The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1870-09-10
MiscelIanp.
THE GOLDEN CASKET.

Aunt Hetty was an old maid the once jetty
finglets that fel! in profusion around the snowy
forehead, were now Combed smoothly back and
aclose observer might easily discover threads OF
silver intruding here and there. That Hetty
had been pretty, was not doubted for moment,
and some ventured to call her handsome; among
the few was Frank Chester, who had been Het-
tvs playmate from childhood, and as years
passed and they ceased to meet as children,
Frank had offered to Hetty his heart, and was
accepted; but he was poor and his fortune to
make; but this did not discourage the brave
young man with the promise OF long life,
with his hearts dearest treasure. no task seemed
too difficult to perform, hardshlps too great
to endure, with the sure reward awaiting him.
They parted as lovers always part, vowing
constancy and each looking forward to a meet.
ing with no more separation.
As pledge of their betrothal each wore sus-
pended around their neck little gold casket,
containing the picture of each. AT first, letters
came TO Hetty to cheer her in her lonliness, let
tiers that sent the soft shade of crimson to the
cheek of the maiden, as she read of the success
of her lover. Soon the letters seemed cold and
cherries, and the cheek of Hetty grew pale, and
the head trembed as she thought of the posi-.
bility of a rival and when the letters came no
more, little more thoughtful, less cheerful
was all the world observed of the change in Het-
tvs manner.
The same year, her father passed away, then
the mother too was gone and Hetty was alone
all the little fortune, the economy of years, was
left to her; still she remained unmarried
Hetty had lived alone for two years, when one
pleasant afternoon, she was sitting on the pleas.
ant little veranda, over which a grape vine
spread its many branches, making cozy little
retreat from the heat. She was thinking of the
past, and occasionally the work would lie idle
in her lap, while the hand eagerly sought the
little golden casket," touching lightly spring,
the little charm separated disclosing the face of
sat gaz ing earnestly at the face before her. when
at the sound of approaching footsteps, she
quickly concealed the casket, and arose to meet
ayoung girl carrying in her arms an infant of
few months old.
"Does Miss Hetty Barker live here" said the
girl?
"That is my name," said Hetty.
cit is all right then, master told me the
note would tell you all, and to leave the young
one"
"What does this mean ?" said Hetty in aston.
ishment, but the girl was gone, and Hetty found
herself alone with child in her arms; as she
uncovered the half snothered little thing, pair
of blue eyes and dainty little hand met her
gaze. She then took the note that was carefully
pinned to the cloak of the babe; it ran as fol-
lows:
happy on earth and for peace hereafter, be kind
to this child. Enclosed find sufficient means for
one " hrs support. At the end of each year,
yea will receive the same, and more if needed
Call her Lillian" If you should need money,
address, THE WANDERER,
Bex 800, Boston, Mass"
To say that Hetty was delighted weuld hardly
express her feelings as she gazed from the note
to the little one that lay Growing, and smiling,
% tnn oil Dhk Tod ~rsk
quaintance.
Placing the money in her purse, she said,
"Well, little Lillian, it seems you and are to
live together, and we may as we'll begin to be
friends, SO here is kiss for those little rose bud
lips, whoever you are. l will love you as long
a. have you to love-" and Hetty smiled as she
had not done for many day.
As years passed, and the childish prattle was
changed for the softer tone of the maiden, Het.
tvs love seemed to increase and the old smile
came often and the pale troubled face almost
seemed to be young again.
Let us, dear reader, pass over twenty years of
happiness, and then return to the home Of Hetty
Barker.
As we approach the house, a sound OF distant
music greets the ear. We see more flowers, the
old grape vine twining with more grace and
ease, around the trellis, in fact, everything
greets the eye with more attraction, than when
and you will see Hetty sitting in an easy chair;
her knitting has ceased, and she, too, listens to
the music, for Lillian is to receive the last lesson
to-day. Suddenly the music ceases, and low
murmur of voices il beard within, while the
change awakes the dream in the easy chair, and
her hand seeks the little golden casket," draw.
ing it from it's hiding place, she gazed long and
earnestly. and wonders in her heart what could
have changed him, who had wooed such con.
etancy; suddenly pressing it to her lips just IN
time to escape the notice Of pair of deep blue
eyes, and standing before her is slight girlish
figure, with long golden curls carelessly thrown
back from the broad white forehead and fastened
with bright blue ribbon, which contrasted
with pure whiteness of the complexion, seems to
remind one of some fair guardian spirit some.
times seen in dream-such is Lillian who now
stands before her kind benefactress a lsok Of
pleading may be seen in these eyes, looking
down at Miss.Barker. Soon shade of sadness
passed over the face of Lillian as she observed the
trace OF tears still resting the checks Of Miss
Barker, why, auntie, cryingS"
Let me kiss away the tears for have some.
thing to say to you. You know to-day is my last
to take music lessons"
"Auntie, Mr.. Carlton hes asked me to be his
wife, don't look surprised"
" And you, Lillian, have not told HIM yes?"
Il have, auntie that is with your consent and
auntie, do" 'N'
"My consent is freely given Lillian, ther~es
no one TO whNr-1 would sooner give the care Af,
you foreyt You afAh& mine to glve." Lillian
burst inh tears and laid her hesi>ou HetmSs,
shoulder. Cant you write to him."
"Yes Lillian | shall wri,n ;, l;., Of, IA