Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-03-13

for it comes, cruncbing the freezing drifts, and
pauses on the step with a quick, determined
sound. And now there is a rap, short, sudden
and eager.
Reuben rises, it is some of the neighbors
with tidings of the lost steamer, news that the
body of his boy has been found, perhaps. lie
opens the door-the wind sweeps in, bringing
with it a cutting shower Of sleet, and also a
happy, hopeful face.
"How are you, father"
The resonant voice rings through the silent
dome like peal of sudden joy. The old ia
ther hears it, and falls in his sons embrace;
the poor mother hears it, and rushes forward
solitude of her little chamber, and hastens
out, her sweet face alternating between smiles
and tears.
30, Simeon-O, my boy they told me you
was dead, drowned, lost in the river; they
wanted to break your old mothers heart, but
you wouldn't let 'em; you've come back, ST.
neon, never to leave me again"
"Never to leave you again, mother-God
willing" He held her to his bosom for a mo-
ment, and then went round to where Faith
stood.
"Now, father and mother" he said, his
voice vibrating with emotion, as he took the
young girls hand, 'let me tell you of my de-
liverance-for delivorance it was-from the
very jaws of death. 1t was Gods providence
gave it to me the morning we parted, and
always kept it about me, and it proved pre-
cious talisman. / went on board the Ocean
Queen this morning, with the rest of the poor
passengers; but just as she was leaving the
wharf, L found that 1 had left my Overcoat
hanging on the railing of the bridge. L didn' t
care for the coat, but Faiths little Bible was
in the pocket, and could not part with that;
so jumped ashore just rs the boat pushed of.
And now, father" he continued, turning to
the old man, who sat in his leathern arm chair
with clasped hands and streaming eyes, 4"
will say with your permission, that which my
heart has long fel.. have succeeded in my
efforts, even beyond my most ardent expecta-
tions; in the far West a comfortable home
awaits US, surrounded by fertile acres sufficient
to yield US all we need. love you, Faith; l
have always loved you, ever since that winter
night when mother brought you home to be
my little sister. Be more than sister now-be
my wife, FAITH
The auburn head went down upon his shoul-
der like flash of sunlight Lisbeth stood in
silence, unable to comprehend the scene; but
and she clasped her arms about them with a
joyful cry: my own precious children, and we
shall all live together and never part again;
shan't We, Simeon"
Never part again, mother, until death parts
US, said the young man, solemnly.
Get his new slippers, Faith, cried the
happy mother, laughing and crying by turns,
they'll be all the more acceptable now; think
heap Of 'em, Simeon-she most worked her
eyes out over 'em."
Simeon put on the velvet slippers, and sat
down in his old place.
Now, Faith, run for the gravy, while stir
up the fire; well have our Thanksgiving din
ner after all.''
" Thanksgiving breakfast, should say,
mother, laughed Simeon
well, it'll do just as well-we've seen a
great many in our day, but this III be the hap
piest one of ALL won't it Reuben?''
" The happiest one of all, Lisbeth," said the
old man, smiling through his tears