Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-09-03
NASHVILLE, TENN SUNDAY. SEPTEMBER g. 1854

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his child and wept
What an oppressive silence reigned for tin
through the room.
Father The stiffness was broken by Mary
Her voice was clear and sweet. Father want I
tell you something"
What is it, Nary
'There1l be no one to get it for you
The child's lip now quivered, and tears filled be
eyes
Don't talk about that, Mary I'm not goin
out in the evening any more until you get WELL
Don't you remember promised
But father She hesitated
| What, dear?
I'm going away to leave you and mother
oh! no-no-no Mary. Don't say that'-th'
poor mans voice was broken-'don't say that >
We can't let you go, dear
God has called me-
The child's voice had q solemn tone, and her eyes
were turned reverently upward.
Il wish He would call me! Oh! / wish He would
call me- groaned Morgan, hiding his face in his
hands. What shall do when you are gone? Oh!
dear--Oh! dear
'Fatherr Mary spoke calmly again. You are
not ready to go yet. God will let you live longer
that you may get ready
1low can get ready without you to help me,
Mary? My angel childP
Haven't tried to help you father, OH so many
time?
'Yes-Ohl yes-you have always tried.
But it wasn't any use. You would go out--yOu
60 fba II
You couldn't help it,
Morgan groaned in spirit.
May 5e | can help you better. father, after
die love you so much, that am sure God will
let me come to you, and stay with you always, and
be your angel. Don't you think he WILL mother?"
But Mrs. MOrgans heart was too full. She did
not even answer but sat with streaming eyes gazing
upon her chds face.
Father, dreamed something about you. while
l slept to-day
Mary again turned to her father.
What was it,?
Il thought it was night and that was still sick.
You promised not to go out again until was well
But you did go out, and thought went over to
Mr. SHADES tavern. When knew this felt as
strong as when was well, and got up. dressed
myself and started after you But 1 hadn't gone
far before l met Mr.. Shades great bulldog, Nero.
and he growled at ME so dreadfulIy that | was
frightened and ran back home. Then l started
again and went away round by Mr.. MasOn's. But
there was Nero in the road and this time he caught
my dress in his mouth and tore great piece out of
the skirt l ran back home again and he chased
IL, 4 II l. z
looked around and there Nr. Slade setting Nero
on me. As soon as saw him. though he looked
at me very wicked, lost all my fear, and turning
around, passed Nero who showed his teeth and
growled as fiercely as ever but did not hurt me
Then Mr.. Sade tried TO stop me. But did not
mind him and kept right on until come 10 the
tavern and there you stood in the door. And you
were dressed so nice. You had on new hat and
new coat, and your boots were new and polished
Just like Judge Hammonds. ! said, o, father is
this you? And thea you took me up in your arms
and kissed me and said, yes Mary, | am your real
old Joe Morgan, but Mr.. Morgan now.
1t was all so strange, and looked into the bal |
room TO see who was there. But it was not bar |
room any longer, but a store full Of goods. The |
Sign of the Sickle and Sheaf was taken down, and |
over the door | read your name father o, l was |
so glad and awOke, and then cried all to myself,
for it was nothing but dream
The last words were said very mOurnfully and |
with dropping of her lids, until the tear-gemmed
lash lay close upon her checks. Another period |
Of deep silence followed; for the oppressed listeners
gave no utterance of what was in their hearts,
Feeling was too strong for speech. Nearly five
minutes glided away and then Mary whispered the
name of her father, but it without again open
ing her eyes.
Morgan answered and bent down his ear.
You will only have mother left she said-only
Mother. And she cries when you're away
Il won't leave her, only when go to work, said
Morgan, whispering back to his child.
Yes You promised me that
And I'll promise more
What father
Never to go into a tavern again
Never?
NO, never. And III promise still more
Father
Never to drink drop of liquor as long as
i've 3
20, father. dear father!
And with IA cry OF Joy Mary started up and flung
herself upon his breast. Morgan drew his arms
lightly around her and sat for long time with his
ips pressed to her cheek, whilst she lay against
lis bosom as still as death. As death? Yes; for
when the father unclasped his arms, the spirit Of
lis child with the angels of the resurrection.