Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1868-02-14

"Mr. Smith," she exclaimed land
sank back unable to articulate more
and just then Bridget entered and cut
short her accumulating words.
The twilight of evening had come, and
the sitting room was lighted. Mr.. Smith
took out his portfolio, rang the bell and
Bridget, entered.
Bridget" said Mr.. Smith, am sor-
ry, but Mrs. Smith says she will dispense
with your services after tomorrow. You
have been here two months-I wish
could say two years-and ! am sorry to
part with you. Sign this receipt, and
here is bonus with your wages"
And he placed package of coin by
the side of the paper.
Mr.. Smith took up the receipt and
glanced at the name, and then walked
across the room and held the paper be-
fore his wife.
"Mrs. Smith," said he, "her name
Frances-not Bridget"
A blush suffused Mrs. Smiths face
Frances what State are you from? ="
inquired Mrs. Smith as she was leaving
the room.
Massachusetts," she replied.
"What part, Frances ?"
"Lowell."
"Were you acquainted with Mr.. Rob-
ert Depue's family? 2" she eagerly in
quired "they have the same name as
yourself"
" Yes, quite WELL" she answered very
quietly"
"Andis the old gentleman still living?'
Mrs. Smith earnestly asked, and contin-
ued, 81 have not heard from there in a
long time.'
"No, he is Dead" she replied with a
sigh. He has been dead almost one year. "
"Dead! poor old man Mrs. Smith
exclaimed, and she brushed tear from
her cheek. "Tell me, Frances, all you
know about him, and his death, and ]
will be thankful to you for it,
II suppose his dearn was IKE that ol
many other poor old men," she began
and continued as sad expression stole
over her face: "The old gentleman had
two daughters. The youngest got mar
ried and emigrated to St. Louis with her
husband, leaving the eldest at home with
her father. Finally she too married, and
like her younger sister emigrated to the
West with her husband, and left the old
gentleman alone; and believe he never
heard from her afterwards only through
strangers. / heard that they came to
California, and it was said that her hus-
band, Mr.. Smith, was rich"
Frances, hasten your recital" ex-
claimed Mrs. Smith impatiently, "and
tell me about Mr.. Depue's doath."
"The tale is short one, Madam" le-
piled Frances-and she gave Mrs. Smith
a look that made her tremble "The
old gentleman" she continued, was left
alone to the tender mercies of strangers
A long sickness followed and exhausted
his once competent means; for, in the
absence of those who should have been
at his bedside, there was no one to take
care of his affairs. After all was gone
they mercifully sent him to the aims
house!"
"Oh, my God /! and he died there ?"
exclaimed Mrs. Smith, between the chok-
ing sobs that escaped from her lips.
"Oh, no, he did not die there" Fran
ces replied, " for his youngest daughter
returned. She buried her husband at
St. Louis, and after gathering her estate
together, she turned her attention to her
fathers house. The misfortune of her
parent was a sore grief; but soon she
prepared home for him, and for nearly
q year she nursed and watched over him,
and on his death-bed received his last
blessing in reward for her dutiful con-
duct. He is buried beside his wife in the
old burying-ground."
Frances grew pale at this recital, and
her tears fell, as did those of her hearers.
All, then, my poor father is dead :"
exclaimed Mrs. Smith, "and Ella, my
sister, where is she?"
"She remained in Lowell some time
after her fathers DEATH" Frances con-
tinued, expecting to hear from her sister
Elizabeth, to whom she had often written
without receiving any reply. She finally
concludedtogo to California. Shearrived
here two months ago, and by strange
fatality was introduced into her sisters
house servant, where she has been ever
since"
Her words were so carelessly spoken
that Mrs. Smith was startled.
"How could this be-" exclaimed Mrs.
Smith, as she spraDg toward Frances,
"and / not know you All, Ella Fran