Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-03-05

expected 10 usher IN the Christmas I've!
By and by, Ellen looked up with an
anxious expression.
Mother, are we poor? she said.
was glad | could answer in the mega
tive. But | added, 'we know not how
soen we may be. This great misfortune
has taught US that nothing is sure. We
must not lean idly on what we possess,
but prepare ourselves for labor, if need be.
Tomorrow, I wish you all to begin again
your studies.
Jane dropped her needle AID thread.
Il thought it was understood that the
children should 60 home with me- she
said. Perhaps you think | am poor and
helpless: but you are mistaken. On the
contrary, am probably better able than
you TO take care of the children.
This announcement started me; but
there was no need. May threw her arms
round my neck and whispered. 4 will not
leave you mother while Ellen, her fine
eyes glowing with excitement, answered,
quietly and firmly
Our mother has the best claim on US,
Aunt Jane, and until she sends US, we will
never leave her. We have never been so
happy as in this half past year. We love
her better than sll other friends, and now
that our father is gone we will not leave
her alone
My heart thrilled with gratitude that
could not utter. | could only give my
noble Ellen look of ihankfulness, and
say
/ will be as faithful 10 you as YOU have
been to me- Ellen
'IIushn said May, starting from her
seat What was that soundH She went
to the window and looked out. III was
only the wind she added, and sat down
by ne again.
Jane shot indignant glances at the chill
dren.
4 little thought, when | came here to
work and wear myself for you, that YOU
would so soon desert me for stranger,
Aunt Jane said Ellen. quickly, 're-
member it is our mother Of whom YOU
speak-our second mother to whom we
owe so much.
Miss Fleming was evidently annoyed,
but was silent.
i DO hear loo'step, said May, and
again she peeped from the window. but
all was dark and silent
Ny heart ached with weary dissansion,
and | made last attempt at peace.
Sister Jane-you shake your head but
You were his sister. anI must, therefore,
be mine-for his sake | forgive Won for
The many attempts you have made 10 turn
my chIldren's hearts against me. but for
ever after let tthere be silence on this theme.
| am 10 stranger in this house, but hold
mothers place 10 the children Of nv be-
loved husband left in nv care. For them
henceiorth, and for them only, | shall live
and labor. have thus far tried 10 do
them good, and they themselves bear wit
ness to my success. Trust them 10 me.
and etthere be no more harshGcss between
us-lor his sake.
Jane Fleming burst into tears. She
wept for a few moments. and her heart
was soflentd.
Agnes, forgive me- She said to my as
tonlshment and joy. You think me
heariess, but, indeed, am not, though
have been harsh. Il was ny love fo: my
brother and his children that made me
wIckediy jealous Of YOU. But am now
mourner with you and them. For his
sake, forgive met
There was & moment of silent pleased
surprise, and then casped her hand
warmly, and called her sister Ellen
grayely stopped down and kissed her. and
little May reioIced, sprang to the pianoforie,
and sung with her whole heart. Let Us
love one another
As she ceased and turned her smiling
face toward US, ;here was sound behind.
a quick tootslep toward the hall, the door
was fang open, and
Had one risen from tie dead7
My wife, my children, my blessed Ag-
neso said Captain Fleming, his voice
hoarse with emotion, and before he could
utter word of welcome or surprise, we
were all clasPed in his strong. living arms.
The rapture Of that hour who could seek
to portray.
Forgive me, Agnes, for playing the lis
tener,' he said. 1t was not premedita,ed,
but as | came in | heard young voices. and
could not bat pause moment before sur
PrisiDg you. How can I ever thank YOU.
how repay you for your love to M chill
dren and to me-
These words and many more fell from
his lips, as he cIasPed me again with warm
affection. was repaid for all nv labor,
all my sorrow.
Then followed questions, explanations,
words Of JOY and welcome. His good
ship, indeed, had been lost in the fearful
storm, but the account of The loss of the
men had been exaggerated in the excite
ment Of the news. Many were lost. but
not all. There were other homes Of
mourning made glad that night as well as
mine.