The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1859-07-13

"nich Rufus Howard s stern nature allowed
him neither to forget nor forgive. He hac
yet to learn the lesson. hoier than philosophy
oftier than all the teachings of seers and sa ges
the lesson our Saviour lived and wrought, ave
and died TO teach, of forgiveness even for oul
enemies-prayer for those who have despite
fully used us and prosecuted US. His former
enemy was dead, now. but not so the Judges
hate 1t had been transmitted like real estate
to the dead mans heir; and so he forbade his
daughter TO marry him, and sternIy bade her
choose between parents and lover. She inher
tied her fathers strong will, and she put her
hand in Richard Huntley's, aud went forth
she would not have been her fathers child il
she had not-without tear.
From that time, for ten years, her name had
been forbidden word. Letters she had writ.
ten at hrst, during her Punishment. but they
had been sent back unopened and for years no
voice or token had come TO tell whether she
was dead or living. Therefore the mother
locked shudderingIy into the shadow haunted
corners in the long iwilights. and almost be-
lieved that she saw there the face for which
her mother heart had yearned, momently, all
these years.
Judge Howard loved his wife, too-oh. il
she had but known it ! Every outline of that
sad, waiting face every thread of that silver
hair, was dearer to him now than when bridal
roses crowned the girl-hride he had chosen,
but his lips never soothed away the sadness Of
that patient face.
1T is terrible night be said, at length
rousing himself from his long silence. In the
pause after his words YOU could hear how the
wind shook the house groaned among the trees,
and sighed along the garden walk.
Yes, terrible night his wife answered
with shudder. God grant no poor soul may
be out in it shelterless'
/ amen l would take in my worst enemy
on such night as this
| His worst enemy; but would he have taken
in his own child; the daughter with his blood
in her veins fed once at his board, warmed at
his hearth 2 If this question crossed the wife g
mind, she gave it no utterance.
Shall light the candles, Rnfus?, she asked
meekly. Ez.
| Yes it is almost bedtime. had forgot.
ten how long we were sitting in the dark l
will read now, and then we shall be better in
bed .., - a-. .----..
| Tie drew toward him the Bible, which lay
between the candles she had ighted-it had
been his habit, for years, to read chapter in
it nightly. Somehow, Tonight, the pages
opened at the beautiful, ever-new story of the
prodigal son. Judge Howard read it through
calmly. but his hand trembIed as he shut the
Book.
Hannah he began, and then paused. as if
his pride were still too strong to permit him to
confess himself in the wrong But soon he
proceeded, Hannah. do suppose that was
written for an example to those who should
seek to be numbered with the children of God
He is our Father, and his arms are ever open
to the wanderer My heart misgive| me sore
ly about Caroline. She should not have diso
beyed me- but-do never dsobey God. and
where should be if He measured out to me
such measure as have measured to her? Oh,
ed to be forgiven @ 1 'af af+
The mothers tears were falling still and fast
she could not answer. There was silence
for moment, and then again the Judge said
res,Iessly-' Hannah aud she looked up into
his white moved face. Hannah. could we
find her! Do you think she lives still-our
one child |?
God knows, my husband. Sometimes
think that she is dead. see her face on dark
nights, and it wears look of heavenly peace.
In the winds hear voice that sounds like
hers, and she seems trying to tell me she has
found rest. But no, no her face kindled
= she is not dead. feel it iu my soul. -
God will let US see her yet once more. l am
her mother. shall not die till my kisses have
rested on her cheek, my hand touched her hair.
believe have promise, Rufus'
God grant it, Hannah and after those
words they both sat silently again, listening
listening-listening.
They had not heard the outer door open,
but now step sounded in the hall. and the
door Of the room where they sat was softly
unclosed. They both started np-perhaps
they half expected to see Caroline, but it was
only their next neighbor, holding by the hand
a child. She spoke eagerly. in half confused
way, which they did not notice.
This little one came to nv house, Judge,
but hadn't room to keep her. so l brought
her over here. Will you take her in p
Surely, surely. Come here, poor child
Who had ever hea Judge Howard's voice
so gentle The little girl seemed somewhat
re assured by it, She crept to his knee, and
lifted up her face. The Judge bent over her.
Whose were those blne. deep eyes Where
had be seen that peculiar shade of hair, like
the shell of ripe chestnut +? Did he not know
those small, sweet features, the wistful mouth
the delicate chin His hands shook.
'Whose-whose child are you What is
your name !
Grace and the little girl trembled visibiy
'Grace Huntley,' said the neighbor's voice
grown somewhat quavering now. Grace
Huntley. You cannot help knowing that face
Judge. 1t is copy of one which belonged
once to the brightest and prettlest face in Ash
dale.
The old mamie looked very old now, sha
{ ken by the tempest in his strong heart, as the