The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1875-08-19
GODFATHER VIVIAN.

It was early in July afternoon, when
the carriage set Inc down at Fleetwood,
whittier l had gone to spend the holidays.
I walked quickly up the old lane OF
roses AMI sweet-brier, thinking all he
way of Jenny and Robert, and of the de-
lightful days we should pass together.
It was such long time since we had
parted last-or, at least, it seemed so. l
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 Lucietia, stiffly.
"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 l
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. l was already at the foot
of the stairs. Up l 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 it
seemed lust as if old times on the sea-
beach had returned again. But gradual
ly 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 moment ol
great temptation Robert had taken that
which was not his own. He had stolen
he was theft 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 auntsw l 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 thi'
morning for Godfather Vivian. / dom
know what will be done with me-"
had heard of Godfather Vivian be
fore, but none of us three had ever seer
him. He had lived abroad until durin,
the last year, and though he had some
times made short visits to Fleetwood, /
always happened that he came whei
Jenny and Robert were absent from
home. This announcement of his coming
silenced us momentarily. We were al
thinking of him.
"I know" said Robert, mournfully
after pause, / know that he is hard
hearted and unfceling, or else they neve
would have sent for him. / expect t
have no mercy shown me-"
"I am afraid you are right, Robert,
said I sadly, and with tears in my eyes
al can foresee everything" exclaime,
Jenny, passionately, while she held he
brothers. hand. al can see him befor
me, Just M il had known him all m
life. Tall, grim, hard, unfeeling, sterr
implacable and unforgiving. That
4 Godfather Vivian"
It was faithful picture to us, and W
took It home. We decided that he wa
' q very ogre, and that Robert was TO pr'