Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1855-09-08
Langraye went of South, but where, no one
SAW himsalf know ~ 49,

moved upon the quiet farm and the work
must soon begin. lie was not q man who
could remain idle, and he took hold 70 help
| his man TO do the work II was new 20 him.
but he found 1t by no means disagreeable
His appetite grew sharp, and he began 10 havo
keen relish for food. The milk which came
| from his own cows tasted sweet 70 him. And
then to sec his little wife making and mixing
bread, all with her own hands-it was novel
to him, but it possessed a charm, too, which
| was grateful. Then he saw his children, a
little girl and boy, playing upon the green
were growing healthier. By-and-by he set
his children to studying, and he himself heard
them recite their lessons.
Before the winter set In, the ex-merchant had
become real farmer. His crops had been good,
aad he experienced a strange pleasure in real
lzing that he had gathered to bis garner more
than provision enough for the year 20 come
But who shall paint the happiness Of the de-
voted wife, when she saw her husband thus
returning TO himself The bloom Of health
was upon his check, his step was firm and elias
tic, his spirits were buoysnt and free, and his
soul had become centered in his home
Ihree years passed away, and the pale,
trembling, feverish 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
tleir prayers. Their mother had blessed and
attended them TO their bed. They had Just
sat down alone-the husband and wife-whea
some one raped at the door Lausou arose
aud opened it, and Adam Langrave entered
the apartment Lydia sprang to the old mans
embrace, AID she wePt tears Of joy to see her
Lind old uncle once more
Langrave looked about him with something
ike surprise depicted upon bis countenance;
aid as ne shook hands warmly with LausOn,
Ee seemed doubtful about trusting his own
senses. Could it be possible that the diving
merchant bad become such a living man
The change to him was more surprising than
1t was to Lydia, for she had watched each
slow development of returning health. while
he saw it all at once. 1t was in truth, a very
wonderful change.
quickly did Lydia prepare a simple repast
tor her uncle, and the old scenes were talked
about Lauson told how he had succeeded on
his farm, and Langrsve told where he had
been in the South. The evening wore away
pleasantly and agreoably. At lengh the old
Ga1 cetnais-ed silent for some moments and
Lydia began TO tremble.
- LausOn, said he, - how would you like TO
go back into the city and enter into business
again p
II couldn't do it, saii the young ILan
with a shudier
But think could raise the means"
ii Il
Is constitution that cannot live in such bu-
siness. Oh, would not give up this sweet
home tor any establishment in the city. All, .
s-r, learned a great lesson when came here
"a lesson Of life. L know that 1 should have
been il ny grave had L remained in the city
l did not see it then. but see il now. At first
L thought the loss Of my property was a ca
laInlty; but, sir, il was a blessing-a blessing
IN disguise. Look at us now, and see if we
are not happy. And continued Lauson,
with incrs asing animation, " tomorrow morn
ing you shall see my children. You will have
TO rise early, if you could hear their first
shout cf joy, and see their iTst smile Of glad
ness
Thank God, Lydia" murmured the old
man, as he turned towards 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 a con-
yulslve movement, she sprang towards him,
and threw her arms about his neck.
"Oh, forgive me, my husband-forgive
me-" she uttered, while the tears streamed
down her cheeks.
Forgive you for what What does this
mean 2" gasped the young man, as he disen-
gagged his wife's arms from his neck, and look
ed into her face.
why" said Adam Langrave, " she wants
You to forgive her for saving your life. Sit
The wife sank into chair, and then tie old
raan resumed.
- L ii explain the mystery 10 you in a few
LausOn. You know how deeply YOU
were absorbed in harrassing business, and how
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 to her and her
children IN the mazy depth Of mOney-ma aking.
This latter burden she could have borne with
cut murmur; but when she saw that you
were surely making your own premature pas
sage TO the grave, she thought to arrest your
steps. She spoke to you and told you her
fears, but you heede4 them not. She saw
that the hand of the destroyer was upon you,
and that you only plunged the deeper into.the
excitement that was killing you. In this eK-
tremity she came to me, aud begged me TO as
sst her in saving you. knew of but one way,
and told my child that She made me prom
ise that L would carry it into execution.
went to work. 1t was Il severe task, but de-
termined to perform it. drew all your mo
ney away from you; and when L knew that
had your last dollar in my possession, / pre-
tended TO fail. When L saw your misery upon
the occasion, l was tempted 10 disclose 20 you
the plot, but I resolved that / would go
through with what 1 had begun, at the same
time earnestly praying that it might all end
fer your benefit
" And now, continued the old man, drawing
a heavy package from his breast pocket, the
deception has lasted long enough. Here are
two hundred and three thousand dollars. 1
took them from you 10 save your own life, aud
make my dear child happy. i return them
to you, believing that you will not blame me
for what | have done.
LausOn Watkins was bewildered at first, bUt
gradually the cloud dispelled from his mind
"0h. Lauson-ny husband-can you forgive
me 2"
The redeemed man strained his wife 10 his
bosom, and while the warm tears rolled down
his cheeks, he cried:
A" Forgive you No, no, my love, my angel
Of life, L have nothing 10 forgive. L can only
bless you with my whole heart and soul And
you, toe, my generous friend, he added, ex-
tending his hand TO Langraye, GO / must bless
You also; cannot tell you all 1 feel
That was an evening Of joy and thankful
ness.
On the next morning, Uncle Langrave was
up early, but not early enough TO catch the
first smile of the children; for be found them
9. 4 Al, - hai