Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-08-26

ABOUT me, We all Wept together. linen, |
and not ill then did l feel that could
speak 10 them of comfort.
The next morning our paper came, an |
the long account of the wreck confirmed
the sad tidings. Days passed--slOwly,
tearfully. L was beginning to realize that
we, of late such joyful group, were
now "the widow and the fatherless."
1t was evening, and we all sat in the
liple library. The door of the pallOr
behind us was ajar, but there was no
light in there, only one lamp burned ON
the pianofort, which had been moved in
to the little room.
Harry lay in my arms asleep. his soft
curls falling over his forehead, and half
yelling his fair face. Ellen and May,
one on each side of me, sat at work on
mourning dresses; Jane. too, in the cor
ner, was sewing black thibet. How diff
ferent our labor from that which we had
expected TO usher in the Christmas Eve!
By and by, Ellen looked up with an
anxious expression.
"Molher are we poof?" she said
was glad L could answer in the neg
ative. "But," | added, "we know not
how soon We may. This great misfor-
tune has taught US that nothing is sure.
We must not lean idly on what we pos
sess, but prepare ourselves for labor, if
need be. Tomorrow, 1 wish you all TO
begin again your studies"
Jane dropped her needle and thread.
81 thought it misunderstood that the
children should go home with me-" she
said. Perhaps you think l am poor
and helpless; but you are mistaken. On
the contrary, L 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 excitement, an
swered, quietly and firmly
"Our mother has the best claim on
us, we will never leave her. We have
never been so happy as in this half past
year. We love her better than all other
friends, and now that our father is gone
we will not leave her alone"
My heart filled with gratitude that 1
dould not utter. could only give my
noble Ellen a look of thankfulness, and
sny.
81 will be as faithful to you as you
have been to me, Ellen
"Hush!' said May, starting from her
seat. "What was that sound?" She
went to the window and looked out. at
was only the wind," she added, and sat
By me again.
Jane shot indignant glances at the chill
dren.
81 little thought, when 1 came here
to work and wear myself for you, that
you would so soon desert me for a stran
ger"
Miss Fleming was evidently annoyed,
but was silent.
81 do hear a footstep," said May,
and agaiDpeeped from the window, but
all was dark aud silent.
Ny heaat ached with weary dissenIion,
and l made 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 for ever after let there be silence on
this theme. l am no stranger in this
house, but hold a mothers place
to the children of my beloved hus-1
band left in my care. For them
hencelorth, and for them only, l shall
live and labor. l 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 for a few moments, and her heart
was softened.
"Agues, forgive mel" she said to my
astonishment and joy. "YOu think me
heartless, but, indeed, 1 am not, though
l have been harsh. 1t was 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, pleased
surprise, and then L clasped her hand
warmly, and called her 'sisterp Ellen
gravely stopped down and kissed her,
and little May rejOiced, sprang to the
pianoforte and sung with her whole
heart, "Let US love one another.
As she ceased and turned her smiling
foce towark US, there was a sound be-
hind, quick footstep toward the hall,
the door was flung open, and
Had one risen from The dead?
"My wife. my children, my blessed
Agnes!" said Captain Fleming, his voice
hoarse with emotion, and before we 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.