share, but her smile was
as fiut as moonlight ON an icy lake.
liarrie, and Nelly had called Aunt
Susie over TO the corner to name their
apples, anu were quite silent for few
moments.
I'ha, quick bark from the dog came
again. followed by a low, pro,racied
growI. Edward jumped to investigate
matters, but before he reached the door
it opened slowly but firmly, and tall
pale figure stepped within it. and looked
silently. The sudden paralysis of sur
prise bound every voice. moment
more. and with faint desperate cry,
Adelaide dropped her boy from her lap,
and sprang across the room to--her
husband.
As bis arms closed around her, and
her head sank like broken lilly on his
shoulder. Farmer Talbot started, as if
siung by bitter memory. His arm
was raised, and his white hair foa,ed
back
"Falher!" |, was Susie's voice, cho-
ked with beseeching agony, as she sprang
to catch the hand Of the old man. The
upliftsd arm fell. and all was hushed for
one long moment.
"Come you as a reformed man, Caleb
Reynolds" and Farmer Talbol's tones
were firm, although quiet.
All hearts seemed to. suspend their
throbbings.
Il do by The help of God, father"
the stranger solemnly answered.
Father falbo, threw the glare oI' his
candle on his features.
"Caleb Reynolds never spake like
that" and the old man modula,eI each
word, as if to steady his voice. "IIaye
you signed the TEN perance pledge!"
IL hacc signed it and kept il for one
year."
.'Then, my son. the old mans hand
was extended. bn, his voice was choxed.
He bowed himself and wept like a
chilU
Blu! the arms hung loosely around Ca
leb Reynolds neck, the surprise had
been too sudden, and gentle Adelaide
had tainted. Not ill they had won
back the life TO her cheek. and seen her
again in the arms of her husband. turn
ing to him that glance of soulful ear
nestness that her early days had worn,
not ill then did others approach to well
come with fearful embraces their long
lost brother.
Sand This is our boy, Addie. whom
never saw!' murmured Caleb pressing
his lips to the little round forehead OF
the sleeper. Adelaide only replied by
her tears.
No questions further were asked, and
Caleb spoke OF his wanderngs. Woun-
ded in battle and brought to the point OF
death, he had listened 10 the angel re-
Election. But with reflection add reso-
luton came remorse and despair. Who
should win back to him the forfeited af-
fection Of his deserted wife? 1t was
then that the lessons learned at his moth
er's knee came beaming up through the
gloom Of years souandered in dissipation.
He went TO the fountain of peace and
drank of '.liying water" Having fixed
and finished his term Of probation, he
had soughtagai his home.
81 knew" said he, "you would all be
assembled here to night, and | fingered,
shivering, long before could man my
heart 10 come in among YOU"
"Brother! exclaimed more voices
than one.
The clock in The corner struck nine
II was the hour of prayer. Farmer Tai
bot laid his hand on the old family Bible
wiped his glasses and said:
"Come my children, lei US give thanks
with the angels tonight for This, my son
was dead and is alive again--was los
and is found"