Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-01-03

ruary. That is the last day oil grace. If
the money comes not then-and God
knows whence it is to conie-we are
driven from beneath this roof-tree-a
pair OF houseless beggars. Who will care
for us then :"
God will care for u.s." answered the
old woman, raising her eyes reverently
to heaven.
The old man made no reply, for his ut
%terance was choked. At that moment
the old clock that stood ticking silently
IN the corner, struck the hour of nine
The deacon rose.
1t is time to harness up old Dobbin,"
said he, "for we have a long way TO ride
TO meeting, and the roads are in bad con-
dition."
Their preparations were soon made,
and the old couple, poorly but decently
alfred, sailed forth to their public devo.
ton. The services ended, the deacon
and his wife. as they issued from the
porch, were kindly greeted BY many old
friends and n~eighbors, more than one of
whom pressed them to come and partake
OF their Thanksgiving cheer. But the
deacon shook his head.
MANY thanks, my friends" he said,
but ever sinceI have been a Household
der | have kept my Thanksgiving at
home, and | shall continue to do so, as
long as have a house over my head"
So they rode home together While
the deacon drove up TO the barn TO put
up his horse, the old lady opened the
back door, which was always ON the latch
I and entered the kitchen. AS she did so
: she started back. A stranger was sea-
ted by the kitchen fire, who rose on her
entrance. He was a tall, stalwart man,
dressed in a rough suit, with ~broad-leaf-
ed hat, his countenance embrowned by
exposure TO the sun and wind, and his
upper lip almost concealed by a heavy
and luxuriant black mustache.
Good morning. ma'am," he said with
some embarrassment. "Finding no one
5 answered my knocks | took the liberty OF
walking in. | believe | owe you no apol-
. ogy, for | have oficiated as turnspit, and
saved your Thanksgiving turkey from
burning.
/ Il am very mnch obliged TO you, Tn
: sure, answered the old lady pulling of
e her mittens. ''But did you want to see
me or the deacon ?"
nBoth ofyou," answered the stranger.
y You have a son, / believe"
, "Yes," replied Mrs. Wilson, with hes.
I%tation, and casting down her eyes.
5 Il have seer him lately"
"Where :" inquired the mother, with
! increasing agitation.
"In California"
E "Was he doing welI?"
Admirably. Motherl mother - he
added, i~mpetuously throwing back his
hat, " don't you know NEEDN'T YOU
know your William"
He rushed into his mothers arms, and
e was clasped to her beating heart, while
n the tears streamed freely from the eyes
e of both. After the first passionate greet
e ing was over, the young man asked
Where is sister Emmy?
"Gone!" answered the mother, as
e her tears flowed forth anew.
h William sank into a seat, and hiding
Y his face in his hands, wept bitterly. The
d mother did not attempt TO check him.
d She knew those tears were precious.
# land my father p asked the young
e man, when he had regained his compo.
sure.
/, He is well. But you had better re.
e tire for a while. Go to your old room,
d my son, it is just as you left it, and
a wait until | summon you.'
y 1t was with a huttering heart, that the
a %oTeJoyed mother went about the prep.
d aratlons for dinner, and when the table
,e was neatly set, every dish in its place,
S. and the turkey, smoking hot, waiting tc
be carved, she summoned the old man
: He made bis appearance at once, anc
took his seat.
- CHANGING round the table, he asked
,e What is this, wife you have Sc
plates for three"
Ye 81 thought perhaps somebody Nigh
drop in unexpectedly"
d There is little danger-hope, Imean
of that" answered the deacon sadly
AT this juncture, Mrs. Wilson, with
a mysterious expression, rang the LITTLE
Of hand-bell, with which, in happier days
,e she was wont to summon her tardy chill
a oren to their meals.
ID 1t was answered by the appearance O
1e the.long-lost William.
IS, The deacon, who recognized him afte
er a moment, gazed upon him with a ster
eye. but with a ~quiHsring lip that be
a. trayed the force ofhis Unsurpassed ENC
tons.
i'd so you have come back at last" h
Mo said.
&c Eyes, father, but not as I left yol
his Fathrr-last Thanksgiving day | wei
nix into my lonely room, and there, kneelin
las down, addressed myself 10 Heaven, an
ii snlemnlv ahinred The fatal cnn mh;r