The Virginia star., 1878-05-11
!ches to all her children who win

d ons.
ne morning he astonished his valet
- leaving the train at q little New
Ng land village "A mere cluster Of
NlNte houses scattered along the stream
Wi4ch ran through yerdant valley.
|s' Be crossed an ancient bridge and fol-
ltNod an irregular footpath across some
n1lEb until he came in sight Of long,
le-r00fed farmhouse, embowered in
mlghty trees that had reared their heads
a. chat place when the forest grew thick
|erosnd, and the tread Of the white man
ever disturbed Its tranquil soli-
tude. .
10 this spot Frank had been wont to
come every summer time In his child
hood, with the mother who had now
been in her grave more than score of
years.
The sight brought back memories
that had slumbered long, and there was
an unwonted dimness in the eye that
had grown SO proud and cold.
But a moment later he rose up from
the grassy bank on which he had
thrown himself-in the impulse of feel
ing-and moved on toward the farm
house. as
There, for almost sixty years, Abba
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 parlor between Uncle Abba
and his ancient dame, most welcome
guest-as words and looks showed.
Suddenly the door opened, and q
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,
s'Lucy, Mr.. Ford, who has come to
spend a week or two with his old
friends"
Upon hearing the name of Lucy,
Frank again started.
AuCy was u1S IuOtuCI , u6uiCs
His mother - the only won an in
whom he had thoroughly believed, and
whose memory he loved.
He gazed at her intently, imperti-
nently, perhaps, for she colored slight
ly and averted her face.
.Lucy," continued Uncle Abba, "I
shall expect you to devote yourself to
Mr.. Ford, and make his visit pleasant. F"
"Yes. uncle." said Lucy, smiling
sweetly, "but am afraid
Frank interrupted her quickly.
"Do not apologize" he said, until
after you have failed" h
"She needn't make excuses at all !"
said Uncle Abba, drawing her to him
and kissing her. "She can play the
piano, and sing. and talk French, too,
and ride with you, and beat you at cro-
quet, and" e
Lucy put her hand on her uncle's
mouth, with mischievous twinkle in
her eye, aud said gayly:
snow, Uncle, that's not fair! Why,
I won't be able to surprise Mr.. Ford in
the least" ts
She would have been surprised her.
self had she known how much she had
surprised her visitor already.
"Now, Lucy" said her uncle. 81
want you to go with Mr.. Ford over to
the Prospect View, that he may see all
the changes in the village since he has
been away" sd
"Yes, Uncle.'
She put ON her big sun-bonnet, and
turning to Mr.. Ford, said:
Snow, Mr.. Ford, I am ready"
He walked by her side along the
shady path that ascended gradually to a
height overlooking the village. ~
Lucy's big sun-bonnetcompletely con-
cealed her face. .e. $3.50
In spite of all his efforts-apparently
unintentional and dunconcerned-Frank
could not get look at her.
She talked however with great Vi
vacity, and as she had never been in a
big city, she asked Frank to tell her all
about it.
1t was subject that suited him, and
he dwelt upon the shallowness-the
pretense-the vanity-of men, women,
manners, things and society, with an
eloquence that surprised himself, and
surprised Lucy a great deal more, as
her dream had always been to live in a
big city. hI
They reached the summit.
"Shall we rest here on this bench for
q few moments? ?" asked Lucy.
YES" replied Frank, sitting beside
her, s'and 1 wantto ask q favor of you"
"Well 2" replied Lucy.
"That you take on your bonnet
"Whyf" snw
$50 that may get look at you once
in q while.n asse
n"Oh," said Lucy taking on her bon
net. ssBut you didn't come up here to
look at me, but at the view"
8 He fnlt lfka falltuO hor he eorl1d NOT