Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1857-11-20

arms at once. Faith wept bitterly. bul
Gertrude was pale and calm, and smooth
ed the fair hair Of her friend with a ca>
ressing gesture. such as one mis- ght use to
soothe a little child. 7g Is eE5 qu
Come. Faith, she said at last, aslif
weary Of her tears;- this is but "a sorry
welcome to give me after a long journey.
You know l never like to see you cry.
But you are SO changed, Gertrude +
replied Faith b1a sal.
Well. and ifAI am p said Gertrude
sIt is some years since we met. dear
Faith. and they have not been marked
with rose leaves for me. You must not
expect me to be quite.the same attwenty-
FIVE as fifteen. Life changes us all. you
know a
I know answered Faith. sadly; but
never knew it SO well till row.
II Well, we will let that Drop said Ger
trude. And now are you not going to
ask me in. after my long journey p
| Pray forgive me. said Faith. blush
ing at her inattention. l will show you
to your chamber myself. 1t has been
ready for you all this week.
They went up the walk together. Two
fair. haired children ran out of the door to
meet them. The youngest boy. Of some
two summers. held up his hands to Miss
Alewynne with sunny smile. She
stopped down and took him in her arms.
and walked along through the hall with
Faith.
! Are these your only children p asked
Gertrude.
Yes. and they are trouble enough for
me- replied the mother. looking at the
children with a-fond smile that betrayed
how little the trouble was felt.
Gertrude sighed. and said brokenly. Il
don't know, Faith, why every one calls
me cold and proud; perhaps | am. But
when take the little innocent child in
my arms, something stirs in my heart
that nothing else can touch. might
have been better and a happier woman,
Faith, if | had married.
you know we'll what my fayorite plan
always was, Gertrude. If you had only
married my brother - and this
time Faith sighed.
'Oh, Faith, spare me- was the half
laughing answer.
But you would have loved him if you
had only seen him. persisted Faith. He
is so noble. SO generous, so handsome l.
He is only my half brother, you know !:
but if he had been my own, l could not
have loved him better
By this time they had reached the room.
never knew before that your paragon
was only a half brother. Your maiden
name was Anderson; pray what was his?'
Walter Roscoe she replied. He
was the son of my step mother. My own
mother died when I was very young
What was his name q The tone Of
her voice was sharp and impatient, but
the speakers face was turned away from
Faith. ,..,.
Walter Roscoe, she repeated. My
boy is named after him; Walter Roscoe
Egerton.'
The jeweled hand that had been play
ing with the chld's soft curls was drawn
away as suddenly ae if serpent had
stung it, and Gertrude turned white and
rigid face toward her friend, as she put
the hoy down and pointed to the door.
Gertrude. what ails you? Are you
ill?' cried Faith. in terror She caught
the bell rope in her hand, but Miss Ale>
wynne grasped her arm firmly.
Don't ring; shall be better. soon.'
she said. in low tone. And, Faith.
for the sake Of the old time when we
were school girls together. say nothing ot
my illness 10 any one, and ask me no
questions now. Leave me for a little
while. and tomorrow will tell you all
Wondering and perplexed. Faith left
the room with her children. and went
down the stairs. Her husband met her
in the hall, and stopped to speak to her.
Has your friend arrived q he asked.
Yes. Alfred she replied. Have
you seen Walter q
me to do. dear. and asked him TO come
and dine. He consented. and was talk
ing 10 me as usual. when l happened to
mention Miss Alewynne's name. He
started up and turned white-but here
he comes. Faith. and you eau see for
yourself how strange he is He stopped
speaking. and turned towards the door as
Walter Roscoe entered. pale and agita,
ted.
Faith, is it true-is she in this house?'
he asked wildly.
Miss Alewynne is here. Walter she
replied.
He struck his hand upon his forehead.
saying. Why was not told that she
was coming ?
Don't look SO angry. dear Walter
pleaded Faith. Il intended it as plea
SAINT surprise for you BOTH
He half uttered an oath. and Faith.
bursting into tears. cried. %. Walter,
don't Don't swear before these chill
dren. too You never did so BEFORE
It was only on account of your plea-
SAINT SURPRISE he answered. biuerly.-
Don't ever try another, Faith. have
come to say goodbye. The same house