, 1864-06-06


land. Suppose we dismount, and rambl
for awhile among the trees; with our fee
upon the soft grass, and under the coolinj
shade, our recollections Of our distant home
and "reminiscences Of past years, will returi
with greater warmth and freshness"
This proposal was gladly acccded to b,
his companions; and, having given thei
horses to the care Of their attendant, the,
/ wandered about for some time, and at last
finding grassy spot sheltered from theFay
Of the sun, they seated themselves, and en-
tered into an animated and cheerful conver
sation.
"Pray, Mr.. Douglas" said General For
tescue, addressing himself to Philip. is youl
father Scotchman? l should think sc
from the name."
Philip colored painfully; and the Gen
eral, perceiving his confusion, added, T" Ex
cuse the liberty l have taken in asking the
question: did not arise from idle curiosi
ty. The deayest friend Of my early day.
was Douglas, and the name is connected
in my remembrance with scenes in which ]
spent many Of my happiest days, when hops
gilded my visions Of the future, alas only
to deceive me. Yes, if Gavin Douglas still
survives, l must find him out"
"Gavin DouglasP said Edward in sur.
prise; "was he Douglas Of Eskhall?"
"The same," replied he.
"My fatherp said Edward.
ais 1t possible! And are you really the
sou Of my dearest and earliest friend? Won.
derful are the mysterious sympathies Of ma
turel How strangely was attracted to-
wards you both, but more especially to.
wards your friend, whom presume to be
your younger brother"
"No, he is not even q connexion, though
hope he soon will be one!"
"Then whose son is hep
Philip, with cheeks glowing, and eyes
flashing with vainly resisted emotion, an
swered, in rapid and passionate accents
"The son Of one who was ashamed to
own him; who deserted him in his infancy,
and cast him shelterless upon the casual
bounty Of strangers; the nameless son Of
nanleless father; perhaps and his eye
fell, and his voice trembled-"the offspring
of shame, as Of misfortune"
"Never, Philip said Edward; "the
pure stream rises from the pure spring.
Whoever your father may be, were he the
highest 10 the land, did he know his son,
he would DO proud, not ashamed, to own
him as such. But, as we have excited the
Generals curiosity, have you any objection
to my gratifying t by reciting the history
Of your lifeY'
Philip made movement Of assent; and
Edward proceeded to give rapid sketch
Of the events which We have already mar
rated, from the time Of Philips desertioD
down to his gallant conduct on board the
Recovery.
The General had listened to his narra-
tive with breathless interest; and, when il
was concluded, asked, in hurried and agi-
tated manner
"Was there no clue by which to trace
his parentage! Nowriting, or other notice
Of his birthl"
"Yes-a paper, stating his name to be
Philip, and that he was born Of good FAM
lily; and ring"
!" Here it is" said Philip, prOducingi it.
The moment the Generals eyes glanced
upon n, his check turned deadly pale, ne
leaned for a moment backward against q
tree, and then, with an eager and trem-
bling hand, he touched spring at the
back Of the seal, and the shield flying open,
the initials p. u NJ. 4" appeared engraved
behind.
My SOM! exclaimed the general, en-:
bracing Philip, while the tears poured
4 An
down his checks-"my long.lost Philip!
Mercitnl heaven! thank thee! how
blind | was not to trace before the resem-
blance TO your sainted motherl The very
eyes and forehead Of my beloved Mary
My son, my son! This hour repays me for
years saddened by the misery OF uncer-
taintyp
Philip, with tears Of grateful JOY, warm
ly returned the embraces OF his newly
found parent, and, even in that moment
Of agitation, his thoughts gladly reverted
to the removal OF that which had been the
principal obstacle to Catherine, the mys-
terry Of his birth. Edward Douglas much
affected BY the unexpected recognition,
had retired to some little distance, to leave
the father and son TO the free expression
of their mutunl feelings; but he was soon
recalled 10 his former station, py the 1en-
| eral, who, shaking him heartily by the hand,