Spirit of the age., 1853-06-01

were Tecallcu' 4NcIlLeE WAS ou0 IHoeuSIDI6
to the fact that be had, more than herself,
acted the true part of a parent toward her
children, and particularly toward the daugh-
ter whom she now appreciated and loved
most fully.
They had been two years in their neat lit
tie home, and Laura's success in teaching
had enabled her to adorn it with many lux
uries not at first possessed. Ellen Ray was
still with them and proved most efficient
help. She was fond of books, and was al
lowed much leisure for the improvement of
her mind, and was growing up into fair and
promising womanhood. Mrs. Leigh though
not physically robust. had Initiated herself in
all the mysteries of housekeeping, and these
duties tended to promote her happiness, and
save her from becoming prey to anxiety
and remorse. From the seclusion in which
she and her daughter lived, the Villagers, in
general, not able to make allowance for pc
culiar circumstances, were at first inclined to
regard them as naughty and arrogant but
as time passed on, the daughter grew to be
universally esteemed and beloved, and they
learned to respect the veil Of sadness thrown
/
Ore day little Walter was playing amid
the flowers and shrubbery which adorned the
! little yard in front Of their pleasant home.
He loved the flowers and was permitted to
gather them at will and now he stood there
with cluster in each small hand and cir
cet of roses twisted the band of his light
straw hat, which was now thrown back, re-
vealing lofty and intelligent brow, beneath
which pair Of soft hazel eyes were smiling.
I Exercise had tinged with delicate red the
cheeks now round and full, and SO much
had he grown and changed in appearance,
that he bore very little resemblance to the
pale, puny boy Of a few years ago. A man
i in coarse garments, and hat slouched over
bis sun burnt face, paused before the gate,
and stood few seconds, as if contemplating
that vision of beauty and innocence, then he
addressed the boy, asking,
Can you tell ne, little one, where Mrs.
Leigh lives?'
In this house, sir, was the answer, and
ere Walter could reach the door, the stran-
ger had passed him, and entered the house
without the formaity Of knocking. Margar-
ct Leigh sat alone in her pleasant back room
engaged in the true womanly employment
of sewing. The doors were all open to ad-
NIT the air, and as the stranger stood 2
brief second at the entrance. hesaw bright
tear drop roll over her pale, but still beauti
full face, and fall upon her work. He flung
, aside his hat, sprang forward and knelt al
her side with the single word Margaret
breaking from bis lips. With wild cry o
gladness and surprise, the chastened woman
fell forward in the open arms other husband
, For some minutes no word was spoken, and
t when at length, Herbert asked in choking
S voice,
DO you really and truly forgive me, Mar
garet 2 the wife replied from the depths c
e her purified spirit,
Yes, Herbert, and most humbly do | as
i your forgiveness It was the most truly hap
is py moment of their lives. A deep and start
Is ling cry was heard. and on looking round tn
J. parents saw that Waltor had flung himse
on the carpet amidst his scattered flowers.
id Como here, my love, and tell me whf
in is the matter said Mrs. Leigh. The chill
IS obeyed, and in broken accents he murmu
ed,
a My papa don't speak to ne. He hi
Sc come back, and he don't notice Walter
d. All the blood receded from the face Of He
We bert Leigh, and as quickly rushed back aga
ar as he looked wildly from his wife to his chilC
ce AS conviction Of the reality entered h
,ir mind, he caught the boy, with sudden c.
ID, of Joy to his breast and held him there whi
IS, o,erpowering emotions shook bis man
nd frame. As soop as the sunshine Of joyo
he smiles flashed through the rain that water'
e. the eyes of parents and child, the still agt
ted father said,
'p- Margaret, this isa happiness knew n
ia of, dreamed not Of Ever since the day
nd my departure from my native city, ha
ia supposed my child
A e 10 be thing
ed Der which the raven flaps his funeral wing
M Ihaye seen my old and faithful friend
nd lis, since my return, but, although he tt
me JOY awaited me, he limited not OF this sw,
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