The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-12-07

"You forge, we have another chm
alive"
"No, I do not forget it," said the oil
man bitterly. "There is one living some
where, who has broush, disgrace upon on
name-who has forgotten his parents nm
his God /; who has drunk deep Of the cup O
iniquity, and who has broush, ruin and wo
upon his name and family"
"Do moi speak so harshly OF poor VIII
iam," pleaded the mother.
"why should I no,l Was he not insen
siblo 10 kindness-stseled agains, affection
Did he no, scatter my hard earnings 10 th'
wind! Is il not 10 him that ] owe 'h'
prospec, Of beggary and desti,u'ion Re
member the first Of February. That is TN
last day OF grace. II the money comes
not then-and God knows whence II is u
come-we ore driven from beneath ,hiI
roo..,ree-a pair Of houseless beggars.-
Il
Who will care for US then p"
"God will care for u.s." answered the
old woman, raising her eyes reverenily te
heaven.
The old man made no reply, for his ut
terance was choked. AT that moment iht
old clock tha, stood ticking silently in the
corner, struck the hour OF nine. The dea-
con rose.
"I, is time TO harness up old Dobbin,
said he, "for we have long way 10 ride
TO meeting, and the roads arc in bad condi-
lion."
Their preparations were soon made, and
the old couple, poorly but decen,ly a'tired
sailed forth to their public devotion. The
services ended, the deacon and his wife, al
they issued from the porch, were kindly
grecied, by many old friends and neighbors
more than one Of whom pressed them ic
come and partake Of their Thanksgiving
cheer. But the deacon shook his head.
Many thanks, my friends" he said
but ever since have been a householder
| have KEEP, my Thanksgiving at homo, and
I shall continue 10 do so, as long as have
house over my head"
So they rode home together. While the
deacon drove up 10 the barn TO put up his
horse, The old lady opened The back door,
which was always on the latch, and enter
cd the kitchen. AS she did so, she started
back. A stranger was seated by the kich-
en- fire, who rose on her entrance. He was
a tall, sialwart man, dressed in rough suit,
with broad leafed hal, his counlenancc
embrowned by exposure TO the sun and
wind, and his upper lip almost concealed
by heavy and Iuxuriant black mous,ache.
"Good morning, ma'am," he said with
some embarrassm ent. Finding no one
answered my knocks, took the liberty Of
walking In. ! believe owe you no apollo.
gy, for have officiaied as turn.spi,, and
saved your Thanksgiving turkey from burn.
ing"
al am very much obliged to you, Pm
surc," answered the old lady, pulling of
her mi,tens. "Bu, did you wan, 10 sec
me or the deacon!
"Bo,h OF YOU" answered the stranger
"You have son, believe"
EYES," replied Mrs. Wilson, with hest.
,a'ion, and casting down her eyes.
"I have seen him lately"
"Where !" inquired the mother, with
increasing agitation.
"In California"
"Was he doing well!"
Admirably. Mother mother I" he
added, impeuously throwing lack his hat
"don't you know NEEDN'T you know
your Willaml
He rushed into his mothers arms ant
was clasped 10 her beating heart, while III,
tears streamed freely from the eyes Of both
Aiter the first passionate greeting was over
the young man asked
Where is sister Emmyln
"Gone 4" answered the mother, as he
tears flowed forth anew.
William sank into a seat, and hiding hi,
face in his hands, wept bitterly. The moth
er did not attempt TO check him. She
knewi,hose tears were precious.
"And my flher'" asked the youn,
man, when he had regained his composure
"He is well. But you had better re,ir
for while. Go to your old room, my son
it is jus, as you lelt ii, and wait until I sum
mon you"
II was with a aut,ering heart that th
oveIoyed mother went abou, the prepare
lions for dinner, and when the table wa
neatly SET, every dish in its place, and tn
turkey, smoking hot, waiting to be carved
she summoned the old man. He made hi
appearance ai once, and took his seat.
Glancing round the table, he asked :
"Wha, is this, wife! you have set plate
for three"
81 thought perhaps somebody nigh
drop in unexpectedly"
"There is little danger hope, mean
Of that" answered the deacon sadly.
At this juncturs, Mrs. Wilson, with
mysterious expression, rang the little hand
bell, with which, in happier days, she wa
won, to summon her tardy children 10 ,hel
meals.
I, was answered by the appearance Of III
long.lost William.
The deacon, who recognized him after
moment, gazed upon him with a slcrn eye
bu, quivering lip that betrayed the fore
Of his ill.suppressed emotions.
$50 you have come back al lasi,' b