Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-06-30

back securely. kindied fight oir the hearth, and returned to her place. There was no sign of nervousness or fear. save the old movement or placing her hand to her throat, whenever sllr looked that way.
 "Ruth," said Mr~. Fallon, 'I forget sometimes, and look for him. When ] hear a sudden sound, listen for his voice. When the sun shines brightly, I can see shadows pass before me--my heart then leaps up in my throat. and lean forward to clasp him in my arms.
 Il am glad of that, mother, glad that you forget and look for him-l some tunes feel that we will meet again"
 "Aye. in Heaven, dear, said Mrs. Fallon, moving her head slowly, and her hands in the touching way that had come with her blindness.
 Mother, began Ruth, but she grew excited, and laughed strangely as she Il am often so glad for a moment, that l want 10 laugh and dance and sing. l feel that he livesl
 What did you dream last night when you sobbed beside me, Rutl?
 Fl dreamed that 1 went 10 battle field, where women had lifted Ou Dead and laid them gently down to rest. These graves were strewn with N,,rn.e Gnn,a l,;,,J hand t,unr a wreath upon wooden cross by whicli 1 lay. Under the wreath found oui loved ones name. An. mother. the brown, cold sod was sweet to my lips, and the flowers hung heavy with my tears--it makes you weep. mother
 But speak on, child replied Mrs. Fallon, you are so near to me through my son. you have loved him so we'll!
 Ruth kissed her hand and continued
 ",Nhile lay there sobbing. with m, ace pressed to his grave. something iited my head, and 1 saw his dear face. ,boye the mound, smiling upon mel | wept aloud for joy! The sound ot ms voice awoke me, then the chill hand .rcpt down oR my heart again, and irew near to you shivering-it was SD .old! did not know you were awake.
 "Yes, dear, when you fell asleep again, I put my hand on your face to wipe the tears away, but if was hoi and lry-you do not weep like other wo- men, Ruth"
 No, mother, can seldom weep for he comes, 1 will weep. Her eyes were on the window again, IS the old lady shook her head aud spoke: "Ruth, since he died'--
 The other slluddered until her teeth as if with cold
 Are you cold, eliiid!'
 No, mother,-say, since he went away, please"
 Since he went away" continued the slder, Fl feel the second childhood coming on---you know there is sec ond childhood"
 "Yes."
 "I remember 50 much of long ago, not seeing what is passing now, look back and live in the old time. What are you looking for, Ruth Y
 eFor him, mothcr-go on, am listen ng.'
 Are you tired, my daughter2"
 "Oh, no! Talk, mothcr-1 should never grow tired If hearing you speak bf him, or his tathcr. or his little brother and sisters who died--they are all mine, you know. I love them all.'
 q was saying, of late days the past is so clear, and the present dim. l see my wrinkled fare and hands, nor my gray hair. so forget and think they are soit and fine like yours. Just SO, forget to think of Wiusmeede as the man he was when he-went away he seems ia be 6 little boy again, who use9 10 climb on the back of my chair. wfth his yellow curls s.iing my face. l feel his little 6impied hands over my eyes, and heara child's voice bsntering me ,e guess his name, My husband seems to me new, as my boy looked wien he went away. Do you think he was handsome, Rutll?"
 Yes, mother--when lie marched in- to Petersburg, baretooted, cold and hungry, he looked like prince to me,
 And you loved him then?'
 "Oh. mo-" said Ruth smiling faintly. ''not until I knew him te be all he seemed 10 be-"
 "I want to be doing little things for him." continued Mrs. Fallon. following her train of thought to his boyhood Hast Christmas wanted to hang ] little sock by the chimney. waiit his plate hy mine at the table every day it is foolish. but that Is the way old age comes on--we turn back 10 ehildren's s ways.
 His place is always ready" said Ruth, Il place chair for him every day. He might come. oh, he might come!" She spoke vehenently, aud drew chair close beside her.
 "Ah, chiid!" sighed the other, as she took the qnivering hands between her own. Poor thing. poor thingl Ii is harder for you than for me. for will
 
 step, shelaid the kind hands tenderly back in her lap, and walked to the win dow. steadying herself by tho table bed, and chairs as she passed them Holding both hands against the small pane of glass and looking flxedl,