Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-11-02
NO. 26O.
when the same words may be said OF my.

went directly on towards the inner one,
unheeding her abrupt exclamation:
Not there not therer'
He saw room that was most elegantly
furnished, but with the hand no more of
great means than of the most exquisite
taste. The only inharmonious portions
were the occupants themselves. Their su-
preme unhappiness. manifest in every
look and action, ill-accorded with the
beautiful ornaments. the decorations, the
mirrors. the gold and silvers catered pro-
fusely about on mantle, sdeboard, table,
chair and bracket.
They were a gentleman. a lady and
two young girls, one of whom, with her
arm under her head upon the table, was
fast asleep. The man was stouter than
twenty years aback his hair was much
thinner upon the brow, and in it were
broad and frequent streaks of gray !; but 1t
was none the less the Abel Hart of old.
The stranger scarcely dared to trust
himself to look at the lady. but when he
did, there was no mistaking her. 1t was
the Rose of his youth still. Time had
touched her very lightly. no more than he
does the bud to make of it the full luxu-
rious blossom.
"Well," said Abel. looking up at the
figure placing itself so unceremODiously
in the doorway The expression was Just
little important. as a liberty had been
taken, which month before would have
been impossible.
The stranger stood looking but a mo-
mont in silence. The tears filled his eyes
and he slowly uttered twice name:
"Abel Hart Abel Hart !"
Abel raised his head as one will DO
when he hears scarcely distinct cry in
the distance. Rose also looked up, and
there was much the same expression up
on her face.
Abel Hart" once more said the strang-
er.
Abel YEARLY rose from his seat and
went toward him. laying hand on eth
er shoulder. He scanned the sunken
countenance closely. 1t was only for a
moment
MY God is it you?" he cried. "Wel
come back"
They were in each others arms.
"Afllictions and sorrows bring friends
close together once more," he added, af-
ter moment, with emotion. Then sep
arating himself from his friends. he called
to his wife, who had been looking on in
wonder. .Rose--Rose, here is Heber-
here is Heberr'
Rose was beside them instantly, and her
greeting was none the less warm, If not
quite so personal.
"Still the same. No difference said
Heber. as he looked at them, holding their
hands in his. He had seen that not so
much as by look had either one noticed
his wretched apparel. II have come to
you," he added have come back to die
underneath the shadows of the dear old
Abingford hills. How my heart has
yearned for vou and them!"
They seated themselves upon the sofa,
Heber between them. A
Suddenly an cmbarras ssment came upon
them, as though they remembered some-
thing that they only wished could be for
gotten, and they were silent. Heber put
his hand into the bosom of his coat and
drew forth worn and faded paper. He
smoothed it out upon his knee as well as
he was able.
"For twenty years have kept this" he
said. and rs he spoke he watched Abel.
nervously. "Do YOU remember it, Abel
See! Come to US. That which have, as
it has always been. is as much yours as
mine. Come to US. i have come"
He saw a sad and nIournfu look come
upon Abers face. reflected and intensified
on that of bis wife.
"Wbat is it ~ he asked.
"Oh, my friend - groaned Abel. "All
is lost. My lot is changed | cannot do
for you as once could. Still. what said
then is just as true now. What l have
you shall have, and be as welcome to it
as in the days past"
Lost Lost ?" asked Heber. appearing
rs if dazed, and looking around upon the
furniture of the room. II cannot UNDER
stand. How?"
"You may well look about you, Heber.
said Abel. "And look about YOU for the
last time. All of this-everything, we
must give up"
The child at the table, crying Mamma,
mamma" raised its head. "Oh, mamma"
she murmured scarcely awake, "what is
it? Don't. mamma, dear, don't send me
to that school again, To-day they all
looked at me so dreadfully that / was
afraid They looked as if they thought
had done something awful. Don't send
me there any more. Let me stay here, at
home, with YOU
The mother, with tears in her eyes, held
the head of the sobbing girl to her breast.
aud moaned in her distress.
pace up and down the room, while Heber
| looked on with a helpless and sympathetic
gaze.
There's where it cuts me to the quick"
sobbed Abel,
Heber once more put his hand into the
bosom of his coat, and drew therefrom
crumpled, greenish bit of paper. As Abel
passed him in one of his turns be touched
him on the arm and held the paper toward
him.
what is this ?" asked Abel absently
unfolding it. I:w a hundred dollar bill.
He handed It back to Heber.
1T is twenty years DID," said Heber.
like this letter. 1t was part OF the let
ter. have preserved them together. /
meant to have paid it back, not that ever
thought you would need it. though.
Should have sent it sooner p''
Poor. dear. kind SOUL" said Abel, tax
| ing both of Heber's hands within his own.
| mo, keep it. With me it would have to
90 with all the rest. You will need it,"
Heber shook his his head. with tried,
| helpless, wistful air. listlessly holding the
bill between his fingers.