The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-05-31

dren with her relatives, and then, as she
believed, to lay her bones in the tomb OF
her kindred. One hope only, made her
heart bound. and her pale cheek grew
paler, as she looked on that shore of her
nativity, for the first time in twenty years.
"Oh. God! could see all my children
before die!" she faItered.
| pass over the scene OF her landing.
and welcoming to the house of her brother.
will not stop to tell you how many won.
ders the India-born children found in
American city customs and sights; for
must hasten to the end of my story.
''lt is impossible sister, said her broth
er to the pale lady one morning. in answer
10 some expression. "The child could
never have reached this country. We
never. as you know. have traced her farlh.
er than England, and if she had been
brought here. she could not have failed to
find me. or her,
The widow sighed. Goods will be
done!" she murmured "But it is hard to
feel that my little helpless innocent-mv
eldest born-was sent from me to perish
alone. Often feel as if it could not be-
as il she were yet alive. and should find
her at some day"
Providentally. as it proved. the mother
was led to search the catalogues of vari
Gus institutions for the blind; long in vain.
| At length she obtained circular from
distant city, and glanced it indiffer-
emily. SO often had she been disappointed
Her heart sprung TO her lips as she saw the
name Of "Nleta w. Hamilton.''
Brother" she grasped, extending the
paper to him.
He looked and shook his head. II am
afraid you are expecting too much my poor
sister. Matilda was your darlmg's name,
and then, how should she stray to that
corner OF the United Statesl''
But the mothers hope was stronger than
her fears. She scarcely ate or slept. weak
though she was, until she reached the
had borne.
Hamilton? yes, we have one pupil by
that name," replied the bland superinten-
dent. in answer TO her first question of
trembling eagerness. .'But she is an or
phan. madam"
,'Are you sure, sir. Oh, must see her
at once!''
She followed him to the door OF large
room, where fifty girls sat. busted with their
books and needlework The buzz OF con-
versation died, as they heard the sound of
strange footsteps-and a hundred sightless
eyes were turned toward the door.
Near table. on which lay bunch OF
delicate straw filaments. sat Mittie Hanil
ton. She had been braiding bonnet, but
her fingers had ceased their work. and bu-
ried in sort Of reverie, she was the only
1 one who did not notice the entrance of a
stranger. = ss-'-s.-s-s -. r-l-,--s ~
"Was there any Distinguishing feature.
by which you couldTecognise your daugh.
ter, my dear madam2" asked the gentle.
man.
The mothers eye wandered over the
group, as though she dreaded the confirm
alton of her fears to lose her last hope.
| i..Showme the child ofwh ON you spoke. -
she faltered.
Meta Hamilton"-bu he stopped, for.
at the lady's first word, Mittie had sprung
from her position, and throwing back the
curls from her face. turned wildly from side
10 side.
WHO is that?" she cried, with out.
stretched arms. sThat voice-speak
sgain!''
"Miltie. my child" cried Mrs. Hamilton.
springing to her side, and sinking, over
powered upon her knees.
another, oh motheri'-and Mitiie fell
into the arms that had Graded her in in
fancy.
That was moment never to be forgot
ten!
! Uncle Wythe Harris (for the mistake
which had clouGed so many years Of the
| fetime of mother and child, was that OF
Mitlie in substitu,ing--child that she was
1.-The first name OF her uncle for the lastl
found pleasant cottage or the banks OF
the Hudson for his sister and her now hap.
py family. What a loving welcome the
dear girls and boys, whom Heaven had
blessed with the power of seeing their SIS
ter. gave to the wanderer Mitiie! How she
comiorted her mothers heart, making her
forget her great bereavement-making her
even forget to sorrow that she had blind
child in her Joy at feeling that she had an.
other living darling!
The sunshine Of Mittie's girlhood came
backt her spirit. The dear blind girl was
the Joy OF the house. How could anybody
cherish a feeling of discomfort, or peevish.
ness, when that glad voice was pouring
out its songs Of thankfulness from morning
until nighta Oh, dear blind Mittie, never
more-happy spirit that she was mourn
ed that God had not given her eyes to see.
"He has gave me back my mothet," she
once said, .and these precious brothers
and sisters, and He will let me see them
all in Heaven!''
i Character.
| A misstep may destroy life. One sin
may ruin your character. Did you ever
reflect on the consequence of a single in
dulgence in vice? The best men have