The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-12-15
Select STORY,
RIGHTED AT LAST.

this way Of living; it seems as though |
am without friend in my own house;
even father has turned against me, and
seems to forget am his child. Oh, dear !
1t is too hard-indeed it is-to be turned
from ones own home by those who have
no right to do so. Oh mother Would
that could have died when l was born !
Why was | left to struggle through this
cold world, alone and unloyed?'
Erred don't say no one loves you; re-
member that do, and will, come what
may But why do you feel so badly ?
Perhaps things are not as bad as they
seem, after ALL | know it is hard to be
treated in such way, but keep up your
courage, and all will come right, depend
upon it.
Nellie Armitage looked up to her lover
with bright smile, although her eyes
were filed with tears. She could not be
entirely happy, for she knew too well that
others were trying their best to separate
her from him. Still she kept a brave
heart, and believed they could and would
be happy yet
There was pause of few moments
which at last was broken by Fred, who
said -
"Well Nellie, will try to be patient,
but don't think for a moment that |
DOUBTED your love. No, not for worlds
would l do that, for it is the one bright
star of my life, and this world would be
dark indeed without my little Nellie to
love me"
Several years before my story opens,
there lived on the banks of the Hudson a
gentleman by the name Of Harmon, a
wealthy, retired merchant. His summers
were spent at his country residence, where
he could be free from the dust and tur-
moil of the city, and where his friends
were entertained in true hospitality, for
all knew they were sure Of hearty vel
come from James Harmon.
His wife, lovely blonde, refined and
accomplished, had loft hor sunny Southern
home, to share the one SO lavishly fitted
up, for her husband had spared no pains
to have everything in a style that would
satisfy even the most expensive taste.
Wealth was displayed in every part of
the house aud surroundings. Happy in
deed were they in their beautiful home,
and when, two years later, little heir was
born to them, their happiness seemed in
creased tenfold Little Fred, as he was
called, was idolized and petted to his
hearts content both father and mother
never tired of listening to his baby prattle.
As time passed, he grew to be fine,
bright boy, gaining the love Of all by the
sweetness Of his disposition and gentle
ways; but ere he reached the age when he
most needed mothers love and protection,
she was taken from him, and at the age OF
nine years he was left motherless.
Now it was that Fred was left wholly
to the care Of his kind and developed
nurse, who seemed to think nothing too
good for her little charge. Nothing of
Importance transpired during the few
succeeding years till, at the age Of sixteen,
Fred was sent of to college, his father
meantime intending to travel 10 search of
health and pleasure, and it was during
a trip on one Of our ocean steamers he
CHANGED to meet with a Mrs. Travers, and
it was the mistake Of lifetime when, six
months later, he made her his wife. Why
he had been so fascinated with this woman
he could never tell; but too soon he found
he had been deceived, and saw her in her
true light
81 have just received a telegram from
my son, saying he will be here this even
ing"
Mr.. Harmon looked at his wife as he
made the remark, expecting at least some
sign of pleasure. She simply raised her
eyes, and said
"Ah, indeedW
eyes, he will be here on the seven
o'clock train. win you see that his room
is made ready for him2 1t is nearly two
years since Fred went to college; | really
long to see my boy"
"You can speak to Katie, she will put
the room in order; it is not necessary for
me to leave my book, is u"
Then, fearing she had said little too
much, Mrs Harmon rose from her seat,
and said -
"Well, l guess viii go and speak to
her myself"
No sooner had she left the room than
the whole expression Of her face changed;
her eyes flashed as she said, in low
tone;
Coming home, is hep Well he won't
find very warm reception here, and his
stay win be short. | am the mistress Of
this house now, and he will find it out, l
guess. Because l marie his father he
needn't for moment suppose | am going
to have him here, spying on all that goes
on. II Is enough to have that old nurse,
with her hateful steel gray eyes, peeriug
at mo all the time. Never mind2 I'll
get rid Of her soon, aud then III reign
supreme.
A shrill whistle, aud the cars were at
the depot. With a beating heart aud
quick step, Fred Harmon fastened to the
home of his boyhood. He hesitated for a
moment before entering aud, looking in
at the window, he saw his father. Then
it was that he realized he was to meet his
new mother for the first time. As he
passed through the door, the first one he
met was his cid nurse, who, on seeing him
threw her arms arouhd her "boy, as she
still called him, although he was now most
grown to manhood, and said
"0h il does my old heart good to see
you once more
lie felt he was indeed welcome His
father, hearing voices, hastened into the
hall, and, as he clasped the hand extended
to him in both his own, bis voice trcmbled
as he said, "Welcome home, my son, glad
to see you" Then, turning, he added,
Fred, this is your mother have you no
word for herr"