The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1869-07-27

at home; so if you choose to purchss
yours to- day, do not walt for me-
on will find that, even by wearin
your old trimmings, your funds vii
hardly suffice to cover the heads an
feet Of all the beggars in this city,
Mabel smiled, and turned in an oppo
site direction. The result Of her visi
was made known only to Mrs. Forsyth
who had been house keeper in the fanil
for thirty years. A half hour afterwards
when the two left the house, Mrs. For
syth carrying large basket, John, tht
waiter, sagely remarked that there "mus
be something in the wind, for as long a
| have lived in this House, it's The frs
time Eve known Madam to Caffy d bas
lkct when | was on hand.
That evening the uncle and nieces oc
cupied their usual place in the library
Mabel seated on low chair in front o
the CRATE, gazcd earnestly at the fire
while her hands clasping and unclaspin9
each other, betrayed unusual nervous
mess.
She turned suddenly and gazcd at hel
uncle, whom she found intentlS regard
ing her.
"Are you not well, Nabel2" lie in
quired.
Adelaide gave questioning glance
Toward her sister, then arose and lef
the room.
Mabel arose, and leaning on her un,
clc's shoulder, said, "To-morrow is YOU
Itirth-d day uncle"
"What a memory" he said sportively
at the same time putting his arm around
her. "Wcll, have you my present
READY? ?"
"Yes, only" she replied hesitatingly
ahd her voice trembling-"I want yor
to promise not to be angry when you
receive it."
"Angry, love! Am l iii the habit o.
showing anger to you?. | do not uhder
stand you" But feeling her tears drop.
ping upon his hand, he thought that the
dear child had broken or lost something
he had priced, and intended to try and
replace it.
Would you feel better assured if you
had my written promise2"' he asked hel
kindly.
eyes" said Mabel, smiling through
her tears
Taking slip of paper he wrote:
81 do so.emnly promise, upon the re
ceipt of my birthday gift from my niece
not to be angry, but continue to love and
cherish her as heretofore Witness my
hand. HUGH HARRISON.
Mabel kissed him affectionately, ant
then left the room with the paper clasp
ed tightly in her hand.
Mr.. Harrison sat alone in the library
after breakfast, his thoughts running
sadly on the past He did not hear The
opening door, or the light step on tht
carpet, till he was aroused by child:
voice at his elbow, asking:
care yoti MY grandpaY'
The living counterpart Of the picture
stood before him. He saw the SAME
large black eyes-the same short carl:
peeping from under the velvet cap set Sc
ljauntily upon the head in fact the whole
dress, even to the lace collar and ridin!
whip he held in his hand was the same.
"Child! who are you ?" burst from th'
lips of the startled man,
"1'he lady gave nie this pretty dress
and said was to hand this to iiit gr;tnd
pa"
Mr.. Harrison took the note On th,
outside was written, "Your birth da,
| gift, from Mabel" Inside was the writ
ten promise he had given the night be
fore.
He laid the note upon the table; ant
took the child upon his lap.
'sWhat is your name, my boy"
"Bertie Harrison, and these two kisse!
papa and mama sent, and said please tc
forgive them"
The heart of the stern man was stirred
to its depths.
| ''Oh, BERTHE! MY little Bertie!" he sob
bed shave I regaihed you at last? Yot
have conquered, Mabel" for he saw he
standing near, her fate beaniing Will
Ijoy. ''Now take me to my son"
| Need we tell the rest? How the car
riage was ordered and speedily driver
by John in the direction Mabel pointed
out; how it returned, bringing the hlth
erto alienated ones home to the father!
house, to rejoice henceforth in his love
and how the sick man, amid the com
forts of home, and with the mind a
paacc, grew rapidly we'll and strong?-
The wife, whose only sin had been pov
erty, proved herself treasure, and be
came mine of dlial affection. And as
for little Bertie, he became the pet of th,
house, and especially Of his grandpa
who ever afterwards styled him Iii
birthday gift.