Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1878-07-04

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nouncing the weaknesses of wome1
who surrounded him. And, IN tht
cynical mood which mad now be-
come habitual, every action Of those
around him, indicated either folly
or weakness. Alas it is fearful
thing to lose faith in our kindl
But when his fortietll summer
came and he commenced his pre-
parations for retreat from the ho
and dusty city, he tonnd hilnsel
longing tor a solitude differing from
that in which he had wrapped him
self amidst the gay crowd.
Once more, for the first time
since his early childhood, he longec
to be alone with nature-to forego
the artificia.ties Of life and go to
lay his head upon the bosom of the
benign mother of all, and listen to
the varied and wise lessons she
teaches to all her children who will
hear.
Perfectly tntrammeled by the
will of any creature, he was quick
in his decisions:
One morning he astonished his
valet by leaving the train at a little
New England village-a mere clus-
ter of white houses scattered along
the stream which ran through a
yerdant valley.
He crossed an ancient bridge and
followed an irregular footpath across
some fields until he came in sight
Of long, low>roofed farmhouse,
embowered in mighty trees that
had reared their heaGs in that place
when the forest grew thick around,
and the tread of the white man had
never disturbed its tranquil solitude.
To this spot Frank had beer
wont to come every summer time
in his childhood, with the mother
who had now been in her grave
more than a score of years.
The sighs brought back memo
ries that had slumbered long, and
there was an unwouted dimness in
the eye that had grown SO proud
and cold.
But a moment later he rose mp
from the grassy bank on which he
had thrown himself-in the i'm
pulse of feeling-and moved on
toward the fasm house.
There, for almost sixty years,
AhJa Moore had lived-he, and
his children, and grandchildren.
Few words served to make him
known, and very soon he sat in the
quaint old pallor between Uncle
A Abja and his ancient dame, most
welcome guest-as words and
looks showed.
Suddenly the door opebed, and
a slight, graceful girl with soft
blue eyes and golden hair, entered.
Frank started involuntarily.
How much she looked like his
mother
My niece said Uncle Abba,
Lucy, Nr. Ford, who has come to
spend week or two with his old
friends
Upon hearing the name of Lucy,
Frank again started
Lucy was bis mothers name!
His mother-the only woman in
whom he had thoroughly believed,
and whose memory he loved.
He gazed at her intently, imper-
tinently, perhaps, for she colored
slightly and avelted her face.
Lucy, continued Uncle Abba.
1 shall expect you to devote your
self to Mr.. Ford, and make his
visit pleasant
Yes, UNCLE said Lucy, smiling
sweetly, 'but l am afraid
Frank interrupted her quickly
DO not apologize he said, unit
after you have failed.
She needn't make excuses al
all !! said Uncle Abba, drawing he,
to him and kissing her. She car
play The piano, and sing, and tall
French, too, aud ride with you, ano
beat you at croquet, and
Lucy put her hand on her uncle's
mouth, with mischievous twinkle
in her eye, aud said gayly:
Now, uncle, that's not fair j
Why, 1 won't be able to surprise
MIR. Ford in the least
She would have been surprised
herself had she known how muci
she had surprised her visitor al
ready.
'Now, Lucy said her uncle, 6
want you to go with Mr.. Ford owe
to the Prospect View, that he ma,
see ell he changes in the villag
since he has been away
9es, Uncle
She put on her big sun bonnet
and turning to Mr.. Ford, said
Now. Mr.. Ford, I am ready
| He walked by her side along tn
shady path that ascended gradual
ly to height overlooking the vii
lage.
Lucy's big sun bonnet complete
ly concealed her face.
In spite of all his efforts-appar
onflv vuniutapfi0pol ap1 ,1poopoarr