The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-12-04

IhO hhoNlSuBSs hluuHiiics httNt plby anu
tell me ALL"
What reason have you 10 suppose
that / know aught of what you ask ?"
Have not reason enough? Have
not you, since my childhood, shown in
me an interest far greater than could be
felt by mere stranger9 Have you not
warned me against danger, preserved
me from peril, given me advice when l
sorely needed guidance9 You have
shown friendship for me which con-
vinces me that you know more of me
than than know of myself; that you
possess the knowledge which desire.
Will you not give me the information
ask ?"
| can tell you nothing more than
you already know" was the reply.
Madam, continued the young man,
passionately, "since childhood have de-
sired to learn this secret; have longed
for its possession, heaven only knows
how earnestly; yet, how much more do
desire it now when L wish to marry
lady whom L dearly love. Can ask
her or expect her to unite herself to one
who has not even G name he can call
his own ?''
Mrs. Clayton was visibly agitated, but
she replied:
IF the lady loves you, your misfor-
tune will make you none the less dear.
If she is a true woman she will not allow
that to separate you, which it is beyond
your power to remedy"
But which yOu can remedy" re-
joined the young man, impetuously:
Twill you not tell me what you
know ?"
walter Elmore,'' said the lady much
moved 81 pity you; how sincerely,
Heaven alone knows. l could give you
certain information, confess; but the
secret hold could do you no good, there
fore / refuse"
Madam, p" exclaimed the young man,
c. beg of you, reconsider your decision.
Whoever, or whatever my parents are
wish to know them. Tell me at least,
are they living"
MIS. Sluy tOl lOl a pduSSu
then with much emotion exclaimed
" Oh, Walter, why do you thus wiring
my heart ? You open anew old wounds
and bring back memories of bitter past
which 1 would fain Danish forever
"Mrs. Clayton" the young man said,
" if you had felt the misery have, you
would not ask me why question you.
viii you not answer?"
"Why do you feel thus on this sub
ject? You were tenderly cared for and
educated by one who was all to you that
father could have been. Whose hon
ored name you bear"
Feeling keenly," interrupted the
young man, chow little right have to
it. Mr.. Gilmore was very kind to me;
still he was not my father, Mrs. Clay
ton," Walter added, abruptly. "It will
be just twenty-four years this night
since was left at his door. would that
on this anniversary day might learn
who the wretched being was that laid
me there"
you ?" asked the woman, in tremulous
tones.
eyes, madam"
els it in your possession ?"
cit is; carry it always with me;
for feel that it may yet be the means
of proving my identity"
"Will you let me see this notep"
In reply the young man drew a paper
yellow with age from his pocket-book
and handed it to Mrs. Clayton, who
took it with trembling hands and read
as follows:
"MR GEORGE ELMoRE: Tc you 1
commend this little waif; will you take
it and care for it as its wretched mother
cannot! Oh, for the sake of one who
would die rather than harm this child,
keep and cherish him. He was born in
wedlock and his name is Walter. In all
probability he will never be reclaimed.
Do not encourage any questions he may
in future life make regarding his parent
age. 1t is better that he should remain
in ignorance of all that concerns those
whom fortune compels to discard him.
Mr. Elmore, you had once son-I will
not say you have one now, for rumor
tells me you have disowned him-who
by his cruel treatment nearly broke
your heart. Let this boy take his place;
am sure he will prove ever grateful
to his benefactor. Tell him that his
parents live; but that he must never, as
he values his happiness, seek them.
Farewell, and may Heaven reward your
kindness to my child. | will sign no
name, for my identity must ever remain