The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1859-08-19

had told me.
One chilly, drizzling day in the December
following gentleman having purchased a
small marb le top table al an auction room oppo-
site, offered 10 tbe old man the Job of con-
veying it to his residence, on Stockton street.
Not wishing to accompany the carrier, he had
selected the face, probably giving the best
assurance ofthe careful delivery of the pur-
chase.
Furnished with the number of The house, the
old cartman, after a pretty trying struggle
with the steep ascent of California street,
reached his destination, and deposited the table
in the hall. Lingering moment, the lady did
not surmIse the reason, until he politely IN
formed her that her husband for such he took
hin TO be) had probably by accident neglected
10 settle for The carriage
every well, will pay you," said the lady,
stepping, into an adjoining room. She returned,
aud stating that she had no small coin in the
house, handed the man twenty dollar piece
He could not make change. ''Never mind,
[ will call tomorrow said he turning TO go.
''No, no! ;" replied the lady, glanc,ng pit
yingIy at his white locks and trembling limbs
81 will not put you to so much trouble . and
she handed the coin to Bridget, with instruc-
tions TO il she could get it changed at one OF
the stores or markets IN the neIghborhood.
"Step into the parlor until the girl returns
the air is chilly, and you must be cold" con-
tinued the lady, kindly. "Come," she added,
as he looked at his attire aud hesilated eahere
IS fire in the CRATE, and no one there but the
children
at is somewhat chilly" replied the old man,
following her into the parIor, and taking seat
near the fire. 'PerhaPs I may find some silver
in the house," said the lady, leaving The room,
for I fear Bridget will not succeed in getting
the twenty dollar piece changed"
"Come-I love little Children and the
child who had been watching him with Gu
riosity run behind the large arm chair, besta-
tingly approached.
'Wbat is your name, dear - inquired the
cartman.
''-''dI id, ItSpeu tue IittiS one,
"3Iaria - he repeated while the great tears
gathered in his eyes I once bad little girl
named Maria, and you look very much like she
dld''
"Did you ~ inquired the child with SEEM
inc interest, sand was her name Maria East
man, too ~
"Merciful God !" exclaimed the old man.
starting from his chair and dropping into it
with his head bowed upon his breast. oThis
cannot be and yet, why not -
He caught the child in his arms with an
eagerness that frightened her, and gazing into
her face until he found conviction there, sudden.
ly rose to leave the house. II cannot meet
her without bstrayog myself, and dare not
tell her that am that drunken father who
once attempted to take her life, and perhaps left
her husband cripple" he groaned, as he
hurried towards the door.
The little ones were bpwildered. aYou are
not going ~ said the mother re-appearing. and
and discovering the old man in the act of
passing into The hall.
He stopped and apparently turned lis face,
bu. seemed TO lack the resolution TO do ought
else.
ale said he had little Maria once, that
looked Just like me, MOTHER shouted the child,
her eyes sparkling with delight.
The knees of the old cartman trembled and
he leaned against the door for support. The
lady sprang towards him, seized him by the
arm, aud attempted to conduct him toward
chair.
''No, no he exclaimed, "not till you tell
me am forgiven -
forgiven for what % replied .he mother,
"Recognlze in me your wretcbed father, and
l need not tell you - he faltered.
"My poor father :" she cried, throwing her
arms around his neck ''all is forglven-all
forgotten ~
All was forgiven, and the husband when he
returned late in the afternoon was scarcely |
less rejoiced than his good wife atthe discovery
Whether or not Bridget succeeded in changing
the double eagle, / never learned but this I
do know-it took the honest fpmale all of two
months TO unravel the knot into which the
domestic affairs ofthe family bad tied them
selves during her absence. Pap Ansley still |
keeps his cart, for money would not induce
him to part with it. I peeped into the back
yard Of Dr. Eastman, one day last week, and
discovered the old man dragging the favorlte
vehicle round the enclosure, with his four grand
children piled promiscuously into il.