The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-12-19


footstep on the soaking pathway stopped
Maggie's song, and she went to the window
to sse what visitor had ventured out on
such a day. 1t was . tall, broad shout
dered, handsome man, with dark nous
tache and beard, and keen bright eyes.
Maggie recognised him directly. 1t was
Mr.. Carlyle, and her heart throbbed with
Q joyful hope that after all there might be
happy ending to the story Of Aunt
Eleanor's life
Mrs. Skinner went to the door and
showed him into the room v here Mac 40
waited somewhat in terror
"a gentleman for Mn. Carlyle, an
nounced the laudlady.
| Maggie c&me timidiy forward.
''Mrs. tiarlyie in not at home, sir" she
''Thsn Il win wait, > he returned, taking
al his<lrippine oyescoat and carrying It
into the passage.
He came back with smile and held his
hand out TO Maggie.
81 must introduce myself, young lady;
| am your Uncle Carlyle, and you are
Maggie-are you notf'
YES, she answered, shyly.
'The young lady my brave boy Guy
loves so well, he said, looking ut her
pretty eyes and flushed cheeks with faith
erly approval, and still holding her hand
81 have something for you, Maggie, that
was mt to AbbOtslyn- something you will
be glad to have"
"A letter" asked Maggie, eagerly
Yes, letter, he answered, taking it
from his pocket
"Read tit is from Guy"
Maggie went to the window an opened
it with eager hands. 1t was long, loving
letter, containing news that sent the blood
flying to her face in happiness. Guy was
better. though still terribly weak, and he
was coming home when strong enough to
travel.
81 have had q letter from him too, said
Mr.. Carlyle, as she turned to aim with
glistening eyes. "Thank Heaven, we shall
have our boy safe home again, Maggie"
He had sat down before the fire perfect
ly cool and self-compoSed, though keener
observer than Maggie might haye noticed
a little nervous start when the garden
gate cracked on its hinges
Can | get you anything, Uncle Car
lylel" asked Maggie, feeling that she must
do the honors of the house.
81 should like q cup of tea, he return
Ell 81 have walked from the station and
am very tired.
Stay" he added, as Maggie was about
to leave the room, ''where is your auntF'
cat the schoolhouse. She is the school
mistress of Remington.
He started, and little flush passed over
his face at her words, but he did not speak,
and Maggie left the room on hOspitable
cares-intent.
She brought in the tea herself, and was
cutting the bread and buttor when her
aunt's light step sounded On the garden
walk. Mr.. Carlyle bent his head over the
fire, and Maggie had trembled with ex-
cltement, but Mrs. Carlyle did not Gonna
into the sItting -ru0m. She ran up stairs,
nummin2 tune the children had been
singing. and came down with her wet gar
ments removed, dressed in long black
dress, with her beautiful hair dropping
over her face. She entered the room with
her bright smile, that was So new and yet
so sweet on her lips.
"Tea ready 50 soon, Maggie deari' she
said, not noticing Mr.. Carlyle for a mo-
ment, but she suddenly checked herself,
and stood still in the middle Of the room,
as he rose from his seat and came toward
her.
Eleanor, have come to speak to you
about this foolish determination of yours,
he said, his voice trembling despite his ef-
forts to control it.
She looked at him in a puzzled way, and
tn IN, to the astonishmsnt of her COM
panions and Of herself, the proud woman
sat down, and clasped her hands over her
face, burst into tears. Maggie gave up
her table duties, and left the room, and
Mr.. Carlyle stood by his Sife's side in
puzzled pain.
Eleanor, don't cry, | cannot bear it,'
he persisted, vainlv striving to hush her
sobs, aud, with a sudden impulse, he bent
down and lifted her upon his arm "Elean-
or, dear Eleanor, will you forgive met
Will you let me love YOU. Dear wife, let
the past be forgotten"
"You do not love NE. she said
81 do, and he clasped her tighter, and
looked tenderly down upon her beautiful
face II love you dearly, Eleanor; the
past is all forgotten, and love you as when
we first met Forgive me, Elesnor"
''You have most to forgive, Eleanor re-
turned, humbly. 81 have conquered my
pride, Robert, and now my love is strong
est
The twilight had fallen before they re-
membered the tea, and Mrs. Carlyle ran
up stairs to Maggie.
"Come down, dear, You must be frozen
with cold" and in lower tone she added,
smoothing her niece's hair, ''my story will
have q happier ending after all, Maggie
dear; and-only thiBk.-he would never
have come to me if had mot left Abbots-
lyn, for he thought didRpeF eFaEe for him.
YOnsarea true prophecies, little Maggie.
We shall 20 back to our dear old home,
after all and nov come down to tea
The beeches ON the lawn of Abbotslyn
were green with the young leaves, and the
garden was bright with spring flowers,
when Guy came home again. 1t was q
bright, beautiful day, and Maggie's eyes
were as bright as the blue SKY with happi-
ness when she came down with the con
sciousness that City will be home to-day .
She was not still one moment all the morn
ing, trying to make the laggard hours pass
quicker.
Mr.. Carlyle had gone to meet Guy at
the port, and they we're 70 be home by two
O'CLOCK
"There never was such long morning,
said Mrs. Carlyle, laughing but it was
over at last, and the welcome sound Of
carriAge-wheels sounded up the road.
"They are come-they are come cried
Maggie, springing TO the door first TO meet
and welcome Guy.
He was terribly white and then, and q
heavy mustache made him look much old.
or; but they were Guys beautiful eyes,
and it was his own voice. 1t was choked
with emotion ~ he caught Maggie in hii
arms.
My darling-my Maggie
THE winter is over, the time of th'
| sinOinO of birda in cO-oe ouOted Mr. Car