The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-12-23
Story for the Season.
CHRIST MAS
AT L-ynedale Hall.

When stecd on board the Ocean Queen,
a steamer outward bound, bade farewell
to the only ftsend | had in the world.
When John Fairfie bade me God speed,
wrung my hand in his own, and turned
from me, had looked my last eeon the
only face cared for.
shall never forget his last words.
Remember, Paul. ne said, "that
whether you win or fail, yoa have true
friend and brother in me. While have
shilling, half oft is yours. While | have
home, you shall share it. If India fails,
come back to me, and we will be brothers
in every thing; and, remember, return
when you may, your first visit must be to
my house. You must come straight
there
For FIVE years had struggled with for.
tune, which seemed all against me during
that time. Iwrote constantly to John, and
he never missed a mail.
He married the same year l left England,
and was evidently very proud of the fact
actually married a young widow, with two
daughters, Lady Clara Ross-one of the
handsomest women in England.
After that, fancied, Johns letters were
colder in tone. When spoke of illfor-
tune, his sympathy was not SO warm or SO
ready as formerly.
So when began to grow rich, did not
tell him, although my love for him never
altered-never changed, or cooled. Our
correspondence almost ceased.
After time, money seemed to grow un-
der my hands by magici everything l touch
ed turned to gold. Far and near Paul Hyl
ton was known as one Of the wealthiest and
most fortunate of men. was million
aire, yet there was no one in the wide
world to love me. had neither kith or
kin. would have parted with all my gold
for only one blessing that falls to the lot of
other men.
After fifteen years, grew tired Of Indian
life, and resolved to go home to England
and enjoy the fortune labor had Won.
I Ireached London on the 23d of Decem.
Der. There was no one to greet me, no
face to smile upon me, no voice to bid me
welcome. Neither mother, sister, brother,
or friend; my heart was cold and sad.
Every one else seemed happy and animated
Il was alone.
Early on the oath, started for Lynedale
Hall, knowing John would welcome me.
No words Of mine can tell what that ride
through the winter day was like. The snow
and frost were old friends; the cold air,
after the burning Indian blasts, SO invigo.
rating; the gray, wintry sky, the bare
hodges, and leaaess trees-I enjoyed them
all.
II was FIVE o'clock when reached Lyme.
dale Hall. The windows were all aglow
with light and warmth, It was evident
thatmy old friends house was full Of Christ
mas guests.
In answer to my inquiries, the footman
said Mr.. Fairlie was at home. He ushered
me into the library, and went off in search
Of his master.
Five minutes afterward, John stood be.
fore me, but there was no CLEAN Of recog-
milton in his eyes. looked earnestly at
him. The same, honest, kindly face, but
full Of anxious lines the same true, clear
eyes, with shadow in them.
"John," cried, "do you not know
me ~
His ruddy, honest face turned quite
white.
" Il cannot be Paul-Paul Hylton ?" he
said.
1T is, Indeed u ! replied ''come tc
spend Christmas with you,"
Then he grasped my hands, as in an