The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1863-12-18

When gallant knights of old conquered
fierce opponents and slew them, men ap-
plauded. There were no human eyes TO
watch the conflict in the rough seaman's
heart. But when he struck his lance into
the breast of that strong, beautiful, pas
sionate love which, to his upright sight,
had grown to be a crime, l think the
angels smiled. For if ever angels watch
ed with any man in hours Of trial and
temptation, they were with this weather.
beaten unlearned sailor, and had been
through the fye-and-forty years of his
earthly pilgrimage.
October. Again the golden sunset lay
along the streets; again the red leaves
crowned the branches and were whirled
earthward by whispering breezes 1t was
Hannah Turner's birthday, and in the
same little room where we last saw her,
she sat amongst her children. The ket-
tie sung and danced upon the fire. The
tea table was spread with homely dainties.
All was ready for the expected guest
For she knew that if he were living, Will
liam Walworth would come to her that
evening. She waited for himas one waits
for cherished friend, but not as woman
watches for her lover. When she had said
that she had no love left for any living
man, she spoke, or thought she spoke the
truth. Six o'clock-the dusky twilight
gathered over the city; deepening with
every moment; lights began to glitter in
the shop windows; the tramp of home
ward-going laborers made the pavement
ring-Hannah arose and lighted her bright
lamp, and drew the curtains, and Just then
knock came at the door. lie she looked
for was come. Rising, she went towards
him and gave him her hand. He took it,
held it one moment, and then sat down,
and she saw something in his face that
awoke her wonder, almost her fear.
when l went away, Hannah, " he said
at length. ~ said goodbye till next Octo-
ber. Through storms and dangers God
heard my prayer that might live to see
this day, and | am happy here. I'm very
happy, Hannah-don't think but What I'm
happy; pray don't, my dear"
Wondering, she looked at him, but did
not speak.
"There are two ways of being happy"
continued the Captain. 81 planned one
out for myself, but God has given me
another. If didn't feel as thankful as l
ought at first, l do now. Bless him for
it. I've brought you back present,
Hannah Turner. One you'll value more
than the shining sewing-box l tried to
please you with last year Shall l tell
you what it is and where found it.
ha &. I.f l.
pale to the very lips.
at comes from a place you know of,
Hannah" said the Captain; "that part OF
the ocean where the Olive Branch went
down years ago. There's little island
there; green place far from any other
land. Tho Plover touched there last Au-
gust, Hannah"
Trembling more and more-her hand
upon his arm now, her lips apart-her eyes
striving to read his very thoughts.
A shipwrecked sailor might live there
years and years, Hannah" continued the
Captain; and might watch in vain for help
for vessels only come near it by chance
What if | were to tell you one had been
there five long years; that l, of all men
Hannah Turnor, was led there by the hand
Of God, that l brought him with me tc
New York, and that he stands outside this
very door even while speak. Oh Han
nah Turner, | didn't think when l said
goodbye until next October, what l should
bring with me when came"
But she did not hear him. She had
plucked the door open-caught sight Of
the form standing in the dark entry, and
with wild cry of joy, lay fainting in her
husbands clasping arms.
And the Captain whispered huskily-
You'll be better alone, my lad" and
stopping to kiss the wondering children
hid his bronzed face amongst their haxer
curls moment and then was gone.
And on that October evening, while
Hannah Turner kept her brthnight witt
dreams of JOY and hope-blessed back int
youth and happiness-Captain Walworth
bending over his vessels side, fastened
lead to white letter, and dropped the tw
together into the water.
"She's married woman again now,
said the Captain, softly: and though i
hurt me to let it go, would be wrong, may
be, to keep what she wrote, thinking Ebel
Turner dead, and trying hard to make he
mind up to be my wife" And so, will
one lingering look, such as we cast into ;
grave, Captain Walworth turned away jus
as twelve o'clock sounding on the air tolC
that Hannah Turner's birthnight was over