Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1857-08-06
lights were hidden within that little ring OF
gold!
CHAPTER II.

showed me that company was assembled
there. hoped my sister Lizzie would
come to the door, and that might greet
my family when no strange eye was looking
curiously on.
But no--a servant answered my sum-
mons. They were too merry in the par
lor to heed the long absent one, when he
asked for admittance. A bitter thought
like this was passing through my mind as
heard the sounds from the parlor, and
saw the half suppressed smile on the SER
wants face.
hesitated moment before made my
self known, or asked after the family. And
while stood silent, strange apparation
grew up before me. From behind the SER
want peered out a small golden head-a
tiny, delicate form followed, and a sweet
childish face, with blue eyes, was lifted up
to mine--so like to those of one who had
frightened my boyhood, that 1 started
back with a sudden feeling Of pain
What is your name, my little one?' l
asked. while the wondering servant held
the door.
She lifted her hand as if to shade her
eyes, had seen that very attitude in an
other, in my boyhood. many and many a
time, and answered in sweet, bird like
voice
Mary Moore
And what else?' asked quickly.
Mary Moore Chester lisped the child
My heart sank down like lead Here
was an end to all the bright dreams and
hopes of my youth, and manhood Frank
Chester, my boyish rival, who had often
tried, and tried in vain, to usarp my place
beside the girl. had succeeded at last, and
had won her away from mel This WAS his
child--his child and Mary's.
sank, body and soul beneath this blow;
and, hiding my face in my hands. leaned
against the door, while my heart wept tears
of blood. The little one gazed at me,
grieved and amazed, and put up her pretty
lips as if about to cry, while the perplexed
servant stepped to the parlor door and call
ed my sister out, to see who it could be
that conducted himself SO strangely.
heard light step, and a pleasant voice
saying
Did you wish too see my father sir2'
l looked Up. There stood a pretty,
sweet-faced maiden of twenty, not much
changed from the dear little sister had
loved SO well. 1 looked at her a moment,
and stilling the tumult of my heart by
mighty effort, ] opened my arms and
said
Lizzie, don't you know nae9'
Harry! Oh, my brother Harry she
cried, and threw herself upon my breast.
She wept as if her heart would break.
could not weep. 1 drew her gently into
the lighted parlor, and stood with her be-
fore them all
There was a rush and cry Of Joy. and
then my father and mother sprang towards
me, and welcomed me home with heartfelt
tears! Oh! strange and passing sweet is
such a greeting to the wayworn wanderer!
And as held my dear old mother to my
heart. and grasped my fathers hand, while
Lizzie still clung beside me, felt that all
was not yet LOST. and. though another had
secured life's choicest Blessing, many 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 blue-eyed child whom had
already seen, and who now stood beside
Frank Chester, clinging to his hand. Near
by stood Lizzie Moore, Mary's eldest sister,
and, in distant corner. to which she had
hurriedly retreated when my name was spo.
Ken, stood a tall and slender figure, half
nd by the heavy window curtains that fell
o the floor.
When the first rapturous greeting was
,ver, Lizzie led me forward with timid
race, and Frank Chester grasped my
land.
Welcome home, my boy he said, with
he loud. cheerful tones remembered so
veil; You have changed so that ! should
ever have known you; but no matter for
hat--your heart is in the right place, !
now.' ,
How can you say he is changed?' said
ny mother. gently. 20 De sure, he looks ,
lder and graver, and more like a man than ]
,hen he went away--but his eyes and smile d
re the same as ever. 1t is the heavy t
card that changes him. But he is my
oy STILL :
'Ay, MOTHER answered sadly. Il am t
our boy STILL b
Heaven help mel At that moment