Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1864-07-15


very picture Of dignissd ease. Looking
only upon bis surroundings. one ~ouId
have called him a happy and Fortunate nan
yet many ~HyfArer. breasting the fury OF
the rude March wind. his heart warm With
thoughts Of the dear ones awaiting his ~
turn sas far happier than tbe loneiy and
ehildless old nan.
His face vas partially turned from the
door and 80 sOfly did those little feet "a n
upon the carpet. that she bad nearly reach
ed bis knee before be observed her. In
spite Of his self command. he started a, HI,
eyes fell upon that sweet face.
As for Esteiie. her courage failed her as
she met thar stern inquiring look.
IL beg your pardon" she filtered /:
60 / only came in 70 give you this. Mamma
eade me give Il to you on yosr birthday.
and could not disobey ber.-
Judge Harding mechanically took The
package from Der hand. and. with an e,i-
dent sigh Of relief. she turned 10 leave the
room.
Stay. child" interPosed the Jadge.
% there Is no hurry. Sal do~n.-
Estelle quietly seated herself upon tb.
velvet covered ottoman to which be point
ed. and Judge Harding proceeded 70 open
the package.
IL contained nothing bat = gold Ioeket.
Which be veil remembered placing aroond
his daughter's neck on a happy birthday
long ago has birthday and hers. whoa be
had once fondly termed his birthday rift -
lie touched the spring. and IL aew open.
IL was has Own Likeness. taken IN a sitting
position Beside his chair stood a little
s'rl about Sax Oae small hand trustfullv
N has. the other rested upon kis shoulder.
~hiie the sofsly smiling eyes we're lifted 10
his iaor With look Of cAildlike eonfd~ne.
aa4 l1s~
Ahe warm tide Of awakened tenderness
that swept over han melted every ve.tixe
Of The zee thar gathered around has Leart
Conseicnce began 20 make itself heard
In regard 70 their unhappy estrangement
lad not be been most 20 blames Dad he
not indulge her IN every idle ~him. un;il
her vail grew strong and imper.ous. and
then csrb her suddenly and hArshIys Had
be dealt more gently With her. would she
have taken step that had wrought them
both such bitter woeY
As he raised his eyes they fen upon the
htiie form that WAS sitting where she used
70 sit 50 many years ago. What mavelous
resemblance, Il seemed almost 20 hun
that u must be her very self.
Ah. well did that dying mother know that
nothing she ooald write would softsn that
stern heart Ike this mute remsmbraace Of
all she once vas 70 him. or could plead 20
eioqaeniiy for bcr orphan child. Tears
gsshed from the old mans ewes. and. ris-
ing from has seat be took tie child in bis
arms.
" Ny dear little Es,eIle,- be muttered
my precious birtbd ay gift - come back.
after - long a time. 90 chcer nv desolate
home. naught bat death sbAn part thee and
NE.
That Higbi. when MArEery carried IN the
tea things. sbe saw spectacle that made
her kind old heart rejoice the chi.d ofber
dear Young mistress vas sweedy sleeping
Ia her grandfather arms. whose ewes we're
liked upon her With q look Of pride and ten
derness
And. giving ben wiser love. 4 more
iaithiul guardIansbiP. she crowned bis old
age 9Th peace and JOY. whom be took from
henceforth % bis heart a. well a. his bone
his '' birthday ga