Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1874-01-07

give up my autnOrlty, muttereQ nurse,
as my father left the room. If he does,
he will find himself much mistaken. Tn
not used to being dictated to-
'"Thus we're my dislike and fears aug
mented. The dreaded day came. I was
sent for to see my new mother for the
first time. I went down reluctantly,
fearing, Iknew not, and timidly entered
the apartment. Had / heard nothing
to her disparagement, I must have been
prepossessed in her favor. She was
young and beautiful, and her bright
black eyes sparkled with good-humor
and happiness as she sat by the fire,
gayly chatting with my father.
"'And SO this is Alice, she observed,
as slowly advanced. sit by me, my
dear, and tell me all about your books
and lessons. We shall become very
good friends, I think. when we are bet
ter acquainted And my stepmother
gently took me by the hand, and pressed
her lips to my forehead.
'I could not have disliked her, /
could not have resisted that winning,
pleading way, had I not made up my
mind not to be pleased with her at all
events. drew back without q word of
greeting or response. Ny father looked
surprised and mortified, and my mother
somewhat disappointed.
"'Can you not speak, Alice? You
are not usually so SILENT said the
former, as if excusing my tsciturnity.
"'Do not urge her, Edward. I am q
stranger, you know, and she is not
aware I 10 5e her even now, she replied !;
while smile, which must have been q
sad one. played over her countenance.
"My father gave me permission to
retire, and 1 availed myself of it with
more pleasure than dared manifest.
Days and weeks passed away. Ny
mother endeavored by every means in
her power to gain my goodwill. She
interested herself in my employments,
smiled pleasantly upon me, and spoke
words which are ever acceptable to
young and confding hearts.
"But all in vain. We had no feelings
in common, and I was indignant that
she should ask or expect that would
regard her with other sentiments.
"'Why do you hhun me, Alice p she
said to me one day. Will you not love
and regard me as mother? You are
the same to me as my own child. /
would do anything to make you happy.
lyon are not my mother! Mrs.
Hammond says SO my mother is dead !
I exclaimed, bursting into an agony of
tears. 4 shan't try to love you, for it
is very wicked. oh, why did my mother
dieY
"And finging the arm which was
passed around my waist from me, 1 ran
to my own room. I wept, oh, how bit
terlyl Jealousy of my fathers divided
affection mingled with my Indignation
at what termed her unjust demands.
I thought until my brain seemed on fire,
my head whirled, my eyes grew dim,
and I knew nothing more.
"When reason returned, I was first
conscious of soft hand arranging the
pillow, and bathing, with q cooling
liquid, my fevered brow. The clothing
was lightly and carefully placed over
my emaciated form, and the soft step
and gentle voice told of q discreet and
attentive nurse. The weakness of in
fancy was upon me; could neither
speak, nor raise my heavy lids, which
seemed of leaden weight. But 1 dis
tinctly heard every sound each word
of suppressed conversation was balm to
my ears.
Thank God, Edward 7 said voice,
in whisper. The physician has Just
gone, and he says there is a favorable
change. Do not despair. my husband
Alice will yet be restored to us. Hope
for the best. Continued watching must
have fatigued you-why not try to OBJ
tain little sleepT
"Tf my child lives, to God and you
will she owe her life, replied my father,
with solemnity for I recognized his
voice. Her own mother could not have
her with more untiring assid-
uity and disinterested affection, For
nearly two weeks you have scarcely left
this sick chamber let me prevail upon
you to take some rest. Alice seems
easier now, and 1 will remain alone with
her, he added earnestly.
"I am not fatigued, Edward was
the gentle rejoinder. 4 will remain
until evening, for she might awake and
find no one near her. I hope she may
yet regard me with different feelings.
must try and win her love-
"Was I dreaming, or did my step
mother speak? Could one whom had
slighted, and repelled, think
and feel as she had spoken? The tone
sincerity, but her actions
testified more than words. Yes, the
truth came home to me with powerful
force, that had grieved and wronged
= loving and affectionate heart had
allowed bitter and revengeful thoughts
10 take root in my bosom, and poison
the peace of my young life.
II sighed unconsciously, and with an
effort opened my eyes. My stepmother
sprang to the bedside. and with q look
Of anxiety took my hand within hers,
and bent over me. Our eyes met.
could not resist the impulse which COM
PEELED me to raise my arms and clasp
hem about her neck, as she bent to kiss
me. My tongue was loosened. The
tears rained from my hitherto closed
eyes, as murmured:
"Forgive me. forgive mel You are
ny good, kind motherl
ado not talk, my dear Alice, she
replied, soothingly, wiping away the
.ears. You have been very sick, but
With good nursing will soon be well
again. see you will love me yet, and
hat we shall all be happy in future,
she added, smiling; but this time it was
but o sad smile.
"'And how can I see my darling
Alice safe again, and hear her asking
your forgiveness, without following her
exclaimed q voice. 1t was
Nurse Hammond, who had entered un-
perceived, and thrown herself at my
feet. 1t was I who have done
ali the mischief she continued. i
taught her to dislike you and all step
But your kindness to q
girl has won my heart. You
are not SO heartless as I imagined. I
will not get up until you forgive me.
.oo.' And her earnestness attested to
her sincerity.
"I forgive everything, Mrs. Ham,
mond. Let all this be forgotten be-
tween us, replied my stepmother, while