Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1858-02-06

| can come here again."
There was a moments silence, then
bending over her, Edwin whispered can
ma, do you love me 2"
You know do" she answered.
"Do you love me we'll enough to trust
your future happiness in my hands, to be
my wife ?"
| do, but my father -"
Hates me l know it well said Edwin,
bitterly. 81 He believes because l am 10
farmers lad, but a gentleman, that there
Is no truth or goodness in me, Believe
me, Anna, it is only his prejudice against
cities that causes your fathers dislike to
me-"
But" faltered Anna, "that prejudice
is 50 strong that | fear he will never con.
sent to my wedding you.'
"Once my wife, dearest, and he will
forgive yo1. Though he light not be
willing to let his child go, still, believe
me, if the knot was tied, he would for
give"
1t took long, even with Edwins most
subtle re soning, to win Annals consent
to clandestine marriage, but it was given
at length, and with a promise to be in the
meadow that night prepared for u journey
to London, she left him.
When she reached homo, she found The
family onl y awaiting her return for tie
customary evening deyotions Seating
herself opposite her father, Anna listened
to the words of Divine truth which he read
After reading a chap'er from the New
Testament, he read in cle,r, distinct
voice, the commandment: " Honor thy
father and thy mother, that thy days may
be long in the land which the Lord thy
God givcth thee" Then rising, he kissed
Ella and Anna, and left the room.
Anna sat notioplcss where lie had left
her. Her mother, the servant, her little
brother, and last of all, Ella left the room,
but sill she remained.
" Heavenly Father" she murmured,
bowing her head upon her hands, "streng-
then this poor head, and guide me in the
right wayW Heavy sobs choked her
voice, and she gave way to violent fit of
weeping.
Sister Anna" said the low, sweet voice
of her blind sister coming in, ''you are
weeping. VIII you not tell me what
troubles your
Choking back her sobs, Anna ondeavo-
red to speak oheorfully to Ella. 1t was in
vain, and after one or two fruitless efforts,
she silently embraced her, and sought her
own room.
Edwin Parker was carly attho appointed
rendezvous, and awaited impatiently for
Anna. The hour was past, and still she
came not. At length, weary with watch.
ing, Edwin strobe from the meadow to the
little country inn where he lodged, Or
his table he found tiny note directed to
himself.
" All !" he murmurod, as lie tore it open,
detained at home, l imagine. This will
explane ALL"
Within, he found these words;
"DEAR EDWIN: Could one who iorsook
her first duty, that to her parents, fulfil the
holy duties the name of vile would bring
| dare not come, 1t has cost me much to
write this, but feel that am doing right,
and that strengthens me, Win my fathers
consent and am yours. ANNA
"Pshaw ~ said Edwin, tossing the note
impGtiently into the fire, "it isn't worth the
trouble"
The next morning Edwin Parker had
left the village.
About month after this, Anna was in
the garden, watering some plants, when
her father Joined her.
"Anna," said he, do you recollect a
young man who was here some weeks ago,
named Parker?'
How her heart bounded.
" Yes father" she said.
He has been arrested for forgery, and
is Heavens, Anna, how pale you'are !!
Are you faint :"
Il am better now,' said Anna, strug-
Cling for composure. Father, l will
tell you all, and then pray for your
forgiveness
Dear Anna, did you think your old
father was blind No, no, my child, you
need tell me nothing, The commandment
was not selected by chance. 1 knew all
then, and heaven alone knew the JOY of
your fathers heart when he saw you still
with him after the tomptor had left the
place."
" How did you know ?" asked the
astonished girl.
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