M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1857-11-19

inc IOOul'
"Uncle Arthur" she says, "my
father" and Arthur-what can it
mean--turns and introduces her to the
lovely creature as Aunt Nellie; then
the old man and her husband shake
hands, and Lena, who is crooing in her
arms, is smothered with kisses, be.
cause she is cousin Lena's namesake;
while little Nell. is dragged from be-
hind mamma, to see the pretty pic
ture on cousins ring. Has the light
Of reason departed, or is she dreaming9
Who is brother Marcy and niece
Lenal Her husband had but one Sis
ter, and she they believed dead. =
Such was the thoughts that rapidly
passed through her mind, as she han
ded seats to her visitor; but the mys-
terry is soon explained. Lena had
not told her father of the midnight
robber, but simply told that she had
seen uncle Arthur, and he was in
want. This was enough for the kind
hearted old man. He who had called
the wife, that peacefully slept in the
tomb, sister, was dear TO him. Then
came Lena's story; Lena the elder,
we mean, thoughit was repeated by
the coral lips Of Lena the daughter
"After being driven from her fathers
home, her mother had obtained the
situation Of a governsss in Mr.. Mar
cy'S home. Orvill, my father, was
then absent. When he returned, my
mothers beauty and gentleness won
his heart, and receiving the hearty ap-
proval Of my grandfather, he woood
and won the heart and hand of my
mother. One year their marriage a
little infant daughter, myself, was
given to their keeping. Well did my
parents fulfil tue charge, instructing
me themselves. My mother sought
to free my mind from every obnoxious
thought, but she was called away be-
fore the task was completed" Here
the tears and sobs choked Lena's ut
terance. Her father was compelled
to finish the story, by saying she had
often longed tc see her brother Arthur,
and they had searched, vainly search
ed, for him, and that her last wish
was to meet him with her loved ones
in the mansions above.
Une year t1uo- paspod, and VIC arc
again in Lena Marcy's home. 'Tis
winter, as before, and the cheerful fire
burns brightly in the CRATE. A piano
is open, and a matronly though
youthful figure is seated on the stool.
Lightly she guides her fingers over the
keys; then, after short prelude,
strikes up a family air. From a
heart loaded with happiness came
these touching, soul-inspiring words,
Home, Sweet Home! " A deep
manly voice Joined her as she com.
menced the last stanza, "There is no
place like homel" Then, as she con-
cluded, an arm was placed around her
waist, while a vice whispered, "Aunt
Nellie, the children want to dance the |
new waltz taught them for father."-
Rising with a smile, the mother re-
signed her seat, and Lena commenc-
ed a spirited waltz. Gaily the little
ones locked arms, while grandpa, as
he had desired them to call him, on |
account of his age, laughs heartily at
their giddy whirls, vainly endeayoring |
to catch them as they brushed past
him. When they had thoroughly !
tired themselves, Lena stopped play !
ing; and turning to Uncle Arthur,
who sat beside her, asked why he was
SO thoughtful.
81 am thinking, Lena, of the mid
night robber, who was no robber af
ter ALL" he whispered, as she rose to
meet gentleman who had just been
Do you think it strange, reader, if
we say the new conner pressed his arm
around her waist, and was allowed to
press a kiss on her ruby lips. Twas
all right! In one week Lena was led
to the alter, a happy bride. Her IA
ther will not be left alone, however,
Arthur, his wife and little ones are to
remain, and gladden. his home
Though, do not think for a moment,
reader mine, they are recipients of his
bounty. The sun has broken through
the restraining clouds, and Arthur,
by his fathers death, is made the pos
SCISSOR of a valuable estate in New
Orleans. The secret of that dark
hour has been faithfully kept, and his
wife and brother know not how near
he once stood to the seething pool Of
was saved by their household
light from becoming a Midnight