Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-04-24

and helpless Dut you are hlIslaAeh' III
the contrary, probably am 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, " viii
not leave you, mother !" while Ellen,
her eyes glowing with excitement, an
swered quietly and firmly
sour 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 last half past year.
We love her better than all other friends,
and now that our father is gone we will
ret leave her alone"
My heart thrilled with gratitude that
could not utter could only give my
noble Ellen a look of thankfulness, and
say
a will be as faithful to you as you
have been to me, Ellen"
Hush !" said May, starting from her
seat. "What was the sound?" She
went to the window and looked out. " 1t
was only the wind" and sat down by me
again.
Jane shot indignant glances at the
children.
al little thought that when l came
here to work and wear myself out for
you, that you would so soon desert me
for a stranger"
"Aunt Jane" said Ellen, quickly, g re-
member it is our mother of whom we
speak-our second mother to whom we
owe so much"
Miss Fleming was evidently annoyed,
but was silent.
81 do hear footstep," said May, and
again she peeped from the window, but
all was dark and silent.
My heart ached with weary dissen-
sion, and / 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 / forgive you
for the many attempts you have made to
turn my children'5 hearts against me,
but ever after let there be silence on this
theme. / am no stranger in this house,
but hold mothers place to the children
my beloved husband left in my care
For them henceforth, and for them only,
i shall live and labor. / have thus far
tried to do them good, and they them
selves bear witness to my success. Trust
them to me, and let there be no more
harshness between us-for his sake"
Jane Fleming bust into tears. She
wept for few moments, and her heart
was softened.
"Agnes, forgive me ~ she said, to my
astonishment and joy. "You think me
heartless. but indeed l am not, though
have been harsh. 1t was my love for
my brother and his children that made
me wickedly jealous of you. But am
now a mourner with you and them. Fol
his sake, forgive me-"
There was a moment of silent, pleased
surprise, and then clasped her hanC
warmly, and called her sister Eller
gravely stopped down and kissed her, ant
little May rejoiced, sprang to the piano
forte and sang with her whole heart lie
US love one another
As she ceased and turned her smilin
face toward US, there was sound beEint
quick footstep toward the hall, the doc
was flung open, and
Had one risen from the dead?
"My wife, my children, my blesse
Agnes p said Captain Fleming, his voic
hoarse with emotion, and before we coul
utter a word of welcome or surpris
were all ciasped IN his strong, lovn
arms. The rapture of that hour WI
could seek to portray.
"Forgive me, Agnes, for playing Il
listener" he said, g it was not premedit
ted, but as came in 1 heard your voice
and could not but pause a moment befo
surprising you. How can l ever thai
you, how repay you for your love of n
children and to me
These words and many more fell fro
his lips, as he clasped me again with wal
affection. l was repaid for all my lab
all my sorrow.
Then followed questions, explanation
words of JOY and welcome. His go
ship, indeed, had been lost in the fear
storm, but the account of the loss of t
men had been exaggerated in the excl
ment of the news. Many were lost,
not all. There were other homes
mourning made glad that night as well
mine.
And what merry, joyful Christr
we had How the Christmas tree spa