The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1857-04-30

"I thought it was understood that
the children should 90 home with me, "
she said. Perhaps you think / am
poor and helpless; but you are mistak-
en-. On the contrary, 1 am probably
better able than you to take care Of the
children"
This announcement startled me; but
there was no need. May threw her
arms around my neck, and whispered,
81 will not leave you, mother" while
Ellen, her fine eyes glowing with eX-
citement answered quietly and firmly:
"Our mother has the best claim to us,
Aunt Jane, and until she sends US. we
will never leave her We have never
been so happy as in this past half-year.
We love her better than all other friends.
and now that our father is gone, we will
not leave her alone"
Ny heart filed with gratitude that
I could not utter. I could only give
my noble Ellen a look Of thankful
ness, and say
"I will be as faithful to you as you
have been to me, Ellen"
"Hushl' said May, starting from her
seat. "What was that sound?" She
went to the window and looked out
cit was only the wind, she added.
and sat down by me again.
Jane shot indignant glancos at the
children.
"I little thought when I came here
to work and wear myself for you, that.
you would so soon desert me for
stranger"
"Aunt Jane" said Ellen quickly,
remember it is our mother to whom
we owe so much
Miss Fleming was evidently annoy
ed, but was silent
81 do hear a footstep," said Nav.
and again she peeped from the win
dow, but all was dark and silent"
My heart ached with weary dissen-
sion, and 1 made a last attempt at
peace.
"Sister Jane-you shake your head,
but you were his sister and must. there
fore, be mine-for his sake L forgive
you for the many attempts you have
made to turn my children S hearts against
me; but forever after this, let there be
silence on this theme. I am no stranp-
er IN this house, but hold a mothers
place in the children my beloved bus-
band left in my care. For them hence
forth, and for them only, 1 shall live
and labor. have thus far tried to do
them good, and they themselves bear
witness to my success. Trust them to
me, and let there be no more harshness
between Us-for his sake"
Jane Fleming burst into tears. She
wept few moments, and her heart was
softened.
"Agnes, forgive mel" she said, to my
astonishment and joy. "You think me
heartless, but indeed I am not; though
have been harsh It was my love for
my brother and his children that made
me wickedly jealous of you. But am
now a mourner with you and them
For his sake forgive me"
There was a moment of silent, pleas
ant surprise, and then I clasped her
hand warmly and called her "sister. ~
Ellen gravely stopped down and kissed
her, and little May rejoiced, sprang to
the piano forte, and sang with her whole
heart, 'Let us love one another"
As she ceased and turned her smiling
face towards us, there was sound be-
hind, a quick footstep toward the hall,
the door was flung open, and
Had one risen frO~ the dead!
my wife, my children, my blessed
Agnes" said Captain Fleming. his voice
hOarse with emotion. and before we
could utter a word of welcome or sur
prise, we we're all clasped in his strong
living arms. The rapture Of that hour
who could seek to portrayl
Forgive me, Agnes, for playing the
listener" he said. "It was not premed-
itated, but as I came in, I heard YOUR
voice, and could not but pause mo-
ment before surprising you. How can
l ever thank you, how repay you for
all your love to my children and to rre?'
These words and many more fell from
his lips, as he olasped me again with
warm affection. 1 was repaid for all my
labors-all my sorrow.
Then tolloWedquestions, explanations,
words Of joy and welcome. His good
ship, indeed had been lost in the fear-
full storm, but the account had been ex-
aggerated in theexcitemento of the news.
Many we're lost, but not all. There |
were other homes Of mourning made |
glad that night as well as mine.
And what a merry, joyful Christmas
we had! How the merry Christmas tree
sparkled under its many tapers, loaded
not only with the gifts Of the children
to each other, but with more costly
presents to me and to them from their
delighted father! How proudly did Ellen
lead her father to che pictures her in
dustry had wrought, and say in answer
to his surprise, "Mother taught mel
How sweetly did little May sing her fa-
vOrite song, and, throwing her arms
about her smiling fathers neck, say,
Mother taught me"
Very sacred, and full Of peculiar trials,
is the position Of a second wife, where
the children Of the buried mother claim
her care and love; but it, with a true
heart and zeal, she enter into the work
before her, rich is her reward, and its
pleasures endure forever
"Fellow citizens" said an American
Dwanakov ttiP vr,4r vv,vo kolT FI,t Igv r.rs..- -