The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-11-12

seminary with him, and resume her duties
there.
Very busy days followed in the school,
as the annual examination approached, and
Madeline shared the anxiety of the other
teachers, that the pupils who had been un-
der her care during the school year should
do themselves credit. Notwithstanding the
nervous fears of failure, that are common
to both teachers and pupils on such occa-
sions, everything passed off at the public
examination in the most satisfactory man.
ner, and the trustees of the seminary de-
clared themselves more than pleased with
the progress which the pupils had made.
| On bright midsummer day, Madeline
having spoken the last good-by, turned her
face with glad heart towards Irvington,
giving the dear ones there an agreeable sur
prise by arriving two or three days before
she was expected.
After an early tea they all sat downin the
old kitchen doorway, to have cosy chat
together. Madeline had great deal to
tell about her experience at Lakeside, es-
pecially of her stay at the Tilbury farm,
and there finding trace, as she believed,
of her mother.
"I shouldn't wonder if you had father
living somewhere, now," said Mr.. Hum
phrey. "Perhaps if things happen as am
afraid they will, you may yet find a home
with him."
"Why, father, you don't want to getrid
Of me, do you?''
sect rid of you, child Why, it would
be like drawing my hearts blood to have
you leave me. l was only thinking I
might have no home to offer you soon.
I've got together about a hundred dollars
towards the mortgage, and that's all I've
been able to raise; in little more than two
months it will be due, and then 1 suppose
young Seaton will take possession"
"No, father, he never will; and now let
me set your yourh heart at rest forever about
the mortgage. Three hundred dollars that
/ have saved from my years salaryare de-
posted in the Lakeside Bank, on purpose
to meet this payment when it is due. So
please smooth out the wrinkles from your
forehead, and cease to worry, both of you;
the old farm need never pass from your
hands,
Both John Humphrey and his wife were
unable to speak for moment from sheer
astonishment. When at length he found
his tongue, Mr.. Humphrey exclaimed;
"Why, Madeline, child, what do you
mean? Three hundred dollars from your
salary l don't understand it,
'Nor l." said Mrs. Humphrey "we've
both wondered how you could have given
us SO many clothes as you have, and have
had anything left for yourself"
"Why, my salary was five hundred dol
lars supposed, from some remarks you
made, that you thought only had a trifie
more for teaching at Lakeside than did
when taught our district school,
thought wouldn't inform you to the con-
trary, so as to give you an agreeable sur
prise"
"Well, child, you've had your wish, and
made us happier than we ever expected to
be again in this world. You've been q
blessing to us ever since you set foot in the
old house, and now to think of your ear
ming enough in one year to clear the farm
from debt it is almost too wonderful to
believe.'
"Ah, John, l told you we could always
trust the Lord. We 'cast our bread upon
the waters when we took this child into
eur home, and you see the Lord has return
ed it to us after many days. can never
be thankful enough for his mercy"
Madeline then briefly told her parents of
young Seaton's offer, and the penalty he
had fixed for not complying with it.
"The cowardly rascal?" exclaimed Mr..
Humphrey, spnnging to his feet. ''It was
always mystery to me why he should
have offered to lend me money unaslSed,
and now it is all explained. All, Madeline
see now why you were so anxious to go to
Lakeside 70
"Well father, it has all turned out Just
right but please don't give him any reason
to believe the money is ready for him.
Indeed / won't. The blessed secret
shall remain safe with me, never fear.''
The weeks sped on, and the elder Seaton,
who had been failing all summer, sunk
rapidly as the season advanced, and one
day in the early autumn the tolling bell
announced to the villagers that he had
breathedIhis last. Ernest arrived at home
in season for the funeral, which was made
as imposing as possible, clergyman Of the
Church Of England having come from
long distance to read the burial service.