The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-03-16

seemed too hard to gain the place from which he
had fallen, and he gave it up. 1t was too much
for his pride to occupy menial position now
and turned away from the great city weary and
sick at heart.
The home which Lauson Watkins now received
at his wife's hands was in truth lovely abode
The farm was an excellent one, bearing the
choicest of fruit, and capable Of the most pro-
ductive cultivation. The dwelling was sweet
little cottage surrounded by great elms, with
cherry and plum trees in front, while At little
distance, sparkling like silver in the sunbeams, lay
lakelet. into which hundred bubbling brooks
poured their crystal tributes. Lydia sold her
Jewels, and thus she realized enough to purchase
choice stock for the farm, besides having
enough left to hire trusty to take charge of
the grounds.
While Watkins was taking this step, Adam
Langrave went off South. but where, one
save himself knew.
1t was early spring when the fallen merchant
moved upon the quiet farm, and the work must
soon begin. He was not a man who could re-
main idle. and he took hold to help his man do
the work. 1t was to him. but he found it by
no means disagreeable. His appetite grew sharp,
and began to have keen relish for his food
The milk which came from his own cows tasted
sweet to him. And then to his little wife
making and mixing bread, all with her own
hands-it novel to him, but it possessed a
charm too which was grateful. Then he saw his
Children girl and boy, playing upon the
greensward in the garden. and he knew that
they were growing healthier. By-and by he set
his children to studying and he himself heard
them recite their lessons
Before winter set in the ex-merchant had be-
come real farmer. His crops had been good,
and he experienced strange pleasure in rea-
zing that he had gathered to his garner more
than provision enough for the year to come.
But who shall paint the happiness of the devo-
ted wife. when she saw her husband thus return
ing to himself The bloom of health was upon
his cheeks. his step was firm and elastic, his spir
its were buoyant and free, and his soul had be-
come centered in his home.
Three years passed away. and the pale, trem
bling, feversh merchant had become stout,
healthy, rugged man. His home was the abode
Of every joy-a heaven upon earth.
1t was in the evening. Mr.. Watkins had
heard his children recite their lessons and say
their prayers, their mother had blessed them and
attended them to their beds. They had Just sat
down alone-the husband and wife. when some
one raped at the door Lauson arose and open
ed it, and Adam Langrave entered the apartment.
Lydia sprang to the old mans embrace, and she
wept tears of joy to see her kind old uncle once
more.
Langrave looked about him with sonnet hing
like surprise depicted upon his countenance, and
as he shook hands warmly with Lauson, he
seemed doubtful about trusting his own senses
Could it be possible that the dying merchant
had become such living man? The change to
him was more surprising than it had been to Ly
dia, for she had watched each slow developement
of returning health, while he saw it all at once
1t was, in truth wonderful change.
Quickly did Lydia prepare simple repast for
her uncle and then old scenes We're talked about.
Lauson told how he had succeeded on his farm,
and Langrave told where he had been in the
South. The evening wore away pleasantly and
agreeably. At length the old man remained 81
lent for some moments, and Lydia began to
tremble.
'Lauson,' said be, how would YOU like to 90
back to the city, and enter into business agan?'
Il couldn't do it, said the young man with
shudder.
But think could raise the means
No, no, l am not fit for merchant. Mine is
a constitution that cannot live in such business
0, would not give up this sweet home for
any establishment in the city. All, sir. 1 learn
ed great lesson when l came here-a lesson of
life. l know that l should have been in my
grave if had remained in the city | did not see
it then. but | see it now. At first thought the
loss of my property was a calamity, but sir it
was blessing blessing in disguise Look at
us now and see if we are not happy. And con-
tinued Lauson, with increasing animation, to-
morrow morning you shall see my children
on will have to rise early if YOU would hear
their first shout of Joy, and see their first smile of
gladness.
Thank God, LYDIA, murmured the old man.
as he turned toward his niece, your plan has
been blessed
Lauson Watkins gazed first at his wife, and
then upon her uncle He was puzzled His
wife caught his eager gaze, and with convulsive
she sprang towards him and threw her
arms about his neck.
%, forgive me, my husband-forgiye mel
she uttered, while the tears streamed down her
cheeks.
Forgive you.-for whats What does this
his wife's arms from his neck, and looked into
her face
Why said Adam Langrave. she wants you
TO forgive her for saving your life. Sit down, /
Lydia. and I'll tell him all
The wife sank into chair. and then the old
man resumed:
IN explain the mystery to you in few mo-
nents, Lauson. You know how deeply You had
become absorbed in harrassing business. d how
INCREASINGLY you devoted your time to the mere
requirement of money. Your wife saw that YOU |
were losing your health and strength. that you
were becoming entirely lost 10 her aad her chill
iren, in the may depths of money making. This
after burden she could have borne without
murmur. but when she saw that You were surely
making your own premature passage to the grave,
she thoughts 10 arrest your steps. She spoke to
You and told her fears, but you needed them not |
She saw that the hand of the DESTROYER was upon !
you and that You only plunged the more deeply |
INTO the tell excitement that was killing YOU In /
'nis extremity she came TO me and begged me to