The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-06-13

girl. had succeeded at last, and had WON her
away from me This was his child~~hs
child and MarvS.
sank. body and soul. beneath this blow.
And. hiding my face in my hands. | leaned
against the door. while my heart wcpt tears
of blood. The little one yazcd at me grieved
and amazed, and put up her pretty lip as if
about to cry, while the perplcxed servant
stepped to the parlor door and called my sis
ter out. to see who it could be that conducted
himself so strangely.
heard light step, and pleasant voice
saving
did YOU wish to see my father. sir -
looked up. There stood a pretty, sweet
faced maiden of twenty. not much cl an red
from the dear little sister had loved SO we'll.
| looked at her for moment. and then, still
ing the tumult of my heart by Il mighty effort
opened my arms and said
Lizzie don't YOU know me?'
"IIarry Oh. my brother Harry. she cried
and threw herself upon my breast. She wcpt
as if her heart would break
could not weep. drew her gently into
the lighted parlor, and stood with her before
them all.
There was a rush and cry Of joy. and then
welcomed me home with heartfelt tears Oh
strange and passing sweet is such a greeting
to the wayworn wandercr And as held
nv dear old mother to my heart. and grasped
nv fathers hand while Lizzie still chung be-
side me. felt that all was not vet lost. and
though another had secured lifes choicest
blessing. many a JOY remained for me in this
dear sanctuary of home.
There were four other inmates of the room
who had risen on my sudden entrance. One
was the bluc-cycd child whom had already
seen. and who now stood beside Frank Chcs-
ter clinging to his hand. Near bv stood
Lizzie Moore. Marv'S eldest sister. and in a
distant corner. to which she had hurricdly
rctrcated when my name WAS spoken. stood Il
tall slender figure. half hidden by the heavy
window curtains TINT fell to the floor.
When the first rapturous greeting was over,
Lizzie led me forward with tmid grace.
and Frank Chester grasped my hand.
"Wclcome home my boy he said with
the loud. cheerful tones remembered so well.
"You have changed SO that should never
have known YOU but no matter for that
Your heart is in the right place. | know.
~ilow can YOU say he is changed ," said
INV mother. gently. 10 be sure. he looks
older and gravcr, and more like man. than
when he went away-but his eyes and smile
are the same as ever 1t is that heavy beard
that changes him. He is my boy still"
".\v. mother" answered sadly: and lam
YOUR boy still"
Heaven help me !: At that moment. felt
Ike boy. and it would have been blessed
relief to have wept upon her bosom. as had
done in my infancy. But kept down the
beating of my heart and tremor ofmy lip. and
answered quietly, as look in his full hand
some face:
You have changed too, Frank, but think
for the better"
"Oh. ycs-thank YOU for that compliment"
he answered. with hearty laugh. MY wife
tells me grow handSomer every day"
His wife could hear that name and
keep silence still :?
And have YOU seen my little girl ?" he
added, lifting the infant to his arms, and
kissing her crimson cheek Il tell YOU lIar-
~. there is not another such in the world
Don't YOU think she looks very much as her
mother used to ,"
VERY much :" faltcrcd.
"IIallo :" cried Frank. with suddenncs>
that make me start violently. Il have forgot
ten to introduce you to nv wife, believe
she and You used to be playmatcs in you,
.oung dsvs-ch, Harry >" and he slapped
NE on the back. "For sake of old times. anG
because YOU were not here at the wedding
tn give YOU leave to kiss her oncc-but minC
OldfehOw YOU are never to repeat the ceremony
Cone. here she is. and | for one, want
to see hox YOU will manage those fcrociou'
mustachcs of YOURS in the operation"
lie pushed Lizzie, laughing and blus!ling
towards me \ CLEAN of light and hope al
most too dazzling to bear, came over me, and
it came out before thought
Not Mary"
1t must have betrayed my secret to every
one in the room. But nothing was said
even Frank in general SO obtuse, was thi.
time silent. kissed the fair cheek of the
Young wife, and hurried to the silent fgur,
looking out from the window.
"Mary-Mary Moore" said, in low
eager voice. "have YOU no welcome to give tc
the wanderer -
She turned and laid her hand in mine, and
murmured hurriedy:
Il am glad to see YOU Harry"
Simple words, and yet how blcst they made
me. would not have Welded up that mo-
ment for an Emperor's crown For there
were the happy home group, and the deal
home fire side. and there sweet Mary Moore
The eyes that had dreamed of by day and
night were falling before the ardent gaze of
mine and the sweet face had so longed
and prayed to see was there before me.
never knew their meaning Of happiness til
that moment came.
Many wears have passed since that happy
night. and the hair that was dark and CLOS
sy then is fast turning gray. am growing
to be al old man. and can look back to long
and happy. and hope well spent life. And
vet sweet as it has been, would not recall
Il single day. for the love that made nv man
hood so bright shines also upon my white
hairs.
An old man Can this be so ut hear
| am as young as ever. And Mary with hel
bright hair parted smoothly from brow tina
has a smart furrow upon it. is still the Mar,
of my early days. To me she never cal
grow old nor change. The heart that helt
her in infancy and sheltered her in flush ant
beauty of womanhocd. can never cast her ou
till life shall cease to warm it, Nor ever
ihen-for love still lives above.
HU--
: 20 4 big OK is now on exhibition a
Springfield. Mass The RepuIlicm says i
is about the size of one of Sands, Nathans 4
Co.'S big elephants. and moves placidly about
much as one of the elephants would do.