The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-08-03

reached his destination, and deposited the
table in the hall. Lingering moment, the
lady did not seem 10 surmise the reason
untd he politely informed her that he
husband ifor such he took him TO be) hat
probably by accident neglected to settle fol
the carriage. "yery well will pay you,
said the lady, stepping into an adjoining
room. She returned, and stating that she
had no small coin in the house, handed the
old man twenty dollar piece. He could no
make the change. "Rever mind-I will
call Tomorrow" said he turning TO CO.
''No, no !" replied the lady, gancing pity
ingly at his white locks and trembling limbs
81 will not permit you to put yourself 10 80
much trouble )" and she handed the coin
TO Bridget, with instruction 10 see if she
could get it changed at one of the stores OF
markets in the neighborhood.
"Step into the parlor until the girl returns
the air is chilly, and you must be cold"
continued the lady kindly. "Come," she
added, as he looked at his rough attire and
hesitated "there is good fire in The CRATE,
and no one there but the children"
''It is somewhat chilly" replied the old
man, following her into the parlor, and tax.
ing q seat near.ihe fire. "Perhaps may
find some silver in the house," said the
lady, leaving the room, "for l fear Bridget
will not succeed in getting the twenty
changed"
"Come here little one," said The old man,
holding out his hands coaxingly TO the
younger of the two children-a girl about
six years of age. "Come-I love little chill,
dren," and the child who had been watch
ing him with curiosity from behind the
large arm chair, hesitalngly approached.
"What is your name, dear w inquired the
cartman.
"Maria," lisped the little one."
"Maria ?'' he repeated, while the great
tears gathered in his eyes /; I once had a
little Maria, aud you look very much as she
did"
"Did you 2" inquired The girl, with inter.
est ''and was her name Maria Eastman,
too w
"Mercifnl God p' exclaimed the old man,
starting from his chair, and again dropping
into ii with his head bowed upon his breast.
"This cannot be and yet, why not p' He
caught the child in his with an eager
ness that frightened her, and gazing into
her face until he found conviction there,
suddenly rose 20 leave the house. tlscan.
not meet her without betraying myself, and
| dare not tell her am that drunken father
who once attempted TO take her life, ard
perhaps lef: her husband cripple" he
groaned, as he hurried towards the door.
The little ones were bewildered. "You
are not going? 2" said the mother, at that
moment re appearing, and discovering the
old man in the act of passing into the hall
He stopped, and partly turned his face
but seemed TO lack the resolution 10 do
aughi else. "He said he had little Maria
once that looked just like me, MOTHER
shouted the child, her eyes sparkling with
delight.
The knees of the old cartman trembled
and he leaned against the door for support
I he lady sprang towards him, and taking
him by the arm, attempted TO conduct him
10 chair.
"No, no !" he exclaimed ''not till you
tell me am forgiven.
Forgiven s-for what I" replied the
mother, in alarm.
"Recognise in me your wretched father
and need not tell you r he faltered.
"My poor father !" she cried, throwing
her arms around his neck "all is forgiven
all is fogottenW %
All ,oas forgiven, and the husband, when
he returned late in the afternoon, was
scarcely less rejoiced than his good wife a
the discovery. Whether Bridget succeeded
in changing the double eagle, never learn.
ed ; but this do know-it took the homes
female two months to unravel the knot int
which the domestic affairs of the family haC
tied themselves during her absence. PaE
Ainsley still keeps his cart, for money woult
not induce him 10 part with it. peepet
into the back yard of DR.. Eastman, one day
last week, and discovered the old mar
dragging the favorite vehicle round the in
closure, with his four grandchildren pilet
promiscuously into it.