Freeman's champion., 1857-07-02

gift for Mary I selected with beat
ing heart. II was ring of rough,
virgin gold, with'my name and hers
engraved inside--that was all; yet the
sight Of the little toy thrilled me, as
I balanced it on my finger To the
eyes'of all others, IL was but o small,
plain circlet, suggesting thoughts per-
haps by its elegance of the beautiful
white hand that was to wear it. But
to mellow much was embodied
there A loving smile on her beau
tiful face--her words Of welcome, a
future home, and sweet, smiling
face a group of merry children to
climb my knee--all these delights
were hidden within that ring of gold.
CHAPTER II.
Tall, bearded and sun-bronzed, /
knocked at the door of my fathers
house. The lights in the parlor win
dows, and the hum Of conversation
and cheerful laughter, all told me that
company were assembled in there. |
hoped my sister Lizzie would come
to the door, and that | might greet
my family when no strange eyes were
looking curiously on.
But no-a servant answered my
summons. They were too merry in
the parlor to heed the long absent
one, when he asked for admittance.
A bitter thought like this was passing
through my mind as I heard the sounds
from the parlor, and saw the half-sup-
pressed smile upon the servants face.
hesitated for moment before |
made myself known, or asked after
the family. And while I stood silent
a strange apparition grew up before
me. From behind the servant peered
out a small golden, curly head-a tiny,
delicate form followed, sweet child
ish face with blue eyes was lifted up
to mine, so like those Of one who
had frightened my boyhood, that l
started back with a sudden feeling oil
pain.
"What is your name, my little
one ?" ! asked, while the wondering
servant held the door.
"Mary More"
"And what else % / asked quickly
"Mary More Chester" lisped the
child.
My heart sank down like Lead
Here was an end to all the bright
dreams of my youth and manhood
Frank Chester, my boyish rival, who
had often tried in vain, to usurp my
place beside Mary, had succeeded at
last and won her away from me-
This was his child-his child, and
Mary's!
sank, body and soul, beneath this
blow. Hiding my face in my hands,
| leaned against the facing of th'
door, while my heart wept tears o
blood. The little one gazed at mt
grieved and. amazed, and put up hel
pretty lips as if about to cry, while
the perplexed servant stepped to the
door of the parlor and called my sis
ter out, to see who it could be tha
conducted himself so strangely.
l heard light step, and a pleasan
voice saying;
"Did you wish to see my father
sir ?"
l looked up; there stood pretty,
sweet faced creature of 20, not mucl
changed from the dear little sister
had loved so well. I looked at her Q
moment, then stilling the tumult il
my heart with o strong effort, | opened
my arms and cried Lizzie, don't yol
know me !"
Harry! oh, my brother Harry 7
she cried, and threw herself upon my
breast. She wept as if hor heart woult
break.
could not weep; / drew her gen
tly into the lighted parlor, and stooc
with her before them all.
There was q rush and cry of joy
and then my father and mother sprans
toward me, and welcomed me hom,
with heartfelt tears. 0, strange ant
passing sweet is such greeting to
way-worn wanderer from friends
And as held my dear old mother t
my heart, graSped nay fathers hand
while Lizzie still clung close besid
me, ] felt that all was not yet lost
and, though another had secured life
choicest blessing, many joy re
mained for me in this dear sanctuar,
of home!
There were four other inmates i
the room who had risen upon m,
sudden entrance. One was the blue
eved child / had already seen. VIII,