Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-03-24
Mr.. Dick Hale disappeared.

Richard looking down at his daughter. -
That's we'll. didn't know but how you
might"
Though he spoke coldy his lip trembled SO
he could scarcely articulate.
Thou art changed since we met, girl
Instead of my poor lame lass find thee a
lady grown" He scanned her over at arms
length.
" 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. have question to ask you :
| want to know whether you will leave these
people, and come home to your mother and me
that's the proof want as to whether you
are still my own child"
Jesse's eyes fell There was something so
cold and stern in her fathers voice, it made her
heart shrink
"Think before you speak there's much de-
pends upon it. Are you ready 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, unedicated people
There's a 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 it to be-go or stage"
"Pll go, father"
He loved her still his last words had deci-
ded her in moment
you'll go And will you 90 contentedly !?
VIII you 60 feeling you amt ashamed O. them
you'll have to live with 7"
Father why do you put these cruel ques-
tions to me? have prayed to God to bring us
together every night of my life. Ashamed oh
you forget am your cliLd"
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 at 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 don't look like a gentleman
anybody may see that. Now, if you amt
ashamed Of me, common looking as | be, take
me out through that window on to 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 pas
sed over her face. What was it her father
asked? IL was too much--too much A hun
dred things forbade it: Mrs Hale's pride, the
opinion of her friends, and-worse than all =
Dicks words that very day. She stood dumb
and terrified.
Her father saw her irresoIution, and his
breath came quick You've had time to
think. Dare you do it 2"
There was moments silence, and then the
struggle was at an end, She had counted the
cost and had triumphed. She passed her hand
over her brow, and said Yes, father, dare
Come !"
She had reached the window, when her step
faltered. Before her was the gay and brilliant
assembly. She stood spell-bound at the sight,
and a Shiver passed over her
q" You can't, then-you can't do it," whis-
pered Richard hoarSely. Without another
word, he stepped back, and turned and left her
alone
But ere he had gone five PAGES from her,
Jessie was at his side Father, forgive me
have no fear"
She put out her hand looked up into his
face radiant in her love- and led him straight
to the window. The next moment they stood
in the garden before all the people.
Every eye was fixed upon the young girl as
she crossed the lawn with her companion and
walked mp to the tent where Mrand Mrs Hale
and party of their friends Canterbury gran
deeS, and quiet old folks, who did not dance)
were sitting
Who has Miss MaIett got with her ?"
" What a singular proceeding !" ais she eS-
corting one of the gardeners to the tent ?"
asked the young people on the lawn.
Regardless of all comments, Jessie never
stopped till she had reached the tent where
her hostess sat.
Then and there, in a few simple words she
made known her father to Mrs Hale
A buzz of astOniShment rose up around -
Mrs Hale looked bewildered and confused
but, ere Jessie had done speaking, Mr.. Hale
was at her side
This is your father, Jessie, is it? Then |
am glad to make his acquaintance" Mr. Hale
held ont his hand to Richard have only
seen you once before, Mr. MaIlett Git was when
your uncle ded); but have not forgotten
your behavior then
Mr.. Hale's prompt manner had spared any
thing like a scene, and relieved every one at
once.
Sir, thank you; that's kindly said But
let me explain how | came TO intrude myself
here" Richard stood erect, and unembarras-
sed with his hat off az aint a man to intrude
myself anywhere, but had a reason fer COM
ing here which mey be a wrong un but which
i couldn't help follerin' out For now goin'
on seven years, sir | have been pining for the
sight of my child, and all this time / have ne
yer meddled nor interfered with the edication
knew she ought to have. / come down here
to-day, sir, to claim her, and see if she still
loved me as she used to do ) but ] come, I'm
afeard, in a sperit as might have led to no good.
had grown mstrustfuI, and thought she'd be
changed, and ashamed of me. So when she
comes into your parlor, where l was waitin'
for her just now, steeled my heart again her,
bonny as she looked, and felt jealous of her
dress and lady ways. She said she was ready
to go wi me, but she seemed to be frightened
El-o fbNurhk nd 7 hto1 Lo, G.