Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1870-01-03

she with her labor ot love ana her SAD tnoushts,
that she did not notice youngman approsch-
ing her-dd not look up, though he now stood
Just at her side, with his arm resting upon
pile of stones. looking tenderly upon Lucy
| Day in ber black dress, and with her wide
brimmed hat with its black ribbons. She was
all unconscious Of this, until a bough broke
under his feet Then, lifting her sad eyes with
a startled look that suddenly changed into Que
Of pleased surprise, she cried;
"Oh, Paul Raymond, how glad am to SEQ
YOU Have your father, and mother, aud Su-
san come too? I've needed them SO dread
fullyp
"Yes, we have all come home-come as soon
as we could after hearing of your dear fathers
and mothers"
"Then you know it--know all about il,
aud you are so very good to think Of me- I've
longed SO for your father, and mother, aud
Susan, and you, Pau. since you went away"
1--WE thought you would and dear old faith
er, never saw him so shaken by anything
before as be is now. He says over and over
Poor little Lucy-poor little dear we must
comfort her
"Oh, it is just like him-he is SO kind
such dear, good old man - and then Lucy
Day bent down, with tears dropping upon her
black dress, and began breaking of somo
sprays Of fine white flowers to add to her bou-
quet.
"Wbat are you going to do with those ?"
said Paul a should not think you had bet
ter tire yourself by running about after flow
ers, for you look quite pale, and your little
hands are trembling like leaf"
"But must. I'm not getting them for
myself" answered Lucy, with her tears still
dropping quietly, adding: And the young
boxberry leaves are to make some cordial for
J poor old Mrs. Springer, Paul, and the flowers
too, are for her."
ooh, thoughtit was something Of this
kind. It's like you; you think Of everybody
before yourself never saw young girl SO
full Of good works as you, Lucy Day -
; "Then think you've never seen very many
girls, Paul." and now pathetic little smile
shonc out through Lucy's tears.
"But you mustn't go down there now to
e carry them. Father sent me to bring you up
= to the house. He'd come for you himself. but
mes so taken down. After tea, Susan, and
= you and will go over the brook by the bridge
4 that's a pleasant way-and carry the Aow-
' ers and boxberry leaves to Mrs Springer"
c "Well, Paul" And then Lucy laid her
d hand in Paul's with little restful sigh, and
let him lead her along the cross-path to his
i fathers house, and into the pretty, homeke,
o south parlor, where the squire and bis moth
c erly wife, and Susan Garnet were sitting
k "Bless your dear little heartp cried tho
1 squire opening his arms to the motherless girl,
Y and the next moment she was sobbing out her
sorrow on his bosom, while Mother Raymond
o and Susan were bending over her, with their
c eyes running over with tears, and Paul was
! looking from the window with dimness over
] his sight.
Now take OF her things, mother" said the
e squire, when he bad found his voice; " It's so
D nice to have our little girl home And Su-
, san, you carry them mp to your room. Re-
member, she's your little sister now, and al
: ways, after this Lucy, haven't you word
to say TO your new mother, and your brother
Paul, and"
, "0h, but it must not he, Squire Raymond
it must not be. 1t would be wrong in mo
!. to-"
"Then you'll not call me father and you
don't want mother here for your mother, aud
Susan and Paul for your sister and brother
poor little darlingp
"0h, indeed, would like II better than
everything in all the world, but you are not
rich now, and ] must not be selfish mustgo
to Mrs. Green's; promised to. I'm going to
be Carrie and Sopby Green's little waiting
maid, Squire Raymond"
Heaven forbid, child, neyer-neyerl Don't
you say so, mother? ?"
YES father, I'll work my fingers of before
she shall go from our door You will stay
and be our little girl ?" and now motherIy
Mrs Raymond smoothed Lucy's shining curs
lovingly We have often talked over, since
Susan came, how pleasant it would be TO have
two girls; haven't we father? And now cur
other little girl has comel"
Indeed we have, child, and we're not 50
poor as we thought. The gold mine isn't
failure, and-and--its no use talking, it's q
settled thing; this is your home Susan.
Paul, come shake hands with your new sis
ter !"
And Lucy laid her hand with smiling face
into Paul's and Susans, and then going to
Mrs. Raymond, she knelt down upon the crick-
ct at her feet, and laying her motheress head
upon Mrs Raymond's lap, restful look came
into her brown eyes, and she whispered:
81 did not think, that SO soon after papa
and mamma had gone, should have the very
home I've thought, ever since was little
imp Of girl, should ask Him to give me il
was ever to lose mine y
"Dear child, replied Mrs. Raymond, "Hs
! has been very good TO US all. )"
Yes, Mother Raymond and Father Ray
rnond. shall call you that always, If you