The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-01-29
EBENsBURG, PA, THURSDAY JANUARY 30 1868.

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her poor heart seemed breaking. Her
home, her mother, the sea voyage with its
trying incidents and desolation, all rose
wildly before her, and in sad connection
came the uncertain future For two long
hours she sat mourning, till suddenly a
sound fell on her ear that brought flush
to her pale cheeks, dried her tears, and
started her, trembling to her feet. With
a rapidly beating heart she gropcd for her
clothes, aud with shaking hands arranged
her dress.
Leaving her, LET us look in on the fam
lily in the parlor. Rolph, as the greatest
stranger, comes first He is handsome
man, with sad, earnest eyes, that light only
when they rest on Louise. His fine face
speaks OF intellect and cultivation, and his
manners are courteous, yet quiet. In a
very little time the whole party were
charmed with their guest. All restraint
was thrown aside, for they were yet fam
lily party, as the guests for Christmas did
not come until the next day. After some
conversation, the gentleman opened the
piano. and several songs and pieces OF mu-
sic filed up an hour pleasantly.
''Now, Rolph, it is your turn" said
Louise
''Do you play?" said Mollie.
sIndeed he does, bur | love best to hear
him sing. Sing my favorite, Rolph," said
Louise.
'Her favorlte," said Roiph, ''is a song
my father wrote for my sister and myself
He was passionately fond OF music, and no
mean composer, and when any event
affected him deeply, he would often give
his heart voice in music. After my mother
died, he went one evening TO the room
where my sister and myself lay sleeping,
and there he sang, as if by inspiration.
this Prayer tor the Motheress.' 1t was
sacred to him, and he never gave the mu-
sic 10 any one. We were allowed to sing
it only when alone or with him, and it
never passed my lips after he died until [
sang it for Louise"
The symphony was plaintive but when
Rolph let his voice join the music, every
one Of the listeners was spell bound NOT
Only the air, but the deep, rich melody of
the fine voice, and the touching expression
he gave to each word, made the song
prayer indeed. He sang one verse, and
theQ the door behind him opened slowly,
and with a huShed step. an eager yet still
face, Maria came in. Softly, her eyes fixed
on Rolph, she crept to his side, and then
as if by an irresistible impulse,
she poured forth Wailing Volume of song.
Rich, clear, true, yet heart breaking in It's
emotions, her voice sang, unheeding that
Rolph had ceased and with white lips and
quivering frame was Watching hei;. The
last note died away, and then with cry
e. tba 81. % Of h
'fake he home. Oh. take me home"
she sobbcd.
"ChilG, child, where did YOU learn that
song % he cried, taking her mp in his
strong arms.
''It is mammals song. All her own
song, she told me once. Grandpa wrote
it when her mother died Oh shall |
never sec my mother. Can | never go
home!'
All The pent up agony OF months was
shaking her frame now, as she lay sohbing
;u the arms that shook so with agitation
they could scarcely support even her light
figure.
"Tell me your name. Where is your
mother % said Rolph.
:'Nother died on the ship. Ny name
is Maria Berk0l
s.Eerta's child My child ~
Ii was long before Maria could realize
that such happiness lay in store for her.
Her uucle, ard the sweet lady who had
found her in the Snow, promising her
home, love and care. 1t was too bewildcr
ing for belief:
There was a merry Christmas at birs.
Law ton 5, but with some hearts prayers at
opce sorrowtul and glad, sad yet grateful,
went up on that holiday, for the loved
lost, and the lost found.