The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-09-27

e William stole glance around. "AJuc
as usual, is she noti Poor thing!"
"See how she sits there with her finger
moving through Bobby's curls, and he
eyes fixed on vacancy 2?
inns was her wedding night yo,
: know" ....
l "I tell you, Willie, Addic loves Rev
noIds with her whole heart yet, as trul,
as she ever did on that evening. She ha
never spoken his name, even to me, sine,
the day when father forbade it to be eve,
mentioned in his presence; but there i,
something terrible in this statue like grie
Of hers" '.....
A quick, sharp bark under the window
arrested the conversation.
"Be quiet, Growler, old fellow. wba,
are you aboutl" shouted William: and
all was still.
Dear, silent ADELAIDE now brought a
round the tray of nuts and apples, and
every one sought TO make her smile, az
he took II share; but her smile, as he took
was as faint moonlight on an icy lake.
Harry and Nelly had called aunt Su-
sic over to the corner to name their an.
pies; and all were quite silent for few
moments.
That quick bark came again from the
dog, followed by a low growl. Edward
jumped up to investigate matters, bit be
fore he reached the door it was opened,
slowly, but firmly, and a tall, pale figure
stepped within it and t cd si!ently.-
The sudden paralysis OF surprise bound
& faint, desperate cry, Adelaide dropped
her boy from her lap, and sprung across,
the ROOM to her husband!
As his arms closed around her, and her
head sunk like broken lilly on his shou-
der, Farmer Talbot started, as if stung
by bitter memory. His arm was rails d
and his white locks foa,ed back
"Fatherw 1t was Susie's voice, chok.
eel with beseeching agony, as she sprang
to catch the hand Of the OLD man.
The upliftel arm fell, and all was hush
ed for one long moment.
Come YOU as a reformed man, Caleb
Reynolds 7" and farmer Talbot's tone was
firm though quiet.
All hearts seemed to suspend their
throbbing.
81 do, by the help of God, my father"
the stranger solemnly answered.
Farmer Talbot threw the glare of the
candle on his features.
"Caled Reynolds never spoke like that,
and the old man modulatcd each word
as ifto steady his trembling voice. "lIavc
you signed the temperance pledgel"
81 have signed it, and have kept It
for one year" ..... ...... ....
"Then, my son"--the old mans hand
wGs extended, but his voice WAS choked.
He bowel himself and wept like child.
But the arms hung loosely around ca
lcb Reynolds neck i; the surprise had been
too sudden, aud gentle Addie had faint
ed. Not till they had won back the life
tide TO her cheek, and seen her again in
the arms Of her husband, turning to him
that glance Of SOULFUL earnestness that
her early years had worn--not till then
did the Others approach to welcome, with
fearful embraces, their long,lost brother.
"And this is our boy, Addic, whom l
never saw" murmured Called, pressing
his lips to the little round forehead Of the
sleeper. Adelaide only replied by her
tears.
No further questions were asked; but
Caleb soon spoke Of his wanlerings.-
Wounded in battle and brought to the
point Of death, he had listened to the ar
gel--refection. But with reflection anu
good resolutions came also remorse and
despair. Who shall win back 10 him the
forfeited affections Of his deserted wife
IL was then that the lesson learned at his
mothers knee came booming up through
the gloom Of years squandered in dissipa.
ton. lie went to the fountain Of peace
and drank Of the "living water" Having
fixed and finished his term Of probation
he had sought his home again.
II II knew" said be "you would all b,
assembled hers to-nisbt; and lingeset
long, sbiveripg, before ! could man m,
hear: to come in among you.n So
. aBroiher r. exclaimed moro voices tha
: one. -p
The clock in the corner struck nine
it was the hour for prayer. Farmer Ia