The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1878-04-10
SOMERSET, PA. WEDNESDAY. APRIL 10. 1878.

iouSCI. limiui1 AitC ioi5cu uCi
glorious eyes-her one beauty-snd
read his face. Then she falteringly
whispered, Julia"
Julia And what Of her? Ah p
(as q light broke in upon him) edo
you think l loved her-loved bel
when | knew you, my darling? Why,
We were never more than friends
never." and then the small figure
was gathered close, and the young
lips met in that never to- be- forgotten
first kiss of love
The next letter Alice received
from home contained news which
made her feel sadly. Beechwood,
their dear old home, had been sold.
Allie" wrote Josie. I'VE do not
know who is the purchaser; but who
ever it is, be is having it fitted up in
princely style" Then, with favora-
BILE reports of her mothers health,
and many questions about the new
brother" the letter closed
Of course Alice had to go home to
make her preparations for Eer mar
risge, which Roland wished to be
very soon. Miss Grev said she was
too old to attempt to come to the
wedding As Alice bade her good
by the old lady held her to her heart
for a moment, and then kissing the
sweet face to which she had been the
means of bringing so happy a look,
placed her in her betrothed husband 8
care for tee homeward journey.
1t did not take many days to con-
vince the mother that the child had
chosen wisely and well, Josie and the
little brothers gave him place ia
their hearts right away.
So no cloud, even as large as a
mans hand, obscured the sun of Al
ices happiness, as she stood by Rol-
and's side and promised to "love,
honor and obey"
The wedding tour was long one.
After many delicious days. spent first
in one spot and then in another, they
bent their steps homeward.
1t had been decided that they
were first to spend some time at Al
ices own home. So when the de-
pot carriage did not stop at the cot
tage door, but drove on into the
grounds of her old home, Beech wood,
and there under the great carved
stone porch stood her mother, sister,
brothers and Miss Grey, what won
der was it that Alice became so daz-
ed that her husband had TO lift her
in bis strong arms and carry her in
to the midst of the eager group be-
fore she realized or understood any,
thing?
That evening, when they were all
assembled in the dear familiar libra
ry, now abazs with light, which
touched and brought out every luxu-
rious detail, Alice was told a won
derful story.
Miss Grey was her mothers own
aunt. Years before, the old lady,
then not old, but just recovering from
grief at the loss of her betrothed hus-
baud, had taken her dead sisters in
fant daughter under her roof, and
into her heart, as later she had ia
ken Rolsnd. The infant grew up a
lovely girl, and became attached to
q gentleman whom Miss Grey did
no. like. The young couple bad
been forbidden to meet; but taking
matters in their own hands, bad
eloped.
That girl, Alice, was your moth
er. have an unforgiving nature,
my DEAR" Miss Grey continued.
"and when | found what she had
done, | vowed l never would see
or forgive her. But child, Gods
ways are mysterious; when | read
your advertisement and recognized
your name - Alice Justin your
mothers name, l had given it to her
myself-all the old love for your
mother came back to my heart, and |
sent for you. And SO my precious
Alice, you have never been really
happy since your mother and | par
ted"
BY this time Mrs. Justin's arms
were around the old lady's neck, and
they were sobbing together from
very happiness.
Beechwood had been purchased by
Miss Grey for Roland, to whom at
ter his engagement with Alice she
had told all the above story.
Miss Grey did not go back to hel
lonely home; and Beechwood agaiI
rings with the music of youthful
voices. Mrs. Justin's health is stead
lily improving, and Josie queens i
right royalty as Miss Justin, o
Beecnwood."
Roland and Alice vie with eacl
other in smoothing their dear OLE
friends declining years, and it is a
pretty sight to see the lvok of peace
and content which lights up The
witbered face, as her eyes look upoI
their welded happiness.