The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-01-09

| yVu HO 10 'b l,Istlll iCllOW.
81 should enjoy it, and Myrtle would go
into ecstacies; but l don't know about
mother. She never goes any where !
will try, however, 10 arrange it."
"See that You do. have faith to believe
that your mother win honor me this once.
Tell her, from me, that her refusal will
grieve and disappoint chiIdess and DESC
late old man. And remember, shall send
the carriage at six. Now am going to
part with you for week. Stay at home
and make your dress, and have a good rest.
Here is your money, child. Now l am
going to ring for Mrs. Howell"
He pressed the crisp bank notes into her
hand, and rang the lell. After she had
left him he sat down in the rapidly darken-
ing room, and mused lonesomly. All the
brightness seemed to have departed with
the girl.
"Who. are you child that you charm
me SOP" he said, aloud, with his eyes shut
and his great finely fmmed head thrown
back against his chair "Why did not
see her before ever ct Max after that
Miss Winterglade. ! am afraid she is toe
high pitcht d for him ; my little bluebel is the
woman of all the world 1 want to see him
marry She is like my lost one-O so like
her Ah, Helen, why did you not die, my
little golden halled baby. instead of living
to break your fathers heart Child of my
love, are you indeed in your grave that
you cannot know how truly have forgiven
all, repented alp
Mrs. Howell cut her cake in flutter Of
delight ut the thought of hearing it prais-
ed by Miss Gray. Ambers appreciation of
it quite fill' lei heart, and the two stood
at ii C luncheon table eating and chatting.
1--WE always have cake and wine Christ
mas eve, III place OF our regular tea, for
the master will have dinner at two the year
round. Bless my SOUL if there isn't Mr..
Max. I'm right glad"
was indeed He came in leisumly,
whistling gay opera airand just then some
favoring fate called Mrs, Howell away. So
the two young people exchanged greetings,
with no one by to count smiles or bushes.
So Amber, it is really You whose inhu-
ences has SO tanned the old gentleman. Tell
me all about it. The old story of Beauty
and the Beast?'
He walked home with Amber by-and- by,
as they had not met for week, of course
they did not hurry. But at last they stood
at Mrs. GIay's door, reluctant still to part.
"a merry Christmas, my friend at least
a happy one" the girl said, as she stood
| c;lnpt1v hnlJin,, ho,. ho nj IN, I,
"There is just one gift, Amber--a prec-
ious priceless gift--that l madly crave. l
want your love, my daIling-your promise
to be some day my wife," he answered fer
vently.
And so, there under the starlight, the
promise was given.
You will 60, wont you, mother dear9
Myrtle and anticipate so much pleasure,
you surely would not disappoint us now. So
Amber, who had talent at coaxing, had
it all her own way. As for Myrtle, she
was wild with delight at wearing her bright
, plaid, and going to see Mr.. Vanstone's ca
naries and Java sparrows
: Mr.. VanstOne, in an evening dress that
! was vastly becoming, and made him look
at least ten years younger, and walking up
and down his long parlor, waiting with
nervous anxiety the arrival of his guests.
AS was his habit, when moved by any great
} emotion, he was talking earnestly to him.
self
, "Twenty years ago tonight All, how
desolatc, how loveless the years have been
} How strangely this Amber Gray is like NY
l lost daughter. But let me be patient If
my plan does not fail, there may he
clearing up of this vcxing mystery. | can
not endure the thought Of being disappoint-
ed in this strange new hope"
, From the moment that Mrs Gray crossed
! the threshold of Mr.. Vanst ones door, and
: stood in the elegant mari -lated han,
change seemed to come suddenly over her.
4 AllnervOus trem0r and uncertainty fled
from her manner her yes grew SOFT and
,, her checks scarlet, Casting aside her
heavy shawl. she walked quietly ahead of
her wondering daughter, aud slowly pushed
l open the paIlor door. At sight Of her,
D standing There in her widows robe, the
ward he stretched out his feeble arms to
Q her. She was kneelng at his feet.
' "Faiher, forgive me she cried, brok-
enly; "these years of separation have brok-
en- my heart"
/, "God bless you, my poor darling, and
l may he forgive us both y the father said,
/, fervenily, raising her as tenderly AS ever he
. did in the dear old days.
some more blessing dear father for me
and my promised BRIDE" said Maxwell
Z Fay, in his deep tender voice, as he came
o proudly forward leading Amber Gray.
III And when at last the midnight chime
:, rang out ON the star light air, each head
: " bowed in silent heartfelt prayer for the true