Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-04-30

ted as turhspit, and saved your thanksgiving
turkey from burning"
al am very much obliged to you, am sure"
answered the old lady, pulling off her mttens
"But did you want to see me or the deacon?"
both of you," answered the stranger. "You
had sun, believer
"Yes," replied Mrs Wilson, with hesitation,
and casting down her eyes.
al have seen him lately"
-"Where :" inquired the mother, with increas-
ed agitation.
sin California"
"Was he doing well :"
"Admirably. Mother mother" he added
impetuousy, throwing back his hat, don't you
know me-dont you know your Williame :"
He rushed into his mothers arms, and was
clasped to her beating heart, while the tears
streamed from the eyes Of both. After the first
greeting was over, the young man asked:
"Whefe Is sister Emmy!
"Gone," answered the mother, as her tears
flowed forth anew.
William sark into seat, and hiding his face
in his hands, wept bitterly. The mother did
not attempt 10 check him. She knew those
tears were precious
@And my father?" asked the young man,
when he regained his composure
"He is we'll. But you had better retire for
awhile. Go to your old room, my son, it Is
lust as YOU left it, and wait till summon you"
1t was with q flutlerng heart that the over
loved mother went about the preparations for
dinner; and when the table was neatly set,
every dieh In its place, and the turkey smoking
hot, waiting to be carved, she summoned the
old man. He made his appearance at once, and
took his seat. Glancing around The table, he
said:
"What is this, wife, you have set plates for
three ?''
81 thought perhaps somebody might drop in
Unexpectedly"
"1here is little danger--hope, mean-of
that" answered the deacon sadly.
At this iunclure, Mrs Wilson, with rnysteri.
Gus expression, rang the bell, with which, in
happier DAYS, she was wont to summon her
tardy children to their meals.
1t was answered by the appearance of the long
lost William.
The deacon, who recognized him after mo-
ment, gazed upon him with stern eye, but
with quivering lip that betrayed the force of
his Unsurpassed emotions.
$50 you have come back at last" he said.
eyes, father, but not as left you. Father,
IaSt thanksgiving u"y "o"s NV ~! 'oS'y
room, and there, kneeng down, addressing my
self to Heaven, solemnIy adjured the fatal cup
which had brought ruin upon me, and woe upon
this once happy family. From that day to this,
have not touched a drop. Is my probation
enougha Can you now welcome back your son
and bless him2 r.
"Bless him Yes, yes, bless you my dear, dear
boy r' said the old deacon, placing his trembling
hand on the dark lock QG:sthe pleadeE !. Eeu-
:aro ueIsome, William, though Juu come only
TO witness the downfall Of our house"
mot so, father" answered the young man,
joyously, 81 have come tack to save you-to
atone for my prodigaIi,y, for all my errors 1t
was this hope that sustained the in the lone
hear, of Sierra Nevada, when was painting with
thirst and dying with hunger. Thoughts OF
home, of you and mother, aud Gods angel ena-
bled me TO conquer fortune have come back
with store of gold-you shall not be beggar
in your old age; father, we shall keep the farm"
After this, it is unnecessary to add that JOY
entered the old homestead. 1t was chastened
ioy, for the shadows of the past yet mingled
with the sunshine of the present, but the felicity
which attended the prodigal's return, was enough
to compensate for many sorrows.