The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-04-24
CHAPTER II,

Iall, bearded, ana sun-Dronzeu, Knock
ed at the door Of my fathers house. The
lights in the parlor windows, and the hum
ofconversation and cheerful laughter, show.
ed me that company was assembled there.
| hoped my sister Lizzie would come to the
door, and that | might greet my family
when no strange eyes were looking curious
ly on.
But no-a servant answered my summons.
They were too merry in the parlor to heed
the long absent one when bo asked for ad-
mittance. A bitter thought like this was
passing through my mind, as | heard the
sounds from the parlor, and saw the hall
suppressed smile upon the servants face.
hesitated for moment before | made
myself known or asked after the family
And while stood silent, u strange appari.
tiOn grew up before me. From behind the
servant pcered out small golden head-a
tiny, delicate form followed, and sweet,
childish face, with blue eyes, was lifted uI
to mine--so like to those of one who had
brightned my boyhood, that started back
with sudden feeling Of pain.
What is your name, my little one?'
asked, while the wondering servant held the
door.
She lifted her hand as If to shade her eye,
Il had seen that very attitude in another
in my boyhood, many and many time,)
and answered, in sweet bird.like voice
Mary Moore
And what else? asked quickly.
MARY Moore Chester, lispcd the child.
My heart sank down like lead. Here wal
an end to all the bright dreams and hope,
of my youth and manhood! Frank Ches
ter, my boyish rival, who had often triet
in vain, to usurp my place beside the girl
had succeeded ut last, and had won hel
away f,om mo? This was his child-hi
child and Mary's!
sank, body and soul, beneath this blow
and hiding my face in my hands, | lcanc,
against tho door, while my heart wept tear,
of blood The little one g.zsd at me, griev
ed and amaz,d, and put up her pretty lip al
ifaboat to cry, Will, the porplcxcd scrvan,
stepped t. the parlor door and called my sis
ter out, to SEQ who it could be that conduc
ted himself 80 strangely.
lhcari light step, and pleasant voic,
saying
Did you wish to see my father, sir"
Hooked up. There stood a pretty, sweet
faced maiden of twenty, not much changes
from the dear little sister had loved 81
well. looked at her moment, and then
stillins the tumult of my heart by u mighty
effort, opened my arms and said
Lizzie, don't you know me =
Harry! Oh, my brother Harry - sh,
cried, and threw herself upon my breast
She wcpt as If her heart would break.
could not weep. drew her gently IN
to the lightei parlor, and stood with hel
before them all.
There was rush and cry of JOY, ant
then my father and mother sprang towards
me, and welcomed me home with hcartftl
tears. Oh! strange and passing sweet i
such greeting to the wayworn wandcrcr
And as l held my dear old mother to IN,
heart, and graspei my fathers hand, Will,
Lizzie still cluns beside me, / felt that al
was not yet lost and, though another had
secured lies choicest blessing, many o JOY
remained for me in this dear sanctuary }
Of home.
There were four other inmates Of tho room
who had arisen on my sudden entrance
One was the blue cyed.child whom Ia,
already seen, and who now stood besid
Frark Chester, clingins to his hand. Nea
} by stood Lizzie Moore, Mary's eldst sister
and in distant corner, to which she ha'