Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-11-23
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hands, they offered no more opposition.
and dressed my new treasure IN the
clothes ofmy own buried infant. and in
spite of the opposition ofthose who accom-
lpanied me, retarnedto the wagon bar.
ing it in my arms.
I" Next day. as our places of destination
lay in opposition directions. we parted
company, and holding to my heart my
new child. 1 proceeded on my way alone.
Upon taking mp my residence at the Ma
nor, none of course knew but that the lit
tie girl was my own and l had twined
it too closely and tenderly round my heart
TO use endeavors 20 discover its real par
ents. Years went on. and you. dear AL
ice grew to me dearer aud dearer. and
at last learned TO look upon you as my
own. could not reveal the strange cir
cumstances which had given you to me.
for could not bear that you should look
upon me as other than as your rightful
parent. Now, however, when my career
on earth is so nearly ended. / feel owe
Fit to you, that You viii be left alone in the
world and leave in your possession the
only clue which ever obtained by which
you may discover the secret Of your par
rentage. When / found you with the gip-'
sizes you were richly and expensiyely dress
ed. but beyond the miniature gained
possession Of nothing you wore
" These" said Alice wiping her eyes,
"are the principle fact ofthis strange his
tory 1 will not weary you by reading
the rest"
She raised her eyes from the manu-
script and they fell upon the face of Mr..
We're, which was blanched to deadly
pallor, and whose strong frame tremblod
like leaf in the blast. a
What is the matter, my kind friend Y''
exclaimed Alice. anSiously laying her
hand on his arm.
"The miniature" he gasped, g The mi-
iature let me seee il,
Alice opened the case before her and
lifted thence heavy gold medallion, con-
tanning the face OF an enimently beautiful
woman.
Mr.. We're gazed upon It for a moment
as though he were drinking in somo new
drAught of life: then ciasping il TO his
breast, he leaned back in his chair with
his whole frame shaken with emotion, aud
his chest heaying in tumultous sobs
The party around the table started to
their feet in amazement. and Alice, bring
ing glass of water, held it 70 his lips
He drank. and regained for moment
composure, but as his eyes fell on Alica,
he caught her in his arms, and clasping her.
tightly TO his heart, exclaimed
Behold the working OF just Proyi-
dence which has thus restored 70 me my
long-lost childi"
Rising from his seat. lie placed Alice
beside him, and said
" Behold, Alice, in me, the Count Hon.
ri De We're. your father, thus strangely
reunited TO his lamented child
Lifting his hand to his head lie took
thence the wig OF jetty hair, and from be,
meath it fell the iron.gray locks Of Harvey
Hale.
With wild cry, Alice sprang forward
and threw herself upon his breast. and
clung there, sobbing IN an ccstacy os SUR
prise and joy. There was not dry cyc
in the room, for even the Englishman
could not remain unmoyed through such
a scene. Still clasping Alice TO his bosom,
Mr. We're, as we must still cali him, turned
TO the astonished widow and said
" To you, madam, some explanation i.
due, although the manner in which your
hospitality has been bestowed upon me.
leaves me. think. free from all obliga-
tions 10 YOU 1t has been sufficiently plain
that was an nunwelcomeg CUES, but my caro-
and affection for this dear child" laying
his hand on Alice's head. " induced me
TO remain until could offer her another
home. These papers," drawing packet
from his bosom. q il you choose 70 read
them, viii explain TO you that portion Of
my past life which has been wrapped in
mystery, and will prove my right 70 tho
name and title which for my child's sake
shall assume once more.
"At the time Of Mrs. Freeland's . death. /"
he continued. speaking rapidly. {" deter
mined that would once more return 70 tbs
world had forsaken, and adopting Alice
as my daughter, give 10 her the wealth
and station she was SO well fitted 70 adorn.
advised her TO accept your invitation 70
your house, but without one near her who
was more sincerely her friend than your.
self and daughter, could not leave her
daily exposed to the insults Of your inten-
ded son-in. law, who now probably recol-
lects his first meeting with me. 1 arran-
| ged my business. and with the aid Of
wig. felt certain that the change from n
squirrel-skin suit 20 a citizens dress would
be sufficient disguise for me, aud i return
ed hlther, introducing myself 70 you un-
der portion Of my real name. BY this
means, have assR+s1 myself of Aiice,s
unchanging affection for her old friend Of
the mountain, and was only waning for
news from my agent with regard 70 the ct
ting-np Of the house 70 which 1 wished 70
take her, 70 unfold 70 her my plans Cor the
failure. But affairs. have taken a most un-
Iookcd-for turn, and she whom ] would
have made the child OF my adoption,
proves 70 be bone OF my bone and flesh OF
my fiesh."