The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1875-04-24
Come with me, then," said the girl

In her little bed chamber, on the floor of
her widowed mothers humble cottage,
with her arms about Mag, and her blushing
face hidden in her lap. she told her, in her
simple, childish way.
81 did love Rob-" she said, "hetter than
any one else, and I thought he loved me.
He said he did, and he gave me this ring to
wear. But after that he went with other
girls, and seemed to forget me. l felt hurt
about it, you know; but now this trouble s
come upon him, l don't mind it at all.
only want to help him, and didn't like to
60 and see him, like was forcing myself
upon him. So l waited to see you. I've
got some money of my own, that grand
mother left me when she died, and mother
says can do as like with it, and | want
you to take it, and get lawyers to defend
poor Rob when his trial comes Off Will
you?''
Mag bent down and kissed the eager
fearful face.
"Oh! Lucy" she said, 81 had begun to
doubt even Gods mercy until 1 met you.
You are not too just to forgive"
"We all need forgiveness, and should
forgive each other" said Lucy simply.
The day of Rob's trial was one of great
excitement in the bustling little village,
and the Court House was filled at an early
hour by eager country folks, who, while
they pitied the poor lad from the depths Of
their hearts, were still secretly rejoiced
over the occurrence of such an unusual
affair, one which promised such vast, and
lasting source of gossip.
But the prevalent feeling was to indig-
nation against the unfeeling and unnatural
uncle, who, for such a paltry pittance, had
dragged his own flesh and blood before a
court of justice.
But the clerical divine was not the man
to be troubled, by the opinion his neighbors
held of him. He dwelt aloft in the serene
realms of self conscious righteousness.
He had done his duty. He had been
just, as he remarked on the Sabbath morn
ing that poor Rob lay in prison, and on
which particular occasion he saw fit to
treat his hearers to an elaborate discourse
on the terrors of the law, and the inexor
able character of Gods justice.
Rob had very able counsel.
Lucy's little offering secured the services
Of one distinguished lawyer, and Mr..
Hazeltine, who took great interest in the
affair, employed another. But at the bar,
when the prisoner was arraigned, he plead
"Guilty," and, as matter of course, that
put an end to all their hopes and efforts.
Despite the universal sympathy in his
behalf, he was convicted of larceny, and
sentenced to expiate his offcuse by short
term in the State Prison. The sentence to
take effect in just two weeks from the date
of the trial.
The time sped rapidly. and the last
morning came. A glorious morning, too.
Nature decked herself in gala robes, as if
in mockery of the sad scene that was being
enacted before the grated door of the old
prison. The sheriff had just brought the
young criminal out, and Mag and Lucy
stood side by side at the bottom of the
steps, awaiting him, while men and women.
who had known him ever since he was
child, hung around looking on, and weep
ing bitterly.
He went to Lucy first holding out both
hands, his cheeks white, his lips trembling
"Good by, Lucy" he said in broken
voice. "If I were free, and what l once
was, would repay you for your kindness.
But now-now-well' it's all over; I'm done
for, you see, for life. You must forget
me. Be kind to Mag when l am gone"
The girl took both his hands, and hold
ing them looked up into his with her dear
honest eyes. "No, Rob-" she said in her
sweet, firm tones, q shall not forget you.
When you come back you will find me
just the same. 1t wont be long. Time
soon passes, you know. You mustn't get
down hearted, and talk about being done
for. That's all wrong. When you come
back you must be a man, and show the
world that your souls honest, if you did
yield to one temptation. Gods mercy and
help never fails, if mans does. Remember
that Rob-"
The boys cheeks famed, and something
flashed up in his eyes that had never glowed
there before. 81 will, Lucy! l will"' his
worthy to be called my fathers son yet"
He was turning to his sister, but just
then sulky drove up, and Mr.. Hazeltine
leaped out and approached them with
paper in his hand
"Young man. he said, slapping Rob on
the back, "you are free. l have brought
you the Governors PARDON
Poor Rob, he had borne up manfully
enough through all his shame and trouble.
hut he broke down now, and, catching Mr..
Hazeltine's hands, burst out into passionate
sobbing, like very child.
"I'll go away, now," he said, after a
while, struggling to keep his voice steady,
land begin a new life. Oh. sir, I'll try
and be worthy of your kindness"
81 don't doubt it, my son." replied the
gentleman kindly; but you mustn't go
away. hlSHI mere Is inc place TO Oegln
your new life. I want you to live down
this thing. You shall come back to our
old place under my employ"
Rob flushed holly, and was about to re-
monstrate, but glance from Lucy sienced
him. And that self same afternoon found
him in his old place, behind the dusty
desk, in the low, noisy warehouse.
Y X
Ten years after, and the old fashioned
farm house, blazing in the glory of cloud
less Autumn sunset, opened wide it's pom
derous doors to give welcome to happy
family-Rob and Lucy, his wife, and one
or two toddling little children.
Rob had realized his long cherished hope
at last and bought back the dear old home
in which his father dwelt so long, and all
by his own efforts, too, together with
Lucy's help and Mays meek love and
patience.
He was a man now; he had lived down