North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1862-08-27
TUNKHANNOCK, PA. WEDNESDAY, AUG 27 1862.

India was my salVatlon, not mereiy De-
cause of the plentiful share ofgold | had laid
up, but because my earnest labor counter
acted the evil of nature and made me bet
ter man. And when at the end of three
years prepared to return, wrote nothing
to the dear ones was about to meet, of the
reformation which knew had taken place
They loved me as 1 was," l murmured to
myself, {" and they shall find for themselves
if am better worth the loving as am"
packed up many token from that land
of gold for the many friends was to meet
The gift for Mary Moore was one selected
with beating heart. A ring of rough vir-
gin gold, with my name and hets ipgraved
inside. That was all, and yet the little toy
thrilled Inc strangely as I balanced it on the
tip of my finger. To the eyes of others it
was hnt small plain crclet, suggesting
thoughts, by its daintness, of the dainty
white hand that was to wear it. But to me
oh, me, how much was embodied there -
A loving smile on a beautiful face--low
words of welcome-a happy home and
sweet face smiling there-a group of merry
children to climb my knees-all these de-
lights were hidden within that little ring of
gold.
A tall, bea ded, sun bronzed man, knock
ed at the door of my fathers house. The
lights in the parlor windows, and the hum of
conversation, and the cheerful laughter show
ed me that company were assembled there.
| hoped that my sister Jennie would come to
the door and that | might greet my family
when no strangers eyes were looking Curl
ously on. But no-a servant answered my
summons they were to merry in the par
lor to heed the long absent one when he
asks for admittance. Some such bitter
thoughts was passing through my mind, as
| heard the sound from the parlor and saw
the half suppressed smile upon the servants
face.
| hesitated moment before I made my
self known, or asked for the family. And
while stood silent strange apparltion grew
up before me. From behind the servant
peered out a small, golden head, a tiny, deli
cate form followed, and sweet childish face
and blue eyes were lifted up to mine; SO
like the one that had frightened my boy
hood that | started back with sudden feel
ing of pain.
"What may your name be, little one ?" l
asked, while the wondering servant held the
door.
She lifted up her hand as if to shade her,
Q hal seen that very attitude in another, in
my boyhood, many and many time) and
answered in a sweet, bird like voice.
Mary Moore"
"And what else ?" asked.
"Mary Moore Chester" lisped the little
child.
Ny heart sunk down like lead. Here was
an end to all the bright dreams and hopes of
my youth and manhood. Frank Chester,
my boyish rival who had often tried in vain
10 usurp my place beside the girl, had sue
ceeded at last, and won the woman away
from me This was his child-his child and
Mary's And l must go in there and meet
her once again, and then go away forever and
die-if God would let me!
/ sank body and soul beneath this blow
and hiding my face in my hands l leaned
against the door. The little one gazed at
me grieved and amazed and put up her pret-
ty lips as if about to cry, while the perplex-
ed servant stepped to the parlor door and
called my sister out to find out who it could
be that conducted himself so strangely.
heard light step and a pleasant voice,
saying:
"Dd you wish to see my father, sir 2''
looked up. There stood pretty, sweet
faced maiden of twenty, not much changed
from the dear little sister | had loved SO
we'll: looked at her moment and then
stilllng the tumult of my heart by mighty
effort, opened my arms and said:
"Jennie don't you know me p
"Harry, Oh my brother Harry ?'' she
cried, and threw herself upon my breast
She wcpt as if her heart would break.
could not weep. drew her gently into the
lighted parlor, and stood with her before
them all. There was rush and cry of joy !;
and then my mother and my father sprang
towards me, and welcomed me home with
heartfelt tears. Oh, strange and passing
sweet is such a greeting to the way-worn
traveller. And as held my old mother to
my heart and grasped my fathers hand,
while Jennie clung beside me, | felt that all
was not yet lost, and though another had Sc
cured life's choicest blessing, many ajoy re-
mained for me in this dear sanctuary Of
home. s.r..t
There were four others, inmates of the
room who had risen on my sudden entrance
a Al l,,o ol,;l1 rrbo,, I hoI o1