The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-04-17

with me; my cutter is at the door. | will
tell you my story as we 90 along"
Isabel was soon equipped and they were
dashing along at delightful rate.
" You know, my dear Isabel. I have
always wanted to adopt a child, as God has
seen tit to deny me any of my own; but Ed
has always been averse to it until to-day.
Tomorrow you know is Christmas day. and
Ed asked me what l would like best-toId
me to choose anything wanted and might
have 1t. So l, of course, asked him to let
me go to the orphan asylum and take little
one to adopt, and do you believe he agreed
right off; and oh l am so happy But
what is the matter? Oh, dear, forgot +:
how selfish l am, dear, don't cry please, any
more"
g Oh, Ada what Christmas for me !
God help me my little dead darling how
long for one look at yonr dear blessed eyes !;
how my arms ache to fold you once more to
this aching heart"
. Dear friend, forgive me for so carelessly
narrowing your feelings. | am so sorry
but here we are. John, ring the bell"
The driver obeyed. The door opened,
the matron called and their wishes made
known.
Politely requesting them to follow her,
she led the way TO the school-room. Rows
of little heads-all sizes, all ages, all colors.
Ada, interested in her mission, does not no.
tice Isabel until piercing shrek rings
through the ROOM Merciful God My
child, my Belle, my lost darling" " and sees
Isabel, with frantic love, straining yellow
ing it with passionate kisses.
The at first astonished child after gazing
wonderingly at her for minute, at last
seemed to wake-to realize who it was who
held her, and with a gasping cry off, mother
tlrew her arms around the lonely woman's
neck, and buried her head in ker bosom, her
little heart beating to bursting.
Oh, dear Father, how do thank theo
Am l mad or dreaming? Can believe ny
eyes? Do deserve such supreme happiness?
My darling, my darling. Oh, madame,
where did you get her-how did she come
here?
''She was brought here one dark night,
marin, and left on the steps. She had
note, very poorly written, saying she might
be called for at any time, and begging US to
keep her although she was not an orphan.
That is the reason we spared those long curls,
which are great bother, begging your par
don, marin. The little thing did nothing
but cry for her mother at first, but later she
grew quiet, as though she was sleepy. She
has been a good, quiet child, and we have
all loved her-we shall miss her. But am
glad you are come. | was afraid she was
going to be bad in the head like
my poor baby, mother has come and
you are safe, Get me her bonnet and cloak
here, take my purse, it will partly repay
you for your kindness. Come my angel, let
me take you home and Tighten the bitter
load from your poor fathers heart. l am
almost too happy. We will inquire into
your miraculous escape later"
Arrived at home all was commotion. The
servants half scared, wholly delighted. Ada
had for the time forgotten her own mission.
The father had not yet returned from busi-
ness.
Isabel lovingly and tenderly, with many
passionately loving caress, bathed the lovely
form, combed and brushed the rich, golden
hair, and then robed her darling in some of
the treasured clothes, which had often been
mOistened by her bitter tears.
When all had been done that mothers
love could prompt for the comfort of her re-
turned treasure, she took her in her arms,
and for an hour of supreme joy, she held her
on her lap and listened to all the child could
tell of her recovery, which was little enough.
when | awoke, mamma, l found myself
in very poor room, with two men and
woman. / had on a horrid dress and an old
shawl and bonnet Soon the man took me
in a cart and left me on some steps, and told
me to stay there till they took me in; they
gave me letter and drove away OH l
was so frightened out there all alone, but at
last some one came and took me in and were
very kind. But oh, wanted you so, don't
let me go away again, mamma, will you?''
she cried clasping her arms round her
mothers neck.
No, no, my darling, my treasure, God
forbid. Hark there's papa; go behind
those curtains and do not stir until l call
you"
ooh, Earle, darlingl' she cried, rushing
up to him and throwing herself upon his
bosom. u have got such glorious Christ
mas present for you," her eyes blazing with
wild excitement.
Isabel are you wild? is this you?" he
sadly asked, "have you forgotten your
self?''
- No darling, but l am almost wild.
have got something to tell you, something
for YOU, but | do know how to break our
great happiness to you. Earle, darling, can
you bear great joy as well as you did our
great sorrow?''
Don't torture me, Isabel, you are my
only Joy now and do not want to think
am going to lose you; your eyes fairly
blaze
"Oh won't you understand Inc, Earle?
Our child Our Belle is"
- Is what?'
" Alive"
He looked at her in an agony of fear.
- Great God She is mad -
- No, dear, | am not mad. Belle she
cried.