The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1869-04-09

and expressed to the sufferer the sympathy /
really felt for him. After that / seldom
passed the corner without looking for Pap
Ainsley," and never saw HIM but to think of
the sad story he had told me.
One chilly, drizzly day in December fol-
lowing, agentleman having purchased small
marble top table at an auction room op-
posite, proffered to the old the job of carry
ing it to his residence at Stockton. Not
wishing to accompany the carrier, he had Sc
lected the face giving the best assurance of
careful delivery of his purchase.
Furnished with the number of the house,
the old cartman after trying struggle with
the ascent of California street, reached his
| destination and deposited the table in the
hall. Lingering moment the lady did not
surmise the reason, until he politely inform
ed her that her husband (for such he took
him to be) had omitted, probably accidental
| ", to pay for the carriage.
Every well, will pay you" said the lady
stepping iuto an adjoining room.
| She returned, and stating that she had no
small coin in the house, handing the man a
twenty dollar gold piece.
He could not make the change.
"Never mind, will call tomorrow" he
said, turning to GO.
"No, no, replied the lady, glancing pity
| ipply at the white locks and trembling limbs,
II will not put you to so much trouble. and
she handed the coin to Bridget, with instruc,
tions to see if she could get it changed at
one of the stores or markets in the neighbor.
hood.
"Step into the parlor until the girl re
turns, the air is chilly and you must be cold
continued the lady. Come" she added, al
he looked at his attire and hesitated; "there':
a fire in the CRATE, and no one there but the
children"
ut is somewhat chilly" said the oil mar
following her into the parlor, and taking {
seat near the fire.
Perhaps may find some silver in the
house." said the lady, leaving the room, 'fol
fear that Bridget will not get the twenty
dollar piece changed"
Come, love little children" and the
child, who had been watching him with curl
osity, ran behind the large armchair, aut
hesitatingly approached.
"What is your name, my little child!'
Maria" lispcd the little one.
"Maria," he repeated, while the great tears
gathered in his eyes; Il once had a littl,
girl named Maria, and you look very much al
she did"
"Did your" said the child, with much in
terest; land was her name Maria Eastman
too?'
"Merciful Cod" exclaimed the old man
starting from his chair, and then droppln:
into it again, with his head bowed upon hi
breast. This cannot be. and yet why not?
He caught up the child in his arms with al
eageruass that frightened II, and gazing in
to her face until he found conviction there
suddenly rose to leave the house.
81 cannot meet her without betraying my
self, and dare not tell her that | am tina
drunken father who attempted to take he
life, and perhaps left her husband Il cripple,
he groaned, as he hurried towards the door.
The little ones were bewildered.
'sYou are not going?' said the mother re
appearing. and discovering the act Of lcavin;
the hall.
He stopped, and apparently turned hi
face, but seemed to lack the resolution to d
aught else
''lIe said he had little Maria once tina
Just looked like me, MOTHER shouted til
child, her eyes sparkling with delight.
The knees of the old cartnan trembled
and he learned against the door for support
The lady sprang toward him, took him b
the arm, and attempted to conduct him to
chair.
> mo, no." he exclaimed, not till you te
me am forgiven"
"Forgiven-tor what?" replied the motl
er, greatly alarmed.
Recognize in me your wretched father
and need not tell you.
.My poor father she cried, throwing he
arms around his neck, all is forgiven all TO
gotten"
All was forgiven, and the husband, whe
he returned late 10 the afternoon, was scarce
: ly less reioiced than his good wife at the d