The Shasta courier., 1860-02-25
CHAPTER II.

Tall, bearded, and n-bronzed, knocked at
the door of my fathers house The lights in the
parlor windows, and the hum of conversation
and cheerful laughter, showed me that company
had assembled there. | hoped my sister Lizzie
would come to the door, and that might greet
my family when no strange eye was looking Gu
riousy on.
But no-a servant answered my summons
They were too merry iu the paror to heed the
long absent one, when he asked for admittance
a bitter thought like this was passing through
my mind as heard the sounds from the parlor,
and saw the half-suppressed smile upon the SER
wants face.
hesitated for moment before made my
self known or asked after the family. And
while stood silent strange apparition grew up
before me. From behind the servant peered out
a small golden head-a tiny, delicate form fol-
lowed, and a sweet, childish face, with blue
eyes was lifted up to mine-so like to those of
one who had frightened my boyhood, that
started back with a sudden feeling of pain
What is your name, my little one r. asked
while the wondering servant held the door
She lifted up her hand as if to shade her ewes
Il had seen that very attitude in another, in nv
ooyhood many and many time } and answered
in sweet, bird-like voice:
Mary Moore"
Ahu Wiat else l asked.
Mary Moore Chester" lisped the child.
My heart sunk down ike lead Here was an
end to all the bright dreams and hopes of nv
youth aud manhood. Frank Chester. nv how.
lsh rival, who had often tried. ard tried in vain
to usurp my place beside the girl, had succeed
ed AT last, and had won her away from mel This
was his child-his child and Nary's.
sank, body and soul, beneath this blow
And, hiding my face in my hands, | leaned
against the door, while my heart went tears of
blood. The little one gazed at me. grieved and
amazed, and put up her pretty lip as if about to
cry, while the perplexed servant stepped to the
paror door and called my sister out, to see who
it could be that conducted himself so strangely
heard light step aud pleasant voice, say
ing:
Did you wish to see my father, sir ~
| looked up. There stood a pretty sweet
faced maiden OF twenty, not much changed from
the dear little sister had loved so we'll look
ed at her for a moment, and then, stiling the
tumult Of my heart by mighty effort, opened
my arms, and said:
Lizzie, don't you know me 2"
Harry! Oh, my brother Harryl" she cried
and threw herself upon my breat. She wept as
il her heart would break
could not weep. l drew her gently into the
lighted parlor, and stood with her before them
all.
There was rush and CRY of Joy, and then my
father and mother sprang towards me- and well
coined me home with heartfelt tears Oh,
strange and passing sweet is such greeting to
the wayworn wandererl And as | held nv
desr old mother to my heart, and grasped nv
lather hand while Lizzie stiH ciung beside ME,
ieit mat all was not yet lost, and though an
eeneF nad secured life's choicest blessing, many
Joy remained for me in this dear sanctuary Of
a home.
here were four other inmates of the room
wa rse1 "a my sudden entrance One
was tAe oi4e-eyeG clil4 ..L5E-1 : had already
seen and who now stood beside Frank Chester.