The anti-monopolist., 1876-06-01
The -Anti-AI0nopo1ist.

deferred for the vindication | was sure
would come at last, for the end Of the weary
exile, the still more weary widowhood. 1t
has come ~
| She waited one moment and then crossed
the room to the chair where Mr.. Raynor
was seated. The newspaper had fallen to
the floor, and his face, radiant with proud
JOY, was lifted to meet her gaze. She put her
hand upon his shoulder, and her voice was
tender beyond description as she said
Lawrence, did you think you could hide
yourself from me?"
He rose then to fold her in a tight en-
brace His voice trembled with emotion as
he answered:
"You knew me, Ellen Som etimes have
thought you dii, but | would net bring
upon you the burden Of carrying my secret
But the pain and separation are over now
Ellie! %
She answered the call at once, and as her
father bowed his head to kiss her bright
sweet face, he shot one merry glance at
Louis, who was watching the little drama
with wondering, well-pleased eyes.
"W hat reward can offer the bearer OF
sach good tidings as you have brought to
this house tonight :" he asked, releasing
Ellie and her mother, and extending his
hand to Louis.
The young man, who had long before
made friends with Mrs. Mortons boarder,
grasped the extended hand quickly.
II ask only one reward" he SAID, egerly.
Since you have found so large family.
permit me to releave you of the care Of one
mem Der, promising her such tender protec-
ton as comes FROM deep, true love-
NO." was the quick reply. Say rather
you will add one more to this happy family,
and II you take away ny daughter you will
give to me and my wife a SON.
GLADLY "was the cordial reply. ii Ellie
will give me the right"
And Ellie blushing and smiling, lei her
lover take her hand anu put the kiss Of be-
trothal upon her lips.
And" continued Lawrence Mort L,
"5ince Preston Pratt has d ne NE tardy
justice by his confession and his legacy. We
will not utterly refuse the latter, hu, il shah
be Eilie's dowry."
Then as they were once more seated he
said
"For in my years of exile, homesioA and
heartsick, thrleting for revenge and justice,
/ threw all the energy Of my youth and
strength into money making | escaped
upon Q sailidg vessel to China, and landed
there utterly friendless and penniless. But
after N onths Of suffering from the extreme
poverty, was taken into the employ OF a
tea company, who soon found | understood
branches OF business higher than those for
which Twas engaged, and promoted me
till held q position Of trust and finally a
partnership. When ! was wealthy man l
sold out, and crossed the sea again, to find
out if any here remembered me- | was aged
by suffering, and old friends passed me by
as q stranger. But coming near, to my old
home, fearing to find death OF forgetfuness
had preceded me, found one true heart
one bearing still my stained name. keeping
my picture enshrined in her own room,
cherlshing every gift had given her. !
hoped to win a place in her heart under my
uame; 70 share with her my wealth as
her second husband But she was not to be
won so. She waited for my vullca:ion,
aud II has come ?"
The next day the journals held the obit
uary notice of the late Preston Pratt, and
the confession that restored Lawrence Nor
ton to ms old place in his home and social
circle. The boarders, 10th 10 leave, were
invited to the supper the new master Of the
house gave IL honor Of his return, and to
announce his daughters betrothal and, IL
few days, the Re united family were once
more the happy inhabitants Of Their beautiful,
home.
But in q few months there was d grand
wedding, when Ellie beeame The bride Of
Louis Sajon, and WAS given tc he proud
happy husband by her father, fully restored
to nl+ wife. child ani friends