The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-11-25

io'''o' 'he oiu 1fti 'lii'tii. allef pretty trI
INC struggle with the steep ascent of Cali
tornia street, reached his destination. an,
deposited the table in the hall. Lingerin.
a moment. the lady did not surmi>e tin
reason, until he politely informed her tha
her husband Gor such he took him to bel
had probably by accident omitted to SETTLE
for the carriage.
Very well, | will pay vou," said tn,
lady, stepping into an adjoining room.-
She returned and, stating that she had n,
small coin in the house, handed the MAJ
a twenty dollar piece,
He could not make change. Never
mind. | will call Tomorrow" he said
turning TO GO
"No- no." replied the lady, glancine
physically at his white locks and tremb
ling limbs, Il will not put YOU to st
much trouble" and she handed the coir
to Bridget, with instructions to see if sb,
could not get il changed at one of tn,
stores or markets in the neighborhood.
''Step into the parlor until the girl re.
turns; the air is chilly, and You must be
cold" continued the lady. Come" she
added. as he looked at his attire and hesi-
tated; = there is a fire in the CRATE, and
no one there but the children
81 1t is somewhat chilly" replied the
old man, following her into the parlor
and taking seat near the fire.
Perhaps | may find some silver in
the house." said the lady. leaving the
room, {" for ! fear Bridget will not sue
ceed in getting the twenty dollar piece
changed"
"Come-I love little children and
the child who had been watching him
with curiosity ran behind the large arm
chair and he>itatingly approached
What is your name, dear" inquired
/ the cart man.
4" Maria" lisped the little one
=" Maria ," he repeated, while the great
tears gathered in his ewes. Il once had
a little girl named Maria. and YOU look
very much like she did"
Did YOU" inquired the child with
seeming interest. land was her name
Maria Eastman. too ,"
"Mcrciful God" exclaimed the old
man. starting from his chair and drop
ping into it with hi> head bowed upon his
breast. This cannot be, and yet. WHY
not -
He caught the child in hi arms with
an eag ,rneS> that frightened her. and @az-
! ING into her face until he found convic-
lion there. and suddenly rose to leave the
house. Il cannot meet her without be-
traving mv>cli'. and dare not tell her that
| am that drunken father who once at
tempted to take her life, and perhaps left
her husband cripple, he =r"anc,i AZ he
hurried towards the door. The little
ones were bewildered- . You are not
going }" said the mother reappearing. and
discovering the old man ust leaving the
hall
He stopped and apparently turned hi-
face, but seeming TO lack the resolution 10
do augit else.
:. He said he had Il little Maria once.
that looked Just like me. mother shouted
the child. her eyes sparkling with delight
The knees of the old rartman trrmbled.
and he leaned against the door for sup
port. The lady spr;ng toward him. took
him by the arm, and attempted TO con-
duet him TO chair.
{" No. no." he exclaimed. "not till
YOU tell me am forgiven"
Forgivcn.-tor what replied the
mother, in alarm
Recognize in me Your wretched faith
{ er. and | need moi tell vou." he faltered
My poor father, - she cried, throw
ing her arms round his neck. AL is for
giyen-all forgotten
All was forgiven, and the husband.
when he returned late in the afternoon,
was scarcely less reioiced than his good
wife. at the discovery Whether or NOT
Bridget succeeded in changing the double
earle. | never learned: but this | dc
know. it took the honest female all oi
two months 10 unr:,vcl the knot into
which the domestic family had tied them
selves during her absence. Pap Ainsly'
still keeps hi> cart, Tor money would not
induce him TO p.ri with il Ipceped i'll
to the back yar,l - DR. Eastman. one
dav last week. an discovered the old man
dragging the tlvoriIe vehicle round th,
enclosure with his four grandchildren pil.
cd promi>cuouSly ly into ii.