Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1859-09-15

length. rousing himself from his long
silence. in the pause after his words
you conld hear how the winds shook
the house, groaning among the tees,
and signing along the garden walk.
Yes, a terrible night, his wife an
swercd. with shuddcr. God grant
no poor soul may be out in it, shelter
less
'Amcnl / 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? If this question crossed the
wifc's mind, she gave it no utterancc.
Shall lite the candle, Rufus?' she
asked meckly.
Yes, it is almost bed time. | had
forgotten how long we were sitting in
the dark. | will read now, and then
we shall be better in bed
lie drew towards him the Bible,
which lay between the candles she bad
lighted it had been his habit to read
chapter in it nightly. Somehow,
tonight. the spaSes opened at the
beautiful, ever-new story of the prod
igal son. lie read it through calmly,
but his hand trembled as he shut the
book.
Hannah he begun, and then
paused, as if his pride was still too
strong to permit him to confess HIM
self in the wrong. But soon he pro-
cecded. Hannah. l 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
wandcrcr. My heart misgivcs me
sorely about Caroline. She should
not have disobeyed me, but, do ] never
disobcy God. and where should he if
lie measured out to me such measures
as | have measured to her? o, Han
nah, | never felt before how much |
needed to be forgiven
tttlS NCIC Stili
and fast; she could not answer. There
was silence for moment, and then
again the Judge said rcstlcssly, Han
nahl' and she looked up into his white,
moved face.
Hannah, could we find her? Do
you think she still livcs-our own
child?'
God knows, my husband. Some
time | think she is dead l see her
face on dark nights, and it wears a
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!'--hcr face
kindled-'she is not dead. feel it in
my soul, God will let us see her once
more; am her mother, shall not die
until my kisses have rested on her
cheeks, my hand touched her hair. /
believe | have promise. Rufus.
God Grant it, Hannah
And after these words they both sat
silently again. listcning-listening--
listening.
They had not heard the door open,
but now a step sounded in the hall.
and the door of the room was softly
uncloscd. They both started up; per-
haps they half expected to see Caro-
line. but it was only their next neigh
Dor. holding by the hand a child. She
spake eagerly, in half confused way.
which they did not notice.
This child came to my house, Judge,
but hadn't any room to keep her, so
| brought her over here. Will you
take her in?'
Surely, surely. Conc here poor
child
Who had ever heard Judge How
ards voice so gentle? The little girl
seemed somewhat reaSSured by it,
She crcpt to his knee, and lifted up
her face. The Judge bent over her.
Whose were those deep blue eycs?-
Where had he seen that peculiar shade
of hair. like the she'll OF ripe chest
nut?
Did he not know those small, sweet
features. that wistful mouth. the deli
cate chin? His hands shook.
'Whosc--whose child are you?-
What is your Nance
Grace and the little girl tremblcd
visibly.
Grace Huntley,' said the neigh
bor's voice growing somewhat quiver-
ing now. Grace Huntley. You can
not help knowing that face. 1t is Il
copy of one which belonged once tc
the brightest and prettiest girl in Ash
dale
The old man looked very old now
shaken by the tempest in his strong
heart as the wind shook the trees ont
side, drew the chlld into his bosom
with an eager. hungry look Hi,
arms closed round her as if they woulc
hold her there for ever.
My child. my child, burst like I
sob from his lips. and then he bent
over silently. At first, his wife ha,
stood by IN mute amazcment. her face
almost as white as the cap bordc
/ which tremblcd round it. Now {
thought pierced her. quick and deer
, as the thrust of sword. She drew
near. and looked piteously into til,
neighbours eyes.
is she an orphan? Where is he
, mother?'
Her husband heard her, and LITE,
| mp his head.
e Yes he cried; where is Caroline
Have pity, and tell me where is Caro-
:, linc?'
Before the woman could answer, al
eager voice called
, Here, father: mother. here