Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-08-26

sent to a lunatic asylum, from which he
was dismissed after remaining months.
In 1851 he came to California. He had
followed mining for two years, but find
ing his strength unequal to the pursuit,
returned to this city, purchased hand
cart, and -- the rest is known
Since them concluded the old man,
bowing his face in his hands in agony, !
| have not tasted liquor, nor have
seen my poor child / regretted that
had been so inquisitive, and expressed to
the sufferer the sympathy l really felt
for him. After that, Iseldom passed the
corner without looking Pap Ainsley,'
and never saw him bat to think of the
sad story he had told me.
One chilly, drizzling day in the De-
cember following, gentleman having
purchased small marble-top table at an
auction-room opposite, proffered TO the
old man the job of conveying it to his
residence, on Stockton street. Not wish
ing to accompany the carrier, he had Sc
lected the face, probably giving the best
assurance of careful delivery of the pur-
chase.
Furnished with the number of the
house the old eartman, after pretty try
ing struggle with the steep ascent of Ca
lifornia street, reached his destination,
aud deposited the table in the hall List
ening moment, the lady did not SUI
mise the reason, until he politely inform
ed her that her husband (for such he
took him to beg had probably by accid-
ent neglected TO settle for the cartage.-
Very well | viii 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 man
a twenty dollar piece. He could not
make the change. Never mind, | will
call tomorrow, said he turning to CO.
No, no " replied the lady glancing pity
ingly at his white locks and trembling
limbs viii net permit you to put
yourself to so much trouble ; and she
handed the coin to Bridget, with instruc-
tions to see if she could get it changed at
one of the stores or markets in the neigh
borhood.
Step into the parlor until the girl re-
turns the air is chilly, and you must be
cold continued the lady kindly. Come
she added, as be looked at his attire and
hesitated there is a good fire in the
CRATE, and no one there but the ehil
dren.
1T IS somewhat chilly replied the
old man, following her into the parlor
and taking a seat near the fire. Per
hapS Imay find some silver in the house,
said the lady, leaving the room, for
fear Bridget will not succeed in gettinl
: the twenty changed
Come here, little ones, said the oil
man, holding out his hand coaxingly t
the younger of the two children-a gil
5 about six years Of age.
: Come-I love little children, an
e the little child, who bad been watchin
a him with curiosity from behind the larg
!, arm chair, hesitatingly approached.
n What is your name, dear 2 inquire
: the cartman.
+ Maria lisped the little one.
10 Maria !? he repeated, while the gre
d. tears gathered in his eyes once hs
J. little girl named Maria, and you loc
,e very much as she did,
is Did you 2 inquired the child, with j
le terest; and was her name Maria Eas
r man too?'
e. Merciful God ? exclaimed the c
an man, starting from his chair and aga
a dropping into it with his head bow
he upon his breast
ot This cannot be, and yet, why no
il He caught the child in his arms with
he eagerness that frightened her. and g
lot ing into her face until he found conv
be ton there, suddenly rose to leave
NO house. cannot meet her without
he traying myself, and l dare not tell
{ a that ] am that drunken father who OF
to attempted to take her life, and perhi
ley left her husband cripple, he groar
US as he hurried towards the door.
af- The little ones were bewildered.
iey You are not going? said the mott
his reappearing, and discovering the old q
was in the act of passing into the hall.
ar He stopped, and partly turned
.en- face, out seemed to lack the resolution
,ere do aught else.
nus He said he had little Maria 0
tn a that looked just like me, mother, shot
life the child, her eyes sparkling with
ped light.