The Van Buren press., 1878-07-23

IN 40 huoiAJ pahtohSa IkOA Guc DTGSpUCe
of his elders. Grandmamma begs for
him, but mamma is firm, and as the nurse
bears the shriekng rebel awoy, Nellie
sighs heavily as she says -
The same old temper! Mother, what
am to do? How can I manage that boy
without the help Of fathers stronger
hand to guide and control such fiery
spirit? just SO | must have needed a
more powerful will than my poor weak
mamma possessed to restrain and govern
a temper which has wrecked my lfe's
happiness, My wayward steps knew no
check, | was INDUCED till | acknowled-
will"
Bitterly she spoke, while The grief
and remorse she felt was depicted in
the eyes that looked toward her moth.
er.
my poor child, would that could
help you! Do not grieve go bitterly.
\ GU have so long ago atoned the past in
completely gaining the control over a
weakness Of such long standing that it
is a JOY 10 live near YOU. Your only du-
ty now is to yourself. You must strive
10 attain happiness.
"Oh, mother, can never wish for hap
piness in this worlde'
" You deserve to be happy; you have
been more sinned against than SHINING
Oh, if Edward could only knew what a
model little mother you have become,
how proud and happy he would be! !"
= That is just it, mother. have driven
Edward away from happiness-how can
ever forget it and forgive myself 7"
The last words were drawn out in a
wailng sob. i" II it had not been for
you must have died months ago. l
fear l cannot stand it much longer! l
never knew how mnch loved my hus-
band until l had completely driven self
out of my thoughts. Oh, mother,
my heart is breaking have tried to
bear up for your sake and my boys !;
but the burden grows heavier each
| day -
A perfect storm of sobs shook the
slight frame as the old lady arose hastily
and supported the dropping figure with
loving arms; and while the tempest of
grief yet surged, the curtains of recess
ed window were slowly parted aud man
came forward hastily.
edward my son."
His warning look came too late. The
quick cry of the mother caused Nellie to
start convulsively to her feet only to fall
with piercing shrek into the out
stretched arms of her husband, where she
lay tn swoon SO deathlke in appearance
that Edward Thorn could only stand in
ministered restorative.
"Oh, mother have / killed her at
last p he groaned, when all bad been
done and Nellie still remained uncon-
scious.
"No, my son, she is not dead; joy sell
dom kills. She will recover and bless
you for the shock you gave her in COM
ing
AS if to make good her words, Nellie
opened her eyes and sought those of her
husband, finding them fixed on her in
inefable love. Her face shone with the
beauty of JOY and peace, and she could
only cling to him in silence as he gathered
her to his heart in close embrace.
When Isentered this room, my pre-
cious wife, did hot dream Of startling
| you so; | meant only to conceal myself
long enough to hear from your lips if I
was remembered yet. If had not heard
my name spoken in some kindness
meant only to sec my boy and then go
away. Bless YOU, my wife | heard
enough to make me the happiest man on
earth to-day. But when you banished
my son from the room came near betray-
ing myself. Before l heard your pre-
cous words could hardly restrain from
coming to the rescue; on,y the thought
of changing his yels Of anger to cries of
terror at sight Of bearded stanger kept
me back"
+" But my sou, Nellie has been linging
for your help, not hndrance, in dscip-
lining your SON. said Mother Thorne,
with a quiet smile But come, tell us
how long have you been in the room and
how you got here"
When the house was first opened
this morning the servant--who instantly
recognized me-gave me admittance. /
told her to say nothing to any one, and
found my way to this room, where l
knew you always breakfasted. The
longing to know how was remembered
was more than satisfied, yet regret the
act Of concealing myself and startling
Nellie So | fear the color does not
come to her cheek and lip fast enough"
And Edward looked anxiously at his
wife.
"Nay, dear Edward, wish l could
have had the shock much sooner. 1t has
done me more good than harm, believe
me. Now that you have come | shall
soon be well and strong"
"Ncllie has not had her usual good
health for some time; but happiness is a
great restorer, and feel sure it will prove
so in her casc," and Mother Thorne smil-
ed happily
"My boy, now i must see him.
Have | not waited long enough? You
don't know how have longed to see him
for year! !" and he look pleadingly at
his wife.
"a year! Have you known of his be-
ing with us so long?" and both ladies
looked the surprise they felt as Nellie
gave the bell quick pull, which brought
servant who was despatched for Master
Neddie Thorne.
"Yes; / have had occasional letters
from this place, from my business man,
the one announcing my sons birth was
year old when it reached me. 1t follow