The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1878-10-24

| Or0tner WIG, anu your slsteT.
We sat down together on the sofa,
and as I held her hard she told me her
sad story. Her mother had died,
leaving her an infant, in the care of a
dissolute father, who while she was
still mere girl, bad committed a rob.
berry. and been imprisoned. Then she
had gone out into the world alone and
friendless, until she had found a place
in a large family to. take care of the
young children. By strict self>denial
she had saved enough money to pay, for
her education at madams's, with the in
tention of becoming a teacher. That
was all. hs.N''.- ! '.''
Pressing my, lips to, her soft. cheeks,
I said, impulsisely:a &; r.rl
Why, Ruthie, is that the only reason
you refused HowardT 'lI.N.
The only reason she repeated, sadly
I-'yes, and surely reason enough.
H. ''|| ~
Here an unexpected interruption oc-
Cured.
The draperies parted from an alcove
near, and my brother stepped into the
room. EJYiE! TOD
Ruth gave little cry as she saw
him, Ooh ! how noble! he looked y And
well she might; for almost in a single
instant her slight figure was clasped
tightly in his arms.
Then, regardless Of me, be spoke
rcproachfully, butch, so tenderly And
Ruth just let herself stay in his streng
arms, and did not shrink when his
lifted her face to read his answer in her
soulful eyes. I stole away they did
not heed me. At last I had sister.
Howard told papa al of his prom
ised wife's story and the dear old gem
tleman spoke, as 1 knew he would,
words Of kindness aud counsel. and
| laid his hand 10 blessing on my Ruth's
dark head.
/. 80 Ruth gave up her idea Of going
back to school, and we were happy as
happy could be. This week We were
to give a garden party, and all the
young and old Of. the .neigbborhood
were invited. Some of the older peo-
pie preferred to stay in the parIors, aud
there papa brought Ruth, to sing for
them his favorits Scotch airs. Of
course, I was there too, and Howard
was not far of. Z; - s.
Ruth looked lovely that night in her
white dress, . with creamy rosebuds
nesting, as if thoroughly contented, in
her bosom and hair. had never seen
her wear any jeHelry before, and I
noticed on her round, white arm an
elegant bracelet.
\ As She sui there, the jeweled clasp
OF the bracelet5on her arm cleaned and
caught the light, and I saw old Judge
Morris, my fathers dearest friend, start
violently aud bend forward, looking iu-
tantly at the players arm; alook ofsup.
pressed excitement was in his face, and
after she had done I,saw him 60 and
speak aside to Howard, awhile. Then
they left the room together.
The hours swiftly few by, and it
came time for the party to break up.
TIE next day Howard went away Con
business he said.) He returned, in o
few days, and one morning, shortly after,
the bell rang, some one wished to
see Ruth in the library. Wondering
who it could be, and fearing, she knew
not what, Ruth went down.. A time
ELAPSED, aud she came back. AS she
went to the toiIet-table and took up the
bracelet that was lying there, l noticed
the strange expression her face wore.
Ruth, what is it2 What has hap
peped?'
STOPPING, she dropped sudden kiss
: ON my forehead and exclaimed =,
:; EOha Sadie, how can. I ever thank
you enough?'
Before I could speak she was gone,
and I was left alone with my wonder
ment.
After a while Howard came he,
too, with his features strangely work.
ing.
Sadie, come to Ruth he said. y
When I opened the library door ]
started back, for there, sitting side by
side, as close as if they were lovers
were my fathers dear friend and my
Rutbie. As entered, Judge Morris
rose and took my hand in both his own
His eyes were full of tears, and hil
voice faltercd as he said:
Miss Sadie, let me- give you
|, fathers thanks. Through Gods infn'
ite mercy you have been the means o
bringing me to my long lost child
All was soon explained. Judge Nor
ris had married early in life beautiful
French girl, and after some years al
.. infant was born. The mother died 30
afte-,, and all that was left to ne be
reaved husband was his chilI.. He ha
in his employ servant yho had live
|, with him few years, and in whom b
had great confderce; but after a tim
r he began to suspect him of dishonesty
and after obtsining sufficient proof b
!, taxed him with it and then discharge
: him.
= That night his little girl was missing
y Rewards were offered, but no clue t
> his lost child could bs found. The cal