Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-08-21
GODFATHER VIVIAN.

1t was early in July afternoon, when
the carriage set Inc down at Fleetwood,
whittier had gone to spend the holidays.
| walked quickly up the old lane OF
roses AMI sweet-brier, thinking all he
way of Jenny and Robert, and of the de-
Iightful DAYS we should pass together:
1t was such long time since we had
parted last-or, at least, it seemed so. |
was somewhat disappointed when, in
stead of Jenny's pretty, laughing face
appearing at the door, ] beheld the two
prim forms of her step-aunts.
Miss Lucretia and Miss Penelope well
coined me, but not cordially-that they
never did
"Where's jenny" said l, giving a
half pressure to the cold fingers which
received me.
"Jenny is with Robert, at present" re-
piled Miss Lucletia, stitily.
"And Robert is in disgrace" subjoired
Miss Penelope, austerely
A cloud, dark and lowering, overshad-
owed the promised sunshine of the de-
lightful holidays. / stood irresolute-
half wishing, half fearing to ask if |
might 90 to them. Miss Lucretia antici-
pated me.
You will find your companions in
the south room. will send up your
trunk Immediately"
scarcely waited to hear the second
announcement. | was already at the foot
of the stairs. Up flew, two steps at a
time, and full of love. | found them to-
gether in the south room; Robert sitting
silently by the window, and Jenny upon
her knees beside him. Oh, what a glad
shout he gave when he saw me, and how
Jenny cried and laughed alternately
For time disgrace was forgotten, and 1t
seemed Just as if old times on the sea-
beach had returned again. But gradual
" the settled sorrow stole back over
Roberts face.
"What is it all about ?' asked |, as we
three sat together, and they told me
from beginning to end. In a moment OF
great temptation Robert had taken that
which was not his own. He had stolen
he was a thief! Never shall | forget the
world of anguish that passed over his
countenance as he spoke those words
such a bitter, regretful anguish.
And have you told all the circum-
stances to your aunts?" again inquired.
NO" replied Robert, proudly. "They
would neither understand nor believe me
if did"
Perhaps they might forgive YOU"
"Never! They have sent up this
morning for Godfather Vivian. | don't
know what will be done with me-
/ had heard of Godfather Vivian be-
fore, but none of us three had ever seen
him. He had lived abroad until during
the last year, and though he had some,
times made short visits to Fleetwood, il
always happened that he came wher
Jenny and Robert were absent from
home. This announcement of his coming
silenced us momentarily. We were al
thinking of him.
a know" said Robert, mournfully
after pause, 81 know that he is hard
hearted and unfeeling, or else they never
would have sent for him. | expect tC
have no mercy shown ME.
"I am afraid you are right, Robert,
said 1 sadly, and with tears in my eyes
al can foresec everything" exclaimed
Jenny, passionately, while she held hel
brothers hand. Z" / can see him before
me, just as if | had known him all my
life. Tall, grim, hard, unfeeling, stern
implacable and unforgiving. That.
Godfather Vivian"
1t was a faithful picture to us, and We
took it home. We decided that he wa.
very ogre, and that Robert was to pre-