Maryland free press., 1866-06-28

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does the matter strike you?'
'And you're really in earnest, sr2" Ed
ward could hardly believe that he heard Alright.
''Altogether in earnest" replied Mr.. Campbell.
"You can turn the matter over in your mind,
and give me an answer at your earliest conve-
nience."
''lt needs no turning over, sir" was Edwards
frankly spoken answer mo deliber ,tion.
say yes, without an instants hesitation"
"Then the matter is settled as to the fact"
said Mr.. Campbell; 'and we have only to arrange
the terms of co-partnership. In a few days l
will prepare basis, when We can all meet and
come to q full understanding"
When Mr.. Campbell retired, and Edward went
up stairs his mother and sister, met him with in
quiring words, as well as..inquiring faces.
"What did Mr.. Campbell want" was asked,
with undisgused interest.
Edward took his place at the table, and look |
ing across it at his mother, said, while his whole
countenance lit up with pleasure that he could
not suppress.
Gas you would never for a moment imagine
the good fortune that has come to my door,
will tell you. Mr.. Campbell has offered me an
interest in his business. am to be partner
ooh, Edward!'' exclaimed Mrs. Strong, her
face flushing with pride and joy. .'This is in
deed good fortune. l could have asked nothing
better for you than this. But, what to me is best
Of all, is the fact that you have so honestly and
patiently worked your way to this position
er in single instance been tarnished; that our
family heirloom is as bright to-day, as when it
passed into your keeping. 1t was richer lega-
cy than gold, that may be scattered in day;
but this will endure forever"
A different scene from this was passing in the
house of Mrs. Raynor. That unhappy mother sat
before her elegant rosewood escritoir with her
face buried in her hands, and an open letter ly-
ing beside her. She had been weeping; but the
wild turbulence of her feelings had subsidized, and
she was now pondering sadly the contents ofthis
letter, and trying to decide as 10 her duty
up, she took the letter, and ad the few lines it
contained, for the third time. 1t was dated New
Orleans, and ran briefly thus,
'tDEAR MOTHER:
"Send me two hundred dollars Immediately.
| am sick, and out of funds, and l wish to get
home. Don't fall mother.
"AffectOnately, your son. :,
II sent him three hundred dollars q
month ago." murmured Mrs. Raynor, as
she held the letter before her eyes. "But
there he is still; the money all wasted
If send him more, it will be spent in dis
sipation, or at the gaming table, which has
already swallowed up every dollar of his
fortune"
At this moment the door opened, and
the daughter of Mrs. Raynor came in.-
She held letter in her hand.
II have letter from Charles, mother" I"
she said. land want to talk with you
about it,"
The eyes of the young girl were wet and
her countenance depressed and troubled.
'Xou letter from Charles, Agnes"'
Mrs. Raynor spoke in tone of surprise
when did you receive it?"
To-day"
"What does he want?'
Money"
'And from you?" said Mrs. Raynor,
with increased surprise. "How much
does he want?"
"a thousand dollars.
"a thousand dollars, Agnesw
"Yes."
"For what purpose?"
''He wished me to keep the letter a Sc
cret from you; but, fear have already
kept his secrets too long. From first to
last, l have sent him over ten thousand
dollars"
"Why. Agnes" The color that had
come into the face of Mrs. Raynor, faded
away. and she looked at her daughter with
parted lips and brows contracted with pain
Ten thousand dollarsw She repeated
the words in blank astonishment. "Why
did you keep this from e, my child?"
"Only because he desired it. 1 knew
it was wrong"
docs Mr.. H-know of this?"
"No. He often questioned me about
my large drafts Of money; but did moi
give him any satisfaction.
"May I read your brothers letter?
asked Mrs. Raynor.
Agnes handed her mother the letter,
who opened it and read,-
DEAR SISTER:
II must trespass once more on your gen.
erous kindness. Send me thousand dol
lars without fail Immediately. I shall
start. the moment receive 1t, with conn.,
pany of traders for Santa Fe. I have a
warm friend in the company generous,
noble fellow-with whom am going into
business. on arriving out. 1t is rare OPP
portunity, and must not lose it, as l GER
tainly shall, unless receive from you the
necessary funds for an outfit. Don't fail
me, now, dear Agnes! Everything is at
stake. Anew life is opening before nj e.
new prospects, new aims-a new sphere OF
action. have seen my folly, and am re.
solved to recover all that have lost. You
have been dear good sister, and will
soon pay back all your many favors Be
sure to keep this from mother, and send
the money without fail.
"CHARLEs."
Mrs. Raynor sat for some time, after,
reading this letter, without speaking OF
moving. Then, looking up at her daugh-
ter, she said.
'How long is it since you sent Charles
money!"
About four weeks"
"How much did you send him them"
"a thousand dollars"
ut can't be possible, Agnes"
Mrs. Raynor looked bewildered. 81
sent him three hundred dollars month
ago, and now he writes for two hundred
more, saying he is sick, and anxious To
| get home"