The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-01-03

tinued: II wish l had been new boy
when mamma was here"
Was everybody striving to place before
him, hold up for his inspection, his harsh
ness? Was every word intended to deal
sure blowp When the little seven year
old Eddie spoke of mamma" Andrew
Foster could scarce repress groan.
She was gone Two years before she
has passed from earth. Oh, if she was
with him how different he would be He
had been good husband, and the gentle
wife could not find in him anything to re-
proach. But he knew how much was left
undone. How many little loving acts that
make life so doubly sweet were forgotten
then.
Again Eddie's voice sounded in the
fathers ear.
"Papa, are you going to be a new man
to-day? Papa, make me happy with a
splendid pair Of skates. And Nellie and
Gertie must be happy, too, papa. Make
Gertie be new girl, please. She won't
sing and play with us; she's getting old, |
believe"
No argument, no pleading, no matter
how earnest, could have made such an i'm
preston on Andrew Foster as that chid's
innocent prattle.
Again the door opened, and Gertie and
Nellie were beside him. The kisses were
given and received. The father saw his
child was striving to be cheerful, and not
cast her shadow over him.
He told them all to speak their wish,
what he should give them that day Eddie
and Nellie were quick to tell, but Gertie
said, with a smile that threatened to be
tear:
Give me what you choose, father
You give me so much, | have no wish to
speak; but" She hesitated-she almost
dared to breathe it forth. No, no; she
would not cloud his heart that day. She
cast aside the wild hope, and continued -
Bring me what you think I'd like; | trust
to your decision.
After breakfast he said
You will lay aside your deep mourn
ing to-day, my child, and help me receive
my friends We shall have many, think :"
She promised she would; but her father
knew it would be an unpleasant task--that
Gertie would much sooner spend the day
quietly with her little one, or in acts of
love and mercy.
The guests were all gone. The tircsome
day was nearly over. Gertie had thrown
herself wearily into an armchair There
was no longer need for assembling; the
forced smiles could die away; she could
rest and weep. The children had been
made happy. Her father had given
all save her the New Year presents: She
had not cared for any, but she had held a
lingering hope that he might come to her
with word that would break the long ST.
lence, that she might plead anew with him
Andrew Foster had closely watched his
child, as she did, with so much dignity
and grace, the honors of his elegant estab-
lishment. And he saw, through the mask
she wore, never so plainly was visible the
changes that the last year had wrought in
her beautiful face.
When he saw her sink so wearily into
the chair, his heart smote him, and he
went out quickly. Possibly he feared,
should he linger, he might grow weak and
relent.
Gertie heard the hall door close, and she
knew her father had gone out for the eve
ming, likely.
How long she remained she knew not,
dreaming. Not sleeping dreams were they.
Her mood of depressing had taken wings,
aud she was smiling gently. sweetly. Vis-
ions of happier times were before her.
A cautious step approached. She heard
it, yet moved not nor opened her eyes.
She wished not to throw off the sweet in
fuence which was over her.
He, her father, bent gently, lovingly
over her and murmured
"She is sleeping and happy now, Ger
tie T. he called softly.
Father, I've not been sleeping" she
answered softly.
al thought you were, and dreaming"
81 was dreaming happy dreams-vain,
fleeting visions" she said, her voice filed
with sadness.
"Havc you forgotten your New.Year's S
gift l was to bring you, Gertie ?" he
asked.
"No, sir, | thought you had. Have
you brought me one ?" she asked, forcing
a show of interest
ayes little daughter, | have brought it I;
| have never for moment ceased to think
of it, 1t has been q subject of much
weight You left it to my decision, and l
wished to be sure of pleasing you. Now
put your arms around me, and give me a
kiss-one of Gertie's old loving caresses
and then Co. Look in the library and
find your New Years gift" her father
said, his whole frame trembling with emo
tion.
She was again child, clinging lovingly
about him; forgetting for the time all her
fathers effort to please her. She knew
not why it was, but she saw and felt his
agitation; and she strovc to calm and make
him happy.
$50, now darling; you are still my own
Gertie."
Yes, yes, papa your own Gertie !" she
said, with another caress.
"Some one viii soon rob me Of my
darling" he said, smiling sadly.
"Not likely, papa, she answered, think
ing, "I shall never leave him. Oh, why
will he not relent?"
She opened the door, passed through
the hall and entered the library. The
father strained his ear to catch the sound
of joyous surprise. He hears it, 1t falls
on his ear and sinks into his heart, and he
murmured
"Gone Mine no longer /"
Seeking her fathers gift, she raised her
eyes, aud there, standing before her, his
arms put forth 10 welcome her, was Harry
Landon,
She could not realize the great joy--ii
was too much. She dared not accept it,
And, Withdrawing herself from his eneir-
cling arms, she said
Come, come to father Can he mean
that We shall be happy?n