Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-11-19

their love to Aunt Lucy"
Lucy did not spend much time in rejecting
as to how she should answer the summons, but
at once made up her mind to go to Liverpool.
She could not help feeling sad satisfaction
that John should appreciate her SO highly,
though the selfishness of his nature was appa-
rent in the request.
On her arrival in Liverpool, Lucy was much
shocked at the change in Johns appearance.
His brow was lined with premature wrinkles
and his thin cheeks and deep-set eyes bore
evidence that he was not to be much longer an
inhabitant of this world. Ellen also looked
haggard and worn out. She was very much
attached to her husband Notwithstanding his
faults, and did all she could to assist him but
she had not that energy and firmness which
Lucy possessed, and in spite of her efforts the
house was in sad state of confusion.
The morning after Lucy's arrival, on her
coming down stairs to breakfast, she found the
table Uttered, the fire unlit, and the two chill
dreu but half-dressed, clamoring for the maid
(for Johns altered circumstances allowed
them to keep but one now y they looked rather
ashamed at being seen so untidy and explain
ed that Ann would not come to them, and
they could not find their things.
Don't you dress yourselves ? asked Lucy
you are old eEough to do so'
Yes" said Eleanor, eve are obliged to do
so now, but we used to have a servant to our
selves. l do wish papa would get well, for
then we could do as We used to-"
Lucy was shocked at the selfishness of the
child, who seemed only to regret her father
illness iuasmuch as it affected her own com
forts. Frank who was two years older, cx-
claimed, " | declare it's too bad | haven't
had my breakfast in time enough 10 90 to
school this week and | want to get on with
my Latin so much. / am top 10y but one,
Aunt Lucy, in my class"
"Oh, I'm very glad y chimed in Eleanor
don't like going to school and hope Ann
will always be late with the breakfast"
Mrs Harley now entered in what was once
pretty pink morning gown, but it was now
faded and dirty her hair was very negligent
Iy arranged, and she presented marked con
trast to Lucy, who was attired very plainly.
but with scrupulous neatneSs, and there was
an innate elegance in her that always gave q
grace to her appearance Mrs Harley felt
rather ashamed of the scene, and apologised
to Lncy, adding, " You do not know what a
deal of trouble sickness makes in house it
disarranges everything"
Indeed | do know said Lucy, and can
make every allowance. hope to be able to
assist you little ! will take the children
under my care if YOU will allow me, so that
your mind may not be distracted from other
affairs"
am very much obliged to you" said Mrs
Harley, " but you will find them very trouble
some John has spoiled them can do moth
ing with them"
Frank seems fine, warm-hearted boy"
said Lncy, and with a little care Eleanor
might be made useful to YOU, young as she is"
"Oh, Eleanor is a dreadful careless child"
said Mr.. Harley, " not the least thought or
carefulness about her but-she is pretty don't
you think so %
Yes" replied Lucy, Z" but fear she has
been little spoiled, as you call it but no
doubt if you once interest her affections she
will be an amiable and useful child there is
much to like in her"
And Frank" said the mother. ais really
clever boy, and SO brave and hfgli-Spritcd
Poor fellow. he is i'll calculated to struggle
through life as fear he will have to do"
8 hope his path may be smoother than you
anticipate" said Lucy but if not the strug
gle will serve to bring out the finer parts OF
his character. Oh. Ellen afliictiou is great
purifier"
You cannot have had much experience, |
should suppose" said Mrs Harley, always
living such calm, peaceful life"
Lucy sighed as she thought how the smooth
current of her life had been disturbed at its
onset
John Harley grew weaker daily, but as the
body decayed the mind gained more strength;
he concentrated all his energies to the exam-
nation of his affairs, and Lucy, with her clear
understanding and frm disposition, was of
the greatest use to him. In fact he looked up
to her as to superior being to help him in
his difficulties, and aid his resolutions. He
was often visited with severe fits Of remorse
for his wasteful life, and Lucy became com
forter in this point more than all, pointing the
way OF repentance, and holding out the pro-
misses of eternal life to the penitent man.
He was much distressed at the thought of
leaving his children unproyided for at least
with such small sum as would only provide
for them the necessaries of life, and these but
barely. Lucy was not one of those who act
on impulse, and often when their feelings are
excited make rash promises which on cool re-
Election they either break entirely, or fulfil
them in regretful spirit she well weighed
her plans ere she spoke OF them, and the sub
ject of Johns family was one which cost her
much anxious thought. Her heart counseled
her to offer home at once to Mrs. Harley
and her children, but she determined to reflect
fully on the consequences before she made the
proposal. She knew that the calm, studious
life which she had pictured to herself would
be entirely broken up, that her little income
must chiefly 90 for providing for the education
of the children that Mrs. Harley's DISPOSE
tion would not accord very harmoniously With
her own orderly habits. Self whispered "Why
should you destroy your peace, and give up
your comforts, for the sake of the children of
the man who embittered Your ynnth and de.