Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-10-24


very rich ; but speculation did the mischief.
See yonder house just beyond the school 1t
was mine. All it was happy home, but 1t
can never be mine again.
And thus he babbled on for the infirmities
of age, prematurely induced by his misfor-
| tunes, had rendered him garrulous. He was
indeed changed for among all / had seen
since my return home, not one had grown so
old as he. He did not recognize me; and as
l drove slowly along, very slowly--for he said
many things that were interesting to mel
learned more of his circumstances, and of the
sacrifices, concessions, efforts and filia afec-
tion of his daughter, Isabcl-the name affec-
ted me, will confess it--than had previous.
ly ascertained.
had often passed the school house, as it
was directly on my way to my new purchase,
but had never before caught sight of the fair
teacher. AS we now approached, observed
the scholars rushing from the door, and before
we drove up, she herself emerged and stood
before us.
to ride in his chaise, and [ want you to thank
him in my behalf, because you do not know
how much it has rested me.''
If L had remained unrecognizcd by the
father, | could not escape the searching glance
of the daughter. Her quickly changing color
| indicated at once that she knew or at least
suspected who l was. / turned round my
IL.
saying, "Permit me, Miss Hayne-your father
is fatigued, and | will drive you to your home.
| shall have ample time to attend to my other
business afterward.''
She stammered some excuse but insisted
upon her riding, and had the satisfaction of
seeing her yield.
For a moment gave myself up to the hap
py memories of the past. was again beside
the only being had loved | felt the
rustic of her dress against my hand, and not
withstanding my exterior GOODNESS and assum-
ed formality. could not suppress the tumut
within.
Isabel was little changed but changed
much for the better. The naughty maiden
had become the beautiful woman. She was
pensive, sad. But little was said during our
homeward drive, except that which was utter
ed by the talkative old gentleman. Isabel
said nothing. What strange meeting had
l been an entire stranger, as Mr.. Hayne sup
posed me, it could scarcely have been differ
ent. She did indeed smile when l lifted her
from the chaise, then lisped, 'sThank you,"
then blushed, then paled again. Mr.. Hayne
cordially invited me to revisit their humble
cottage, and solicited the honor of knowing
my name.
''ls it possible 2" he exclaimed ssis this
indeed our old friend Temples son and re-
turned rich too, they say. Heaven grant you
may make good use of your money but be
warned by an old man, and make no rash ven-
ture. Here, Isabel, daughter Did you not
know this gentleman This is Harry Tenn
pie. You surely cannot have forgotten him."
'sl scarcely recognized him." she replied,
somewhat confused, as she returned from the
cottage to lead her invalid father into the
house. 81 hope we shall have the pleasure of
seeing you here again, Mr.. Temple
1t was the same sweet voice of old, tenn
pered by charity, humility and affections and
softened by the influence of religion and flial
affection.
pondered we'll the circumstances Should
yield to the yearnings of my heart? Should
l again offer my hand, perhaps to be refused ?
Perhaps she would not a second time reject
my offer. was now rich and she poor. 1t
would be no ifice of principle on my part
to offer to we'd the poor school-teacher, altho'
l had determined never to renew my suit with
the wealthy heiress. 1t might have been des-
tiny that decided her to reject my first offer
for had she not done so. l never should have
left home and friends, to wander in foreign
climes in pursuit of wealth. | might at this
very day have been groveling in abject power
ty. l should have been utterly unable to res
tore the old man and his daughter to their old
home, as now fondy hoped to do. Yes, in
deed, pride was conquered, and the principle
which had never been quite extnguished
within me, but against which / had battled
with might for eight years, at length triumph
ed.
visited their cottage repeatedly, and as
sured myself that the change in Isabel's char
acter, disposition and manner was deep and
radical. She no longer had high aspirations
her only thought was the comfort of her do
ting old father.
At length offered my hand again, and this
time felt no scrnples about urging my suit,
since matters occupied quite different posi-
tion from that of former years.
cannot tell you how happy was when L
pressed her to my bosom, and knew that she
was to be mine. If l had loved her in my
pride, and desired to make her my wife, how
much more 1 loved her now in her humility
when knew that L could protect her and re-
store her and her dear old father to their home
again was indeed happy when 1 saw her
shed such copious tears of joy. All, thought
L, this retaliation, this happiness for unhappi-
ness, is sweet both to the giver and the recipi.
ent..