Connecticut western news., 1874-05-01
the pain has gone out of your face. I believe it has done you good living boro with us

are you thinking, Jennie, dear :? How
 becoming your blue ribbons are! If
 you had only worn blue that day in.
 stead of pink! What a treacherous
 friend that woman was! And to think
 she took him away from you! Do you
 forgive her, Jennie ?'1 -., -.s.... :.
 s'I have tried to, Kate, but how can
 I? Twas his wealth and position she
 wanted, while I-oh! I loved him so
 much"
 Kate had drawn me out into the starry night. "Look out, dear, or you'll be shining again" Bella came up upon the walk and together we saun- tered down to the gate.
 Had I done we'll, to speak of these things to the girls
 Wouldn't they misunderstood me, after all Had done more harm than good, and shouldn't have all the old battles to fight over again with myself | and my ideas of right?
 "I wonder" said Kate, eff the best things in my life are the best in other peoples lives. . y1 .~ras ss.. v.
 "Of course, it should be doing ones duty, everybody understands that, after which we may be eclectic, suppose. I was going to ask Jennie-but here comes some one up the hill-doI you think we are to have caller Has the fame of our wonderful powers gone forth to the world of Chesterham Didn't I tell you, Bella, everything wore an expectant look here tonight ?"
 The girls stepped back, and itseemed to me was left alone in the universe with that approaching figure.
 "Can you tell me where can find Jennie Randall?'
 I know not if answered. I don't think there was time, before I was close folded in those strong arms and bearded lips took possession of mine.
 When l found breath and thought for speech, tried to free myself as I whispered ''But your wife: have no right to your caresses. She stole them from me-" " z~-f- 1'
 Hush," said he; "she is resting under the sod, and I bear from her to you the confession she gave me She sinned, and she repented. Let us for give her as we hope to be forgiven"
 How long we stayed there, I cannot tell, but when we entered the house, uncle and aunt had gone to their room. The candles fickered on the manteI. | and as the girls came forward to meet |
 
 heaven to the realities of life.
 stumbled over the introduction. but | was put still more aback by seeing them | acknowledge it by embraces which | seemed ardent for strangers. g.
 When we were once more alone, I | said, by way of explanation 'tThe | girls have read some of the past chap ters in my life, and must have guessed | who my visitor is, or they never would | have given you such reception. am sure, however, they never heard your name until this evening"" |
 He brought the candles and looked \ me over. I dreaded to have him see how old and careworn I had become, but he assured me the only sign I gave of my added years was in the failure of my sight {; that must be growing dim, or I wouldn't call him, with his gray hairs, handsomer than ever.
 In the morning-oh, that glorious Sabbath morning How the sunshine filled my room when awoke Did kneel to pray <? I'm not sure. We offer prayer when we have something to ask for.
 My heart was full, wanting nothing. Every breath must have been praise, for in that hour l forgot the past, and had no thought of the future. The present held all perfection to me.
 wondered at myself as looked in the glass. Surely said I, cit is the glory from my soul. touching up all my countenance, for this is not the face I have looked at all these years"
 I went into theparlor, but l doubted my own senses at the tableaux beheld. There was George Vanhess, in uncle's arm chair; beside him stood Bella, with one arm round his neck and the other hand perfectly at hone among those whiskers, which I should have claimed as my especial property. Kate was perched upon his lap, and was talking in 8 very rapid and animated E- iFF@- -. .a+ AL
 They all enjoyed my surprise, and George said, as he shook them off "Queer training, Jennie, you must have given these girls, to have them so pronounced in their admiration of me-" I looked from one to another; " What does it mean ?"
 sJust this," said Kate, "that I have stretched my wand over you all. Will the audience be seated while I ex- plain a %' '~
 "In the first place, Jennie, behold in your old-time lover and affianced husband-I hope am not anticipating l matters-Bella's half brother and your crazy cousins unfortunate guardian.
 "You thought we were sisters, Well,. we are by adoption and afec-
 Her voice fell. "When Amy, who used to be your friend, was sick, she told Bella of her duplicity, and begged her to find you and set matters right ( between George and you, if it wasn't too late.
 "Well, your being my cousin simpli- fled matters good deal.
 George had gone away on business, 50 we took matters in our own hands. and he knew nothing of our plans until he heard from us here.
 "How much we have been obliged to urge him to make this visit you will 1 never know, but of this much be as- I sured, that the day of wonders isn't over."
 After prayers that morning George told uncle that he should shave to de- prive him of his housekeeper, but he would leave Kate awhile. -
 Then he said, with half glance at me, "After service tonight we shall | have quiet wedding, and tomorrow I < shall carry off my bride, for whom I ~. have waited fifteen years." The last words silenced me, though I was glad of Bella's bending caress to hide my rising color.
 Only one month before I had called my life failure. We are all too swift to pronounce upon ourselves and each other. What do we know of failure :. who see neither the end nor the plan |?
 Let us believe in happiness though : sorrow hath been learned we'll even by heart. Believe in light, although the night seems long.