Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-11-24
and the parson, raising his eyes devotionaIly
toward Heaven, then spoke, with hands clasped

and the parson, raising his eyes devotionally
toward Heaven, then spoke, with hands clasped
and uplitted- -
In that sublimer temple, reared by Fame,
20 those devoted patriots who fell the bleeding
victims Of Oppression's car, there must be hal.
lowed inches for the dead, whose blood empur-
pies even the very sod that's green upon their
graves. so take you heart, madam; for thoug gh
your son beloved be parted from you, think
what cause his life was given to, and for the
sacrifice myriads Of unborn souls must stand
indebted % 1900 - -
The scene was too impressive. All hearts
present were wandering to some dear remem-
bered one, whose presence never more should
greet them, and silent and involuntary prayer
went up from that Thanksgiving party, so lowly
pleading at the Throne of Mercy for the loved
and lost, that its bright portals must have
thrilled with most harmonious response.
Ihe Squire, overcome Dy his emotion, drew
his handkerchief from his pocket, and wakes
toward tho window, and peercd upon the star
Int frosty air, and all again was silent, save the
almost audible beating of sad hearts What a
contrast to the early hilarity of the day.
All OF sudden hasty steps were heard ap-
up the read. Nearer and nearer came the
sound, and ut length traveller, approaching
on foot, appeared around the corner of the barn.
hastened to the door, and gave three loud and
distinct knocks. Strange that sounds SO fa-
miliar should create such mysterious awe. as
was evident by the interchange of wondering
looks, and the scarcely parted lips of young and
old. But Rina, the cook, heard the summons,
and as quickly as her aged links would carry
her, she ran to answer it, and the stranger was
admitted. There was an Interchange of words
between them, whom she was heard to ex-
claim
Cup stairs, up stairs, oh, Lordy. Lordy,
what am a goin' to happen next, I wonder?"
Up the stairway clattered heavy feet, the
door OF the room was suddenly burst open, and
in rushed a tall, pale figure, emaciated and
care worn, with arms Outstretched and calling,
as be entered" Father! oh, mother, Won are
here" he sprang forward and fell into the arms
OF Mrs. Holton, already extended to receive
him. She but uttered a single exclama ton
My boy, my SON returned with warmth
his fond embrace, and sank back again in to her
chair, exhausted and speechless. Oh, what
strange, unoarthly pallor overspread those fea-
lures. Terror and alarm were depicted upon
the cOuntenances Of all; the very atmosphere
of the room seemed burdened with oppressive
gloom, and Henry-for he it was-fell at his
mothers feet, and clasping both her hands,
called in impioring accents
Mother, dear mother. speak speak, Is
it for this have returned? Oh. better had 7
died Oh, breathe and speak Dear mother,
do"
Alas. the lustre was already passing from
those eyes, and deep and solemn shadow was
stealing over every feature, and only around
the lips fingered a smile Cf such supernal bliss
as the parting spirit alone could give. viii
you see the picture! What a grouping around
Henry kneeling in front, with his head bowed
In that maternal lap; Charles standing by her
right shoulder, his manly chest heaving with
dread emotion, one hand clasped upon his fore
head and eyes upturned with most despairing
grief; behind the chair and bent over the left
shoulder, with his warm cheek laid so close to
he;s, moaning in accents broken hearted,
leaned the despairing husband; and in front of
all, with arms outstretching and eyes with fer
vent supplication raised, stood the good pastor
Of the village
Let US close the scene We can 20 no fur.
ther. for the rest is sacred.
Henry had not been slain upon the field of
Monmouth; but, severely wounded, almost be.
yond the hope Of life, be had been made pris@
oner and carried away by the retreating foe.
Weeks he fingered, unable to be removed, and
months waned away ere he regained sufficient
strength to walk, and then, among other pris-
oners he was kept till the close Of the war.
when he was released and arrived home lust in
time to be present at the First and Last Thanks
giving Of his mother.