Amador weekly ledger., 1858-06-12

uncertainty no longer. A fitting opportuni-
ty Offering, told her Of my pure and earn
est love, and she answered favorably. was
intoxicated with joy, JOY not to last, for the
death Of my mother, which happened soon
after shadowed it.
She died suddenly 1t was only after
her remains were given to the keeping of the
cold ground that | could properly appreciate
the worth-the priceless worth-of moth
er. Alone in the solitude of my own room
shed bitter tears-tears of grief, which were
only sweetened by the thought that her hap
py spirit lived-in heavenl A year passed.
My sorrow was modified. l still mourned
the loss of my mother, but ever with the
knowledge of her death came the happy
thought of her present bliss.
Again the love for the girl to whom /
have alluded burst forth in mastery over all
feelings. The lady of my heart occupied the
most OF my attention. jealousy flew the
rosy hours. My love was returned. No
clouds appeared upon the horizon ofour hopes
Pleasure seemed illimitable.
told my father all, and asked his con-
sent to our marriage; but to my astonishment
he refused to give it, because her father had
quarreled with him upon political matters |
entreated, but he was unyeldng
:" fastened to my love, and impaired the
news to her. She consented 20 elopc. We
fed to foreign land, and for a twelvemonth
we enjoyed all the luxuries it is possible for
mortals to enjoy in this world although
sometimes the thought of having been mar
ried without fathers blessing would cause
me some feelings Of uneasiness Yet our days
were full of joy, and through the rosy veil
which concealed the future, we beheld cloud
less skies, peaceful seas, and roads covered
with gay blossoms, and so we dreaded not the
time to come.
Alas little did we dream how soon, how
very soon our short visions of peace were to
be disspated. At the end of one year she
died, first confiding to my care lovely babe.
l will not sadden your heart with an account
of my profound misery / could not, if l
would, describe it.
Oh, how my hearts affections clupg to
the last parting remembrance Of my wife
that infant daughter l knew how wrong
it was to concentrate so deep an affection
upon q human being, for she, too, might be
taken away. A lapse of eighteen years must
now be noted, during which my daughter
grew to what /, fond father, considered
mental and physical perfection. She married
young man for whom | entertained the
highest respect, and f. the first time left my
home to take wedding tour
Months passed, and no tidings came OF
her. But | tire you, lady,
"Oh no-go on !" cried the lady. greatly
agitated, "go on for the love Of heaven l
would not lose one word"
The old beggar resumed:
Mystery continued to envelop her move
ments. In vain | endeavored to hear from
her. / received neither verbal message nor
letter. While almost frantic over her alb
sence, news arrived that the company in
whose trust had placed all my wealth, had
failed-rrevocably l was ruined Moth
ing was left but my mansion and grounds,
anu those were sold to satisfy my creditors
| retained enough to bring me back to my
native couutry-far, far away from the scenes
of my blighted happiness. l lived in soil
tude and earned a scanty living by painting
pictures; but had to work hard, late and
early too One day while striving to sell
nv paintings, little lame dog followed me;
| called it kindly; it ran after me to my hum
BILE home | examined its leg, and found II
was not broken In time it became well
and having become attached to him, resol
we'd that he should share my humble fare
We lived together all alone, and learned to
love my little canine protege. No tidngs o
nv daughter ever reached me. The con
slant close sitting, with my eyes fixed on one
thing. weakened my vision, aud in time l be
came blned. Then did my faithful dog show
his gratitude and love, | was helpless with
out him. Old age was fast creeping on; my
steps we're already tottering. Ever since. my
faithful companion and | have wandered to-
gather. He has led me, and I-Oh God
have begged-have begged for both !
Now, madam, you have heard my story. Par
don me for taking up so much OF your time
MAY kind Heaven shower blessings on yo'
and yours. May you never know what 1t i
to be without friend"
The blind man rose to go.
"Stay p wildly cried the lady, tears gilt
tering on her long, silken eyelashes;" "wha
is your name I"
George Redmond" faltered the old man
"I,ady YOUR voice sounds familiar"
"No doubt it does |" she cried, rushing
towards him; "do you not know me =
81 dare not think it Merclful Prov
dence, you are"
"YouR DAUGHTER p And her arms ell
twined the trembling form Of the beggaI
while the little dog whined and capered as
he understood the position Of affairs thor
oughly.
Tears of delight and gratitude fell fror
the lady's eyes, one after another, upon th
blind beggar's wrinkled face.
Yes, she was indeed his daughter. Ha'
II r.o,,, har ia thar after her marrlaUt