Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-12-07


her own way, and It was not part OF her
plan that these lovers should be helped
out of their dilemma precisely In the
manner Mrs. Douglas intended. Elinor
never knew what topic OF conversation
her unlocked for arrival spoiled.
Taking of angels, Elinor," said Mrs.
Douglas. smiling, as she came forward to
welcome her niece.
The color deepsned on Elinor's cheeks.
Have /, then, been painting moral? p
she asked.
"No-that isl was thinking--we were
saying"-stammered poor Mrs. Douglas.
With rare tact, Mr.. Palmer came to the
rescue of his hostess. II was preaching
q Sermon" said be gaily, with the splen,,
did freight for my text. had wandered
to sunlight, and from thence to moral
sunlight, when you most opportuneiiy APP
peared. No sermon is complete wthout
an illustration, you know" M.
"Most logical reasoner!" laughed Eli
nor.
1t was happy trio that fingered at the
table that evening. They fingered so long
that Keziah, the help, grew cross, and NUT
tered as she baked fresh waflies, Hope
they'll set back pretty soon Keep the
work hanging round all night
No one noticed the hall doors noiseless
opening or the footsteps that, guided by
the sound of voices, now softly drew near
the dining-room. Keziah, on her way
from the Kitchen with pile of hot cakes,
was first TO discover the intruder. The
plate in her hand dropped with loud
crash to the floor. "Land sakes alive ! Is
this you, John, or ghost?" was the cry
that startled the unconscious group at the
table. The surprise, the joy, the eager
questioning that followed must all be inn
agined.
Ibid you no. get my letters97 inquired
John, finally.
Letters Not a word for over two years.
But you are here now, and that is enough"
said his fond, happy mother.
But why should John look disturbed
and embarrassed at this? He glanced at
his cousin. Was it excess of JOY that made
her so pale? She seemed more like one
who had received bad tidings than woman
exulting in the happy return OF her lover.
II prepared you for my coming" re-
turned he slowly, "but find must tell
the story over again. In brief, hurried
words he related that just before starting
for home he had fallen sick. The long
tedious illness had been followed by
longer, more tedious recovery. lie owed
his life only to the tender care of his land
lady, Frau Bernstein and her daughter
Ottilie.
1--WE see how it all ended" laughingly
interrupted his mother. where is my
daughter? Where is Ottilie ?"
"You jump at conclusions as quickly as
ever, mother" said John smiling. 1t was
plain that he was inexpressibly relieveaa at
her forestalling his confession. Perhaps
he had expected tears and reproaches.
but you shall see.' He went out to the
carriage and in a moment returned with
the slight, childish figure Of his wife cling
ing to his arm.
Later. when all had somewhat recovered
from their bewilderment, Johns mother
exclaimed, THAT this should happen to-
day. of all others -
why what day is it ~ innocently in
quired Mrs John.
Elinor's eyes met the minister's. What
each read we cannot tell. But what meant
the shining JOY of her countenance, and
what could have been in Gilbert Palmer's
mind that to Ottile's question he should
absently respond: 1T is Thanksgiving"