Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-01-13
Massachusetts," she replied.
What part, Frances ?"

Massachusetts," she replied
what part, Frances p"
"Lowell "
"Was you acquainted with Mr.. Robert Depue's 8
family, they have the same name as vouselfP'i
she eagerly inquired.
"fesi quite well, she answered, very quietly.
and Is the old gentleman still living III Mrs.
smith earnestly asked, and continued, ~ have
not heard from there in a long time.n
''NO, he is dead" she replied, with n sigb.
'he has been dead almost one year"
dead Poor old man !" Mrs Smith exclaim-
ed, and she brushed a tear from her cheek.
rel me- Frances, all you know about him, and
ms death, and will-be thankful TO you for it.'
81 suppose his death was like that Of many
otner poor old men," she began-and continued,
as sad expression stole over her face-uTbe
Old gentleman had two daughters. The vouno-
est got married and emigrated to st. Louis with
ner husband, leaving the eldest at home with the
ia'her. Finally she, too, got married. and. like
ner youngest sister, emigrated to the West with
her husband, and left the old gentleman alone;
ana believe be never heard from her after
marus-oniy through strangers. heard they
band, Mr. Smith, was rich."
FRANCES, hasten your recital" exclaimed
Depue's DEATH ''-''
THE tale is a short one. Madam" Frances
replied-and she gave Mrs. Smith a look that
made her trembe. "The old gentleman" she
continued, twas left alone to the tender merces
Of strangers. A long sickness followed, and ex-
hausted his once competent means for in the
absence Of those who should have been al his
Deuside, there had been no one 10 take care of
MS alairs. After all was gone they meroifuIly
sent the Old gentleman to the amshousep
"Oh, my God and he died there Z" exclaimed
Mrs. smith, between the choking sobs that
escaped from her lips.
''Oh no, he did not die there" Frances re-
phed, "for his youngest daughter returned.
She had buried her husband at St. Louis. and
after gathering his estate together, she turned
ner footsteps to her fathers house This mis-
fortune OF her only parent end friend was anoth-
er SAD blow to her; but che soon provided a
home for him, and for nearly year she nursed
and watched over him. and on his death he'd re-
ceived his last blessing in reward for her dutfnI
conduct. He is buried by the side of his wife in
the old burying ground" Frances grew pale Az
the recital, and tears fell, as did those Of her
''Ahl then my poor old father is dead y" ex-
is she 2" "-si'
"She remained in Lowell for some time after
her fathers death" Frances continued, 'sexpect-
ing 70 near from her sister Elizabeth, to whom
sh had often written without receiving anv re.
Ply. She finally concluded to come to California.
one arrived here two months ago, and by a
strange fatality was introduced into her sisters
house as servant, where she has been ever
der words were so calmly spoken that Mrs.
Smith was startled. "HoW could this be !" ex.
claimed Mrs Smith, as she sprang towards
Frances, "and l not know you? Ah, slla
Francis, NY sister"-and Mrs Smith extended
her arms to embrace her. But Frances quietly
prevented her from doing so as she replied mo,
Elizabeth, came here as your servant; as such
you treated me, and such will leave''
And she left the room. Not the prayers of
ler sister, nor the entreaies of her brother-in-
law, could change her resolve
Il was terrible lesson TO Mrs. Smith, and she
Will never forgetit Ella Frances Depue W
was soon after married to a merchant who knew
her at ST. Louis, and appreciated her, aud she
IS now mistress Of home equal in wealth TO her
sisters, and more replete with happiness.
With the exception of names, this s.Story of
To- Day" is true and the aoiors need not blush
It its recital, for this is but one Of the many that
IRE stranger than fiction San Francisco Golden
Era.