Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1874-11-14
THE STOLEN CHILD.

We were seated in the rector's cozy
sitting'room one evening, when the
conversation turned upon the disap-
pearance of little Charley Ross.
Having had long acquaintance with
the family, friend present was de-
scribing the sad effect which the terrible
calamity had upon the neither how, as
each day came on, she watched agoni-
zingiy for tidings. We listened so in
tently that we did not hear the bell
ring, and were surprised by the en-.
trance of my oldest brother, who
brought with him Harry Cunningham,
the London business man of their firm.
After introductions were over, and
we were all seated, the talk drifted
over to the old subject, the dear little
child SO ruthlessly stolen away from
home-love and comfort. As we went
on, Mr.. Cunningham seemed more than
usually interested. One and another
ventured an opinion, commenting upon
various surmises, expressing various
doubts and beliefs, when the stranger
said, with smile
:" AS long as their is no proof of vio-
lence or death, it is better to hope for
the best. I knew of case which I
will tell you, where child was found
after nearly twenty years of exile"
Of course we were all attention, and
he began on this wise
When I was young man of six
and twenty, and that is nearly as many
years ago." he added, with smile, "I
was visiting in the south of England.
"The gentleman at whose house
stayed was large manufacturer and a
very wealthy man. His family con-
sisted of himself and wife, two sons
= and daughter, Edith, who was one of
the fairest, sweetest maidens I ever
met. To make long story short,
became very much attached to the
young lady, and wanted to win her for
my wife.
Mentioning my aspirations to her
father, MIR. Fontleroy, one day, was
equally astonished and disappointed to
learn that she was already engaged to
be married to q wealthy young barris-
ter, then in London, pursuing his pro-
fession.
"We sat by fine old bay-wlndow
covered with clinging vines, and out
side OF which glimpses of garden,
royal with Pr6vence-roses and other
beautiful flowers, could be seen. The
clean, white paths winding from sight,
the rich, short verdure, the mounds,
statues, fountains and brightly colored
shrubs made the outlook paradise to
my beauty-loving eye. Mr., Fontleroy
had relapsed into grave thoughtful.
ness. For long time he did not speak,
and then he said impulsively-
O. If only Edith's sister were here I
Edith's sister understood that
Edith was an only daughter, I said.
She is, to all intents and pur.
poses, he answered, throwing off his
AhO1"nOhOAJ AuuluOI DuU bOubWll6Tt
in this wide world Edith has sister, q
twin. l cannot make her Dead ht
added. Always I bear about me the
impression that she is still alive, and sc
does Edith.
,"' 1t seems but yesterday he said
pointing out towards the lovely view
shat Edith and her twin-sister were
playing out there among the shrubs
] had been watching them coming anc
going, had laughed to myself to heaI
their innocent mirth, and for few mo
ments had gone into light sleep
When / opened my eyes, not long after
little Edy stood here at the window
with white, scared face.
GO" Papa" she said, "papa, wax
up and go after Alice"
"'" Where is Alice ?" I asked, drow
silly.
The red woman took her tn
red woman ran away, and Alice neve
cried she was under her cloak"
| sprang to my feet, continued
Mr.. Fontleroy, half startled and hal
amused. 1t must be some trick of m,
wild cousin, who was then staying o