Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1865-07-20
RETRIBUTION.
ny LIBDIH.

a perfect Deauty WIS ilttle DarDarA LIVING
ston, with her golden-aecked b. aids, tender
violet eyes, and mouth like the opening leaves
of young rosebud; and it seemed that her
beauty was enhanced as she warbled soft
low melody, lulling to repone little one,
whose sunny curls and blue eyes bore strong
resemblance to hers.
A beautiful picture was that little white
cottage, nestled amidst perfect wilderness of
SNOWFALL and lilac bushes, the low French
windows, wrcathed with roses, while the for
est trees interlocked their arms protectingly
over the low roof
But far lovelier picture did that young
mother, Barbara Livingston present, us SHE
sat in her low rocker, beneath the overhang-
ing roses, her cherry lips wreathed with
smiles. while to her babe she warblcd bird
like lullaby. But ever and anon her voice
sank into gentle ripple, as she bent her
bright head. listening to hear the Hell-known
footstep of Ernest, her husband.
In few moments the gate changed to. and
hasty step traversing the .gravclled walk
told Of his arrival. Barbara pressed her
snowy finger on her coral lips, in token Of 81
lence. with world Of tenderness looming
from the blue depths Of her eyes. q, she uhis-
pcrcd,-
''Be very still Ernest. have jus. succeed
ed in getting Carrie asleep"
A kiss was the answer, which was very low
cr.like for the husband of two years, as he
held before her letter. .
a letter from Cousin Lorctte." she ex-
claimed in delighted tone, as, after she had
placed the sleeping Carrie in her crib, she
broke the seal aud Commenced the perusal.
Every sad news, Ernest" she replied to
his inquiry, as she folded tho letter up after
reading it. "Unce Mobray is dead, died
bankrupt, md Lorctte, who lost her mother
years ago, is now left pennlcss orphan. -
Aud | think we. who eau SO we'll afford it.
ought to offer her home with u.s."
"Ccrtainly" responded Ernest, as he de-
posted his boots on the mantel, and half
smoked cigar in the arms Of china cupid /;
anything y,u please, my DEAR" with an ad
miring glance at his beautiful wife.
"But don't you think it would be good
idea!" continued Barbara we would be
so much company for one another. And oh i,
Lorette is 50 beautiful ~ she added, childish
ly. "You never saw her, Ernest, and do
not know the magnetic influence of her glori-
Gus dark eyes, She is the loveliest woman |
ever saw and did not know possessed the
whole Of your hearts love and affection, |
should trenble to have her come here, lest she
might usurp me" she added. gazing with an
arch smile in her husbands Gee,
Did my little Barbara think that any one
could usurp here' replied Ernest in tender
tone, as he wound his arms caressingly around
her slender waist.
"No, Ernest l did but Jest But tea is
ready and Bridget says if We do not hasten
her mullins will all spoil"
OF course this had the effect Of making Fr-
nest direct his steps towards the tca-room, and
who ever saw man that it wouldn't?
That evening Barbara penned letter of
coincidence and sympathy to her befeaycd
cousin. at tile same time extending to her
cordial invitation to come and make her home
with them.
In few days an answer was received, sta
ting Lorettc's gratitude, saying that she would
accept her cousins kind invitation for the
present. at least. and concluded by writing
that they might expect her the next week.
And so it was that in a few days carriage
stopped before the cottage gate, from which
alighted lady, who was no less a person than
Lcrctte Mobray.
The door opened, and down tho flowcr-bor-
dered walk flew Barbara, her hair cleaning
i'll the sun, her cheeks flushed like the apple
blossom in her excitement, her muslin robe
iu the breeze, and her snowy hands
outstretched to welcome her cousin
Dear I.orette, how glad am to see you,
and so will Ernest be when he comes" ex
claimed Barbara, ss she conducted her into the
o,ol ,itt,,,, 4 Ia.
her bonnet and mantle.
GLOW delightful" murmurcd Lorette. her
eyes wandering around the tastcfully and ele-
gantly furnished apartment, and then to the
wilderness of the flowers without. ''Ti,
perfect little Eden"
Indeed it was; and thou vast the serpent:
Lorette Mowbray, that entered and destroyed
the peace and happiness of that little Para
disc
But where is your babe your little Carrie,
Of whom you have told me 80 much in your
letters Z" .t
Here, y responded the young mother fond
y, as she stepped into the next room and re-
turned with the little one, looking so fresh |
and beautiful in her snowy muslin robe, her
short golden curs clustering around her fair
brow, and her blue eyes, so strangely like |
Barbara's. dancing with innocent glee; ''see.
lcre is my jewel-my incstimable treasure" |
Little blue-eyed cherub," returned Lo-
'ette, as site pressed her ripe lips on the fair |
,pen brow of tie child. a perfect picture of
yourself. Barbara" added she, with an admir-
ng glance FIRST at one aud then at the other,
carcely knowing which was tho MOST beauti-
ul. .... ... ......
"But ma chere ann, am very much fatigued
md would like to rest before dress for tea"
And so Barbara led the way to the room
ssigned to her cousin, where all that love
md wealth could procure was lavshed.
i" Here. darling Lorette. is your room, and
t shall be yours for as long time as you
hall choose to remain with u.s." .t
Thanks, dear Barbara, for your kind sol
itude for my welfare, and, he assured, that |
hall never forget it," rsy
So Barbara left her and returned to the sit
ing room to await the arrival of Ernest. who
n about an hour. was seen treading the path
hat led to the cottage. She met him at the
oor, her lovely lips wrcatted in smiles, as
he eagerly exclaimed, - -.
''Ernest, Lorette has come; ard she is love.
Ter than ever. Her bereavement seem. only
D have added now charm to her wonderful
cauty." re-.-h rmt
l