The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-07-22


ley and never saw him but to think Of the
FAD story lo had told me- -
One chilly, drizzlng day. in the Dcccm-
her following, gentleman having pur-
chased small narble-.op table at an auc.
t'on room opposite, offered to the old man
the job Of conveying it to lis residence on
street. Not wishing to arorn.
pany the carrier, he had selected the face,
probably giving the best assurance Of the
careful delivery of the purchase.
Furnished with the number of the house,
the old car,man, after pretty trying strug-
gle with the steep ascent Of California
street, reached bis destination and deposit
ed the table in the hall. Lingering a mo-
ment the lady dill not seem to surrn,se the
reason. until he politely informed her that
her husband Qor such lie took him to br)
had probably neglected. to settle Tor The cart.
nge. Very we'll 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 a
twenty dollar piece. lie could not make
the change. Never mind-I will call TO.
morrow said he turning to 90. No, no +
replied the lady, glancing pityingIy at his
white locks aud trembling limbs I will
not permit yon TO put yourself to so much
trouble;;' and she handed the coin to Brid-
get, with Instructions to sec if she could ge,
it changed at one Of the stores or markets
10 the neighborhood.
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 she looked at his rough at
tire and hesitated there is good fire in
the CRATE, and no Que there pave the chill
dren.'
1t as somewhat chilly replied the old
man, following her into the parlor, and Ia
king seat near the fire. Perhaps may
find some silver in the house, said the lady
leaving the room. for fear Bridget will
not succeed in getting the twenty cl,anged.'
Come here, little one said the old man,
holding out his hands coaxingly to the
younger Of the two children-a girl ahou,
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 m-chair, hesitatingly approached.
what is your name DEAR inquired the
rartman.
'Maria,' lisped the little one.
Maria he repeated, while the great tears
gathered in his eyes; 1 once had a little
girl named Maria, and you look very much
like she did,
Did you? inquired the child, with in
terest, 'and was her name Maria Eastman
to"?'
'Mereiful God! exclaimed tue old man.
starting from his chair. and gain dropping
int" it with his head h"wel upon his breast.
This cannot he? and yet why notT H.
caught the child in his arms with an eager
ness that frightened her, and gazing into
her face until he found conviction there sud.
denly arose to leave the house, I cannot
meet her without l'e.raying myself and |
dare not tell her am that drunken father
who once attempted to take her life, and
perhaps left heF husband cripple he
groan'd, IA he hurrieh towards the dnor.
The little ones were hewil'lered, You are
not eoingF sail the mother, Mt that mo.
ment re,appearing. anil discovering the old
man in the act Of passing into the hall.
lie stopped and partly turned his face
but seemed to lack the rpsnlution to do
aug else. lie said he had little Maria
once. that looked just like me, mother
shouted tie child, her eyes sparkling With
delight.
The knees Of the old car,man tremhled.
and he iesned against the door fnr support
The lady sp,ang towards him, and taking
hi" by the arm, attempted. to conduct him
10 chair. -. 81 -@-
No nor he .exeIsimsd, no. till you tell
me l am forgissnl' -
'Forgivena-For whata' cried the netb-
er in alarm.
'R-cognize in me your wretched 'father.
and i need not leil you = he fsltered. ,,
Ny poor father r she cried, throwing her
arm' around bis ueck; all Is forgivsn---all
- q
'' All Sas forgiven and the husband; wfiss
he returned bate in the afternoon, was searcs.
|y less reioiced than bis goo.twife at The
Whether Of no. Bridget. sue.
'ssdsd in changing the dosale esgie. asxer.
earned; bai ,his ! Sda. know---it took tbs
kousat female ell Of tvo months to, vnrsyei
he knot info. Nbieh shs domestic s6ats of
The family had tied shesnssavss dsriag,issr
sbssues. Pap Ailsisy, sti'i keeps 6is cart;