Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1874-04-23

whf1e hand tnat was 70 wear It. but no
to mellow much was embodied there
all these delights we're hidden within tha
little ring Of gold.
Tall. bearded. and suu-brcnzed,
knocked at my fathers house. The light.
in the par!or window, and the hum o.
conversation and cheerful laughter. show.
ed me that company had assembled there
I hoped that sister Lizzie would come to
the door. and might greet my family
when no strange eye was looking careless.
ly on.
But no, servant answered my sum-
mons. They were too merry il. the. pr.
lor to heed the long absent one who asked
for admittance. A bitter thought like
this ran through my mind as l heard the
sound from the parlor. and saw the half
suppressed smile on the servants face.
l hesitated moment before making
myself known or asking for any Of the
family And while I stood silent strange
arpari,ion grew up before me; from ou.
behind the servant peercd out a golden
head, tiny. delicate form and swee,
childish face with blue eyes. so like those
of one who had frightened my boyhood -.
that / started with q sudden feeling oi
pain.
"What is your name, my pretty?'
asked while the wondering servant held
the door.
MARY Moore"
And what else 2" I asked quickly.
She lifted up her hands to shade her
face. | have seen that very altitude in
another, in my boyhood. many and many
time-and answered in sweet bird like
voice:
MARY Moore Chester"
My heart sank down like lead Here
vas an end to all the bright dreams and
hopes of my youth and manhood Frank
Chester, my boyish rival. who had often
tried to usurp my place beside the girl,
had succeeded at last. and had won her
away from me. This was the child-his
child and Mary's.
sank body and soul beneath this blow
and. hiding my face in my hand leaned
against the door. while my heart wept
tears Of blood. The little one gazcd at
inc grieved and amazed, and put up her
pretty lips as if about to cry. while the
pcrplcxed servant stepped to TIE parlor
and called my sister out to see who it was
TIA. conducted himself so strangely.
heard light step, and a pleasant voice,
saying:
did you wish to sec mr. father sir -
looked up. There stood pretty.
sweet-faced maiden of twenty. not much
changed from the dear little sister had
loved so well. looked after her for a
moment. and then sti!ling the tempest of
my heart. by mighty effort, l opened
my arms and said:
Lizzie don't you know me 2"
Harry. oh. my brother iIarry.' she
cried and threw herself upon my breast,
and wept as il her hear, would break.
coull not weep. drew her gently
into the lighted parlor, and stood with her
before them all
There was rush. and cry Of JOY. and
then my father and mother sprang toward
me, aud welcomed me home with hcart-
felt tears.
Oh. strange and passing sweet is such a
greeting to the w1y-worn traveller. Aud
as held my dear old mother to my hear,
and graspcd my fathers hand. while Liz
ze still clung beside me. fclt that all
was not lost; and although another had
secured life's most choicest blessing. many
Joy remained for me in the sanctuary oI
home.
There were four inmates Of the room,
who had risen on my sudden entrance -
One was the bluc-eyed child. whom had
already seen. and who now stood beside
Frank Chester. clinging to his hand
Near by stood Lizzie Moore. Marys ell
dest sister, and in a distant corner. to
which she hurriedly retreated when my
name was spoken. stood tall and slen.
der figure. half hidden BY the heavy win.
dow curtains that fell to the floor.
When the first rap,uous greeting was
over, Lizzie led me forward with n timij
grace, aud Frank Chester graspcd my
hand
Welcome home, nv boy" be said with
the loud. cheerful tones remembered so
we'll "You have changed so tina, I uev.
er would have known YOU. but no matte,
about that. your heart is in the right
place. know"
How can you say that he has changed?
said my mother. gently. To be sure ht
looks older and graver. and more like :
man than when he went away. but. hi,
eyes and smiles are the same as ever. L
is heavy hear, which changes him. ii,
is my son still
Aye. mother ! answered sadly. L an
your boy STILL
Heaven help me at that moment Eel
like a boy. and il would have been bles
sed relief to have wept upon her bosom a
l had done in my infancy. But | KEEP,
down the tremor Of my lips, and answer
cd quietly. as looked into his full hand
some face.
You have changed. too. Frank, but
think for the better
'oh. yes-,hauk you for the compli
meu,. he answered with a hearty lauc b
.My wife tells me grow hanisomer eve
! ~ day
! His wife Could l hear that name an,
keep silent still.
And have you seen my little girl Z b
> added, lifting the infant in his arms. an
, kissing her crimsoncd cheek. i tell 20
4 Harry. there is no such osher in the world
, Don't you think she looks very much liz
: Ter mother used TOT
. Very much,' faltered.
D Halo = cried Frank. With . suSde,
mess which m,de ne star. violently,