Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-02-06

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as you seem so anxious, lend a helping hand
toward procuring you employment There is
not much sale for paintings at present, but
perhaps could occasionally meet with pur-
chaser"
Thanking him for his Kindness, she did as
he had desired, and handed it to him.
"Might J." said the stranger, without being
charged with taking an unwarrantable liberty,
request to see the paper you have given Mr..
Mordaunt; or at least will you inform me
whether you are Philadelphian?"
am English born" she said; 'my mother
| is native of this CITY,"
"And her namep" he asked anxiously--
"Was Miss Elder" she replied.
"Then my conjecture, he said Immediately,
''was correct. knew could not be mistaken
in the strong resemblance you bear to your
mother"
you know my mother, then, " she said, "and
have been in England"
"Never," he said, smiling; 81 was never out
Of America in my life, and yet your mothers
features are as familiar as my own. But ] will
not further excite your curiosity 1t was only
her portrait have seen. My father knew Mr..
Elder well, and if you will favor me with your
address, not many days shall subside ere I
claim from your mother the privilege of an old
acquaintance"
Therew a frank ingenuousness in his man
ner of speaking, inspiring confidence. 81 feel
assured" she said, handing him her direction,
'you would not deceive me, nor wish to amuse
yourself by sporting with my credulity."
"Believe me. would do NEITHER he said
"you shall not find your confidence misplaced"
This adventure afforded both mother and
daughter food for conjecture for many hours
after the latters return. They saw in ita hope
for the future. Through the instrumentality
of friend, so providentially discovered, they
trusted to be enabled to obtain employment,
and their hearts felt lighter and happier than
for many day previous There had been
time when Ellen's pride would have revolted at
the thought Of seeing one of her former asso-
ciates in her fallen condition; but such feelings
had long passed away, and though there was
a native dignity of demeanor, no external cir
cumstanccs had the power of affecting her man
ner Of receiving the young man when he pre-
sented himself before her; she was at once
subdued, and free from constraint or embarrass-
ment He announced himself by the name Of
Reginald Sommers Ellen knew that her father
had had many friends. She could not call to
mind one Of that name, but not for a moment
was the assertion disbelieved Of Mr.. Sommers
having been among the numberl Then, too,
| Reginald had recognized her daughter from
having seen her portrait the portrait Of poor
Oscars painting, and that alone was sufficient
of itself to prove its truth.
From this happy period the clouds so long
ocrshadowing their destiny began to dispcrsc.
The daughter was now constantly employed,
ard as their circumstances frightened, the
mothers health regaincd portion Of its former
vigor.
The visits Of Mr. Sommers at first were only
occasionally made; but as their acquaintapcc
progressed, and they came to know each other
better, he came ohencr, until not day passed
without their seeing him. There was fasci-
nation in his society the happy girl had never
sought to analyze. Even the mother partook
Of her enjoyment To her his refined manners
and intellectual tastes seemed to restore the
light Of other days. and she had soon learned
to feel for him an affection truly paternal
Never having heard him mention his family in
any way, she had drawn the inference that he
was independent Of all control With inde-
scribabe happiness she had noted Reginald's
| r. IL L..
that the position he occupied was very differ
ent from their own but though misfortune had
laid its withering grasp upon her, she saw no
thing in the mere difference Of her pecuniary
circumstances TO dercgate from the dignity Of
his station, however honorable it might be; and
adverse as their fate appeared, she sought not
to check the progress Of passion afTording TO
all corccrncd so bright prospect Of happiness
for the future.
They were sitting together one afternoon, the
mother reading while the daughter was giving
the last touches 10 painting on which she had
bestowed more than ordinary attention, when
Mr. Sommers, who bad been looking admiringly
upon her work from the back Of her chair, on
which his arms were reclining, said: "lIow
often am reminded in your productions of
some sketches taken by arclatiye of mine, who
died ere was born--your style is so similar.
Il was this that attracted me 10 che piece Of
yours first procured Of tho bookseller. But
why do you smile2"
"Iwas thinking" she said, 'ss you spoke,
Of that very time when first we met, and
heard your criticism. YoI ought think u
she said, ITO value the art Of painting, for il
not only procured you my acquaintance, but
my mothers portrait discovered who was to
you. Now, certainly" she added, "f | am to
believe all your fine speeches, you have just
reason 10 patronize painting.
"By-tie-byo. Reginald" said the mother,
closing her volume, :" / have never asked you
about my portrait Why have you never
spoken to me on the subject' Now recollect
you have never, since our knowing you, once
referred to it."
81 hardly know myself" he answered, care
lessly-"I believe something my father said
prevented"