The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-05-27

restored as to ask for her, she was lying quite
insensble Then first he knew how deeply and
dearly his mother loved him. Little Charlie
threw himself down by Walter, in the water,
which was flooding the room and the brothers
kissed one another, andscried for joy. II was
many days before Walter was entirely well (;
but when he did get about, everybody noticed
a great change in him. He was more kind
and pleasant far less jealous and passionate;
he was happier, and made others happier, than
ever before He was 50 sure now that his
mother truly loved him; and he knew, he said,
that he could never again be jealous OF his little
brother But alas! Walter did not know him
self When he was fourteen, and his brother
(still called "litte Charlie y about twelve,
wealthy uncle came from Boston for brief
visit As this gentleman had no family, it was
thought that Walter, who had been named tor
him, would be the heir to his fortune. For this
very reason, Walter was too proud to pay him
any court; indeed, he hardly paid him proper
respect and attention, aud was generally silent
and reserved in his presence. Mr.. Rogers did
not understand this manner he thought w alter
sullen and cold, and, though he could but see
that he was an honest, intelligent boy, he was
not, on the whole, pleased with him. But, like
all other visiters, he was quite charmed with
little Charlie; and he had not been long gone
from the village before there arrived from Bos-
ton beautiful white pony, handsomely sad
died and bridled, For Master Charles Harri-
son. In letter to his sister, Mr.. Rogers said,
Thinking that daily ride may benefit my
little invalid nephew, send a pony, which is
both spirited and docile hope that Charlie
will accept it, with the kind wishes of Uncle
Walter
Both Mrs Harrison and Charlie were panied
that no present came for Walter, and that he
was scarcely mentioned in the letter; while as
for Waller he felt the old Jealous feeling boil.
ing up from his heart hotter than ever and
said some hard things, which he had better
have Left unsaid.
Why brother said Charlie, I" the pony
shall be as much yours as mine; you may ride
it every day"
"No, WON'T" answered Walter, angrily
81 never will mount ii, as long as live. ]
wouldn't be 80 mean"
But Walter had little call to be enyious of
his brother, who was quite too weak to ride his
pretty pony. A few rods only, gave him Sc
we're pain in the side, 50 very delicate was poor
Charlie.
This spring be. seemed far worse than usual
He did not complain, but he daily grew weak
and languid, till finally he could no longer BIZ
about the house.
One afternoon, when he came from school
Walter found Charlie sitting up in his bed
writing but he hid his paper and pencil under
the pillow, when he saw his brother, and has
tily wiped away some tears which were On his
cheek. That night he grew much worse--a
fever came on, and he was quite deliriOus. All
night long they watched over him with great
anxiety, and during the next day, though be
was more quiet and slept most Of the time
When awake, he did not speak much, or seem
to recognise any one.
Just at sunset, Walter was sitting in his own
chamber, by the window, with his face hid in
the curtains for he was grieving for his gentle
brother, who was like to die when his mother
entered holding paper in her hand. Walter
saw that she had been weeping, as she said
81 found this paper under little Charles
pillow you may read it. if you willD
Walter opened it, saw that it was in Char
lies handwriting, and read
"My LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.
81 leave to my dear mamma my gold -clasped
Bible. my trunk, and all my clothes, except my
new green cloth roundabout, which leave to
Cousin John, because he likes it, and il Just fits
him. To my papa leave my pictures Of Jesus
Christ sitting the Tempest, and the fight be-
tween the Constitution and 'G~r4vere,' my
seal of Hope and the anchor, and the Voyages
of Captain Cook To my sister Clara leave
my Canaries, my pet squirrel my flowers, and
all my fairy story-books. To my brother
Walter give the rest Of my library my chess
board and men, my battledores and shuttle
cock, my rabbits, my dog, and my white pony,
And when | am dead, hope he will believe |
have loved him dearly
Walter wept bitterly over. this will. But
when he had grown calm, he said
"May 90 TO him, mother?"
"lf you will promise not to disturb him,
she answered,
Walter promised, and stole softly into the
dim chamber where Charlie was now alone
sleeping quietly. He knelt down by the bed
side, hid his face in the counterpane, and ST.
lently prayed God to forgive all his SINS TO give
him o better heart and to make his brother
we'll again. Suddenly he felt a soft hand laid
on his head. He looked up, and Charities mild
blue eyes were smiling on him.
"Come and lie by my side," he said And
Walter laid himself down there, and the
brothers again embraced and kissed each
other.
As thus they lay, talking softly and sweetly
together, they heard some unusal noise below,
and then their mother coming up stairs with
some one who stepped little heavier. 1t was
their father, returned from his longest and last
sea-yoyage! Now he promised to stay at home
with them always.
The return OF Captain Harrison did more
than medicine TO cure his little son, who soon
became stronger than he had ever been be-
fore.
One afternoon, when Charlie had been q
fortnight about the house, it was arranged that
he should take q short ride on his white pony,
soon after breakfast, the next day
When Walter came down in the morning,
bis mother kissed him more teuderly than
usual and his father, shaking hands with him
heartily, wished him many happy returns Of
the day. Walter looked as though he did not
know what to make of this, and his mother
said
"Why, my son, is it possible you have for
gotten this is your birthday
"Ah, yes, mamma" he answered; i" / only
remembered that it was Charles FIRST day
out
" And SOL said his father, you ere TO give
him ride Pray, what are you to do1n
80, I'll trot along by his side, ON foot.
believe ! can outrun that pony, now"
When breakfast was over, Walter helped his
brother into the saddle, and was arranging the
bride, when Charlie called cut, joyfully--
sLook there, brother pointing with bis
riding-whip to another white pony, somewhat
larger than his own, standing on the other side
Of the yard. Walter ran to il took off alp
Of paper which was pinned to the rein, and
read
"Will Walter, our first-born and beloved
son, accept this birthday gift from his parents
Walter laid his face against the slender, arch.
ing neck Of his beautiful horse, and burst into
tears. But he was too happy to weep long; he
soon ran into the house, thanked and kissed his