Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-08-18
G9e Storp Gtlltr.
From Household Words.
FATHER AND SON.


still preserved among rs, as 'the year of the
rebellion lady and gentleman were seated
near blazing fire in the old-fashioned dining
room of large, lonely mansion. They had
Just dined; wine and fruit were on the table,
both untouched, while Mr.. Hewson and his
wife sat silently gazing at the fire, watching
its pickering light becoming gradually more
vivid as the short spring twilight faded into
darkness
At length the husband poured out glass
of wine, drank it off, and then broke silence.
by saying,
Well, well, Charlotte, these are awful
times; there were ten men taken up to-day for
burning Cotter's house at Knockane; and Tom
Dycer says every magistrate in the country is
marked man.
Mrs. Hewson cast frightened glance to
wards the windows, which opened nearly to
the ground, and gave view of wide, tree
besprinkled lawn, through whose centre a
long straight avenue led to the high-road. -
There was also a foot-path at either side of
the house, branching off through close thickets
of trees, and reaching the road by circuitous
route.
Listen, James = she said, after pause;
what noise is that!
Nothing but the sighing of the wind among
the trees. Come, wife, you must not give
way to imaginary fears.
But really heard something like footsteps
on the gravel, round the gable-end-I wish
a knock at the door interrupted her.
Come in
The door opened, and Tim Gahan, Mr..
Hewson's confidential steward and right-hand
man, entered, followed by fair-haired, deli
cate-looking boy Of six years old, dressed in
deep mourning
Z Well, Gahan, what do you wantt
9 / ask your honor's pardon for disturbing
you and the mistress; but | thought it right
TO come and tell you the bad news heard
Something about the rebels, [ suppose =
Yes, sir; l got whisper Just now, that
there's going TO be great rising, entirely,
tomorrow; thousands are to gather before
daybreak at Kilcrean bog, where I'm told
they've power of pixies hiding; and then
they're to march on and sack every house in
the country. I'll engage, when heard it,
didn't let grass grow under my feet, but came
off straight to your honor, thinking maybe
you'd like to walk over this fine evening to
Mr.. Warren's, and settle with him what's
best TO be dOne.'
'Oh, James! beseech you, don't think of
going
Make your mind easy, Charlotte; | don't
intend it; not that suppose there would be
much risk; but, all things considered, / think
I'm just as comfortable at home
The steward brow darkened, as he glanced
nervously towards the end window, which
jutting out in the gable, formed deep angle
in the outer wall.
Of course, It's just as your honor pleases,
but I'll warrant you there would be no harm
in going. Come, Billy he added, address
ing the child, who, by this time was standing
close to Mrs HewsOn, make your bow, and
bid goodnight to master and mistress
The boy did not stir, and Mrs. Hewson,
taking his little hand in hers, said,
You need not go home for halfan-hour,
Gahan; stay and have chat with the SER
wants in the kitchen, and leave little Billy
with me-and the apples and nuts she added
smiling, as she filled the child's hands with
fruit.
Thank you, ma am, said the steward,
hastily. i can't stop-Im in hurry home,
where wanted to leave this brat tonight;
but he 'colh follow me. Come, Billy; come
this minute, you young rogue
Still the child looked reluctant, and Mr..
Hewson said, peremptorily,
Don't go yet, Gahan; want to speak to
you bye and bye; and you know the mistress
always likes to pet little Billy.
Without replying, the steward left the
room; and the next moment his hasty foot
steps, resounded through the long tagged pas
sages that led to the offices.
There's something strange about Gahan,
since his wife died, remarked Mrs. Hewson.
'lsuppOse It's grief for her that makes him
look so darkly; and seem almost jealous when
any one speaks to his child. Poor little Bill
iy your mother was sore loss to you.
The chllds blue eyes filled with tears, and
pressing closer to the lady's side, he said,
Old Peggy doesn't wash and dress me as
nicely as nanny used.'
But your father is good to you!'
sOh, yes, ma am, but he's out all day busy,
and I've no one to talk to me as NANNY used;
for Peggy is quite deaf, and besides she's al
ways busy with the pigs and chickens
Il wish | had you, Billy, to take care of
and to. teach, for your poor mothers sake
> And SO you may, Charlotte said her hus-
band I'm sure Gahan, with all his odd
ways, is too sensible fellow not to know
how much it would be for his childs benefit
to be brought up and educated by us, and the
boy would be an amusement to us in this lone
ly house I'll speak TO him about it before he
goes home. Billy, my fine fellow, come
here he continued, Jump up on my knee,
and tell me if you'd like to live here always,
and learn to read and write
i would, sir, if could be with father, too. ;
SO you shall; and what about old Peggy q
The child paused.