Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1859-02-20

The servant at the hall.doos.
He had walked Straight up 70 The
principsl setrancs. The man stosse
10 sarprisA and thss, With sa>stcal
glance to = waiter near, replied -
NO. she aint, nor won't b to-day,
nor TO morrow. Your business amt
partickler pressin', 'ope;' and be
winked 1t bic companion.
You'll please TO keep . civil tongue
in your head, and answer my questions.
Il Miss Aallet 10 Z
Miss Malletl Yes, she's about
somewhere; bat you cant 80 her |;
that ia, you-you-.' The man
stafnmered. changed his tone and stop
ped. Something had warned him in
time.
You'll have the goodness to show
me into room where l can speak to
her, and then send and seek
Without another word the man
le l the way across the hal, and ushered
Richard into the library.
1t was q handsome room-green
and cool, with . large bow-wiudow
opening out into the garden, and On
awning outside. Richard could sec
the CAV company, and the band and
tent on the lawn. He caught sight of
his own figure in q mirror opposite,
but the contrast there did not trouble
him. A strange self-control had como
over him there was an iron resolution
written on his face.
He was standing gazing At the sac
rifice Of 1phigenia, in bronze, on the
mautel peice, and was striving to find
out its meaning, when he heard foot
steps approaching. He turned, and .
young lady and gentleman entered the
room through the window.
1t was Jessie and Mr.. Dick Hale.
For one moment they both stared
at the unexpected visitor and the
next, Jessie gave low cry and sprung
forward.
'Father!'
Richard Mallet's arms we're folded
on bis breast, his face Was cold and
unmoved; but at that one word bis
arms opened. and he strained her to
his heart.
Mr.. Dick Hale disappeared.
Thou amt forgotten my face, then =
said Richard, looking down At his
daughter. That's well. l didn't know
but how you might"
Though he spoke coldly his lip
trembled so he could scarcely articu-
late.
Thou art changed since we met,
girl. Instead Of my poor lame lass, l
find thee lady grown He scanned
her over at arm's-length.
Il want to know, now whether you
are still my own child or not !; want
to know whether they have changed
your heart as we'll as your dress. Stay;
don't speak yet; you may repent it.
l have y question to ask you; l want
to know whether you will leave these
people, and come home to your moth
er and ,ne-that's the proof want a.
to whether you are still my own child
Jessie's eyes icll. There was some
thing so cold and stern in her fathers
voice, it made her heart shrink.
Think before you speak; there il
much depends upon it. Are you rea-
dy to leave these friends and cast your
lot with me! Are you prepared to
live with those who are not clever and
polished, but rough, uued,cated peo-
pie. There is q deal to lose, but !
think there is something to gain. We
can give you love. Jessie, such as you
may never find else'-He suddenly
stopped. Answer me, my lass, which
is 1t to be-go or stsy!'
I'll 60, father
He loved her still; his last word,
decided her in moment.
You'll 60! And will you 60 con-
tentedIy! Will you 60 feeling you
Amt ashamed Of them you'll have to
live with!
'Fatherl Why do you put these cru
Ell questions to me! ] have prayed to
God to bring us together every night
of my life. Ashamed! oh, you forget
/ am your child
Jessie hid her face in her hands
and wept.
You say you amt ashamed Of me,
said Richard, with strange expression
gathering over his face. Then I'll
put your words to the test. Look al
this hand; it's rough and hard with
labor: my boots are thick and ugly;
the linen on my back is coarse; my
coat is badly cut aud l don't look like
a geutleman-anybody may see that
Now if you amt ashamed of me, COM
mon looking as be, why take me out
through that window on the lawn
amongst those people and tell them
I'm your father. Dare you do it,
Dare you own me before 'em all!-
Speak out
Jessie turned deadly pale, and a
spasm passed over her face. What
was it her father asked! 1t was too
much-too much. A hundred things
forbade It; Mrs. Hale's pride, the opin-
ion of her friends. and-worse than
all-Dick's word thatlvery day. She
stood dumb and terrified.
Her father saw her irresolutiou, and
his breath came quick.
You've had time to think. Dare
you do it,
There was . moments silence, and
then the struggle was At an end. She
he'd counted the cost and had tri-
umphed.
She passed her hand over heu
brow, and said: Yea, Father. I dare