The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-08-25

Judge Howard read it through calmly,
but his hand trembled as he shut the
book.
Hannah" he begun, and then paus-
ed, as if his pride was still too strong to
permit him to confess himself in the
wrong. But soon he proceeded: Han
nah, 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 mis-
gives me sorely about Caroline. She
should not have disobeyed me, but-do
l never disobey God? And where should
l be if He measured out to me such
measure as l have measured to her? o,
Hannah, never felt before how much l
needed to be forgiven
The mothers tears were falling still
and fast-she could not answer. There
was such silence for moment, and then
again the Judge said, restlessly, Han
nah !" and she looked up into his white,
moved face.
Hannah, could we find her? Do
you think she lives still-our own
child %
God knows, my husband. Some
times l think that she is dead. l see her
face on dark nj ights, and it wears look
of heavenly peace. In the winds hear
voice that sounds like hers-she seems
trying to tell me she has found rest. But
no, no !'-her face kndled-" she is
not dead. l feel it in my soul-God
will let us see her once more-I am her
mother-I shall not die till my kisses
have rested on her cheek, my hand
touched her hair. l believe l have a
promise, Rufus"
God grant it, Hannah"
And after those words they both sat
silently, again, listening-listening.
They had not heard the door open,
but now step sounded in the hall, and
the door of the room where they sat was
softly unclosed. They both started up
perhaps they half expected to see Car
oline, but it was only their next neighbor,
holding by the hand child. She spake
eagerly, in half confused way, which
they did not notice.
This child came to my house, Judge,
but hadn't room to keep her, so !
brought her over here. Will you take
her in 2"
"Surely, surely. Come here, poor
child"
Who had ever heard Judge Howard s
voice SO gentle I? The little girl seemed
somewhat reassured by it. She crept to
his knee. and lifted up her face. The
Judge bent over her. Whose were those
blue, 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, that wistfu'
: mouth, the delicate chin :? His hand:
shook.
; Whose-whose child are you p
What is your name %
Grace" and the girl trembled visi
bly,.
Grace Huntly," said the neighbor'.
voice, grown somewhat quivering now
:" Grace Huntly. You cannot help know
ing that face, Judge. 1t is copy oi
one which belonged once to the bright
est and prettiest girl in Ashdale.'
The old mamie looked very old now
shaken by the tempest in his strong
heart, as the wind shook the trees out
side-drew the child into his bosom will
an eager, hungry look. His arms closec
around her as if they would hold hel
there forever.
"My child, my child" burst like /
sob from his lips, and then he bent owe
her silently. At first his wife had stood
by in mute amazement, her face almos
as white as the cap border which trem
bled around it. Now thought pierced
her, quick and deep as the thrust of
sword. She drew near and looked pte
ously into the neighbor's eyes.
"Is she an orphan ? Where is he
mother?"
The Judge heard her, and lifted up hi
head.
Yes," he cried, where is Caroline
Have pity, and tell me where is Caro-
} line %
Before the woman could answer, a
, eager voice called
/" Here, father. mother, here"
And from the hall where she had beeI
lingering, half in fear, Judge Howard
. own child came in. 1t was the mother