Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1855-10-10

and capable of the most productive Guilt
vation. 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 pur-
chase choice stock for the farm, besides
having enough left to hire a trusty man
to take charge of the grounds.
While Watkins was taken this step,
Adam Langrave went out South, but
where, no 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 remain idle, and
he took hold to help his man do the
work. 1t was new to him, but he found
it by no means disagreeable. His appe-
tite grew sharp, and he began to have a
keen relish for food. The milk that came
from his own cows tasted sweet to him.
And then to see his little wife making
and mixing bread, all with her own
hands-it was novel to him, but it pos
sessed a charm too, which was grateful.
Then he saw his children, little boy
and girl, playing upon the green sward
in the garden, and he knew 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 become real farmer. His crops had
been good, and he experienced strange
pleasure in realizing that he had gather
ed to his granary more than provision
enough for the year to come.
But who shall paint the happiness of
the devoted wife, when she saw her hus-
band thus returning 10 himself. The
bloom of health was upon his cheek, his
step was firm and elastic, his spirits were
buoyant and free, and his soul had be-
come centered in his home.
Three years passed away, and the
pale, trembling, feverish merchant, had
become stout, healthy, rugged man.
His home the abode of every joy-a
heaven upon earth.
II twas in the evening. Mr.. Watkins
had heard his children recite their les
sons and say their prayers, their mother
had blessed and attended them to bed.
They had just sat down alone-the hus-
band and wife, when some one raped at
the door. Lauson arose and ope led it,
and Adam Langrave entered the apart
ment. Lydia sprang to the old mans
embrace, and she wept tears of joy to
see her kind uncle again.
Langravelooked about him with some
thing like surprise depicted upon his
countenauce, as he shook hands warmly
with Lauson, he seemed almost doubt
full 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 was to Lydia, for she had watched
each slow development ofreturning health
while he saw it all at once. 1t was in
truth very wonderful change.
Quickly did Lydia prepare simple
repast for her uncle, and the old scenes
were talked about. Lauson told how he
had succeeded on his farm, and Ian
grave told where he had been in the
South. The evening wore away pleas
antly and agreeably. At length the old
man remained silent for some moments,
and Lydia began to tremble.
Lauson," said he, '' how would you
like to go back into the city and enter in
to business again.
81 couldn't think of it," said the
young man with shudder.
"But l thing could raise the means"
"No, no am not fit for a merchant.
Mine is a constitution that cannot live in
such business. o, would not give up
this sweet home for any establishment in
the city. All, sir, learned a great les
son when l came here, lesson of life.
l know that l should have been in my
grave had 1 remained in the city. 1 did
not see it then, but see it now. At first
L rho't the loss of my property a calami'
ty; but, sir, it was blessing in disguise.
Look at us now and see if we are not hap
py. And tomorrow morning you shall
see my children. You will have to rise
early if you would hear their first shout
of Joy, and see their first 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 puz-
zled. His wife caught his eager gaze,
and with convulsive NOV ement she
sprang towards him and threw her arms
around his neck.
90, forgive me, my husband--for-
give me y she uttered, while tears
streamed down her cheeks.
" Forgive you ?-for what ? Whit
does this mean ?" gasped the young man,
as he disengaged his wife's arms from
his neck, and looked into her face.