St. Landry democrat., 1878-08-31

"No," was the answer of my whole
soul. I would arise and put on my
beautiful garments. ! would that hour
begin a new life; though the sun had
long since passed the meridian, yet the
night should not come till had accom-
plished some good. I would watch for
opportunities.
Summer faded, and clasped hands with |
her sister autumn as she resigned scepter
and crown, with a bowed form, but a
placid smile upon her pale lips. She had
fulfilled her mission. Not single thread
was missing in all the fabric.
September with her quiet, dreamy
days and starry nights, found me really
enjoying an active life. l felt like
another being. "Old things had passed
away, and behold all things had become
new" It seemed strange how much one
could accomplish when one had will to
do.
Fifteen years from the day my whole
life had seemed a wreck upon barren
strand, I was travelling through the state
of Illinois on my way to visit some re-
lations The numbering stage wagon
was we'll filled with passengers and bag
gage. The roads were not always rs
smooth as plank could have made them,
but the landscape was varied with
bright-hued autumn flowers scattered
over the tar reaching prairie, amid the
rank grass. And travellers always man
age to make the loute interesting with
historical szetches and bits of western
experience.
Thus we were amusing each other
when suddenly there was crash, and 10
the passengers went tumbling out upon
the ground, making quite an exhibition
of gymnastic exercises, without study
ing position; fortunately no one was Be-
riously injured, though there was
chance of some delay, as one of the
wheels was badly broken.
Spying cabin a short distance from
US, proposed to the lady travellers that
We walk there and find resting place
We found the little cottage pleasantly
situated, amid flowers, and surrounded
by young fruit trees.
We were admitted to the cosy sitting
room by fair young girl who had but
recently entered her teens. Again I en-
countered a pair of bewitching black
eyes so like those in the face framed in
the secret chamber of my heart, that |
was sure at once that the beautiful girl
before me was none other than the
daughter OF Harry Steele; and SO it
proved. For in neatly furnished room
I found him in the last stages Of con-
sumption; confined to his room, and for
the most part to the couch.
He recognized me almost instantly,
although 1 had grown old and faded.
And I. oh, how my heart plead for his
life to be spared, the moment my eyes
looked upon his white placid face. I
had believed the old love dead years ago.
But found that it could be easily res
directed, now that the stone had been
removed frem the door OF the sepulcher,
and I could behold him wrapped in the
linen cloths of suffering. His wife, who
had proved faithful and true, had at last
won the true love of his manhood, had
died two years previously, leaving him
with one child, the young girl who had
given us a welcome to their humble
abode.
While my travelling companions were
taking a rest from the fatiguing. days
journey, I took seat by the couch Of
the invalid as requested. "The great
wish of my heart has been granted" !"
said Mr.. Steele. II have at last beheld
your face once more; and have heard
your voice in tones of forgiveness, for the
suffering that caused you. Blu. the
Great Father of us all is witness that
had no thought of gaining an affection
that was not returned. You were my
hearts first love, and it was only to save
my parents from sorrow and disgrace
that I married one of their choosing.
She was good and true, and | learned to
regard her as a precious treasure.
"And now when | am gone, will you
not take my daughter to your home and
heart, and love her for the sake of those
old days of happiness? She is named
for you, Fanny Morgan Steele. She will
not be left dowerless or dependent. But
want her to be cherished with the low
ing care of which she is deserving, and
know of no one more capable than your
self. You will find her not entirely a
stranger, for she bas been taught from
early childhood to love the face OF
Aunt Fanny Will you not be a
mother to the lonely orphan p
made the required promise, just as
the SUMS last glimmering ray peeped in
at the west window, and as he placed his
daughters hand in mine, he prayed to
Him who careth for the fatherless to
bless us in our new relation. And in re-
membrance of that old summer time I
sealed the promise with kiss upon that
fair young brow.
Before The morning dawned his spirit
passed beyond the portals of that