The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1872-12-12
BELFAST MAINE, THURSDAY DECEMBER y, 1872

lives. In asking Gilbert Palmer to come
70 the farm to-day, she had double mo-
tive-a vague idea that in some way she
should prove help and comfort. But it
is useless meddling with Fate. She has
her own way, and it was not part of her
plan that these lovers should be helped
ner Mrs. Douglas intended. Elnor never
knew what topic of conversation her un-
looked-for arrival spoiled.
Talking of angels, Elinor," said Mrs.
Douglas, smiling, as she came forward to
welcome her neice.
The color deepened on Elinors cheeks
Have !. then, been painting a moral P"
she asked
'No-that isl was thinking-we were
saying g''-stammered poor Mrs Douglas.
With rare tact, Mr.. Palmer came to the
rescue of his hostess. Il was preaching
sermon" SAID he gaily, with this
splendid tire-light for my text. l had
wandered TO sunlight. and from thence to
moral sunlight, when you most oppor-
tunely appeared. No sermon is complete
without an illustration, you know.
Most logical reasoner ~ laughed
Elinor
It was happy trio who fingered at the
tea table that evening. They fingered so
long that Keziah. the help grew cross.
and muttered as she baked fresh waff1es,
Hope they'll set back pretty soon Keep
the work hanging round all night"
No one noticed the hall doors noisless
opening or the footsteps that, guided by
the sound of voices, now softly drew near
the dining-room. Kezlah, on her way
from the kitchen with a pile of hot cakes,
was first to discover the intruder. The
plate in her hand dropped with a loud
crash to the floor. land sakes alive
Is this you, John, or your ghost ?" was
the cry that startled the unconscious group
at the table. The surprise the JOY, the
eager questioning that followed must all
be imagined
Did you get my letters?" inquired
John, finally.
Letters Not 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 this2 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 a
woman exulting in the happy return OF
her lover.
II prepared you for my coming" re-
turned he slowly ''but | find must tell
you the story over again" In brief,
hurried words he related that lust before
starting tor home he had fallen sick The
long tedious illness had been followed by
a longer, more tedious recovery. He
owed his life only to the tender care OF
his landlady. Frau Bernstein and her
daughter Ottilie
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. II
was plain that he was inexpressibly re-
lieved at her forestalling his confession
Perhaps he had expected tears and re-
proaches, "But you shall see" He went
out to the carriage and in moment re-
turned with the Slight, childish figure OF
his wife clinging to his arm.
| Later when all had somewhat recovered
from their bewilderment, Johns mother
+ exclaimed, THAT this should happen To-
| day, Of all others y
"Why what day is it ." nnocently in
| qnircd Mrs. John.
| Elinor's eyes met the minister's What
| each read we cannot tell. But what meant
| the shining Joy OF her countcnance. an(
what could have been in Gilbert Palmer,
mind that TO Ottilie's question he shoult
abNentiY respond 1t is Thank sgiving >