The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-05-04


pale cheeks.
"God bless you, darling l-aye, he
will bless you. Keep on praying, and
praying, child, and i believe, yes veri-
ly believe He will help you find your
father.u
The children started oityward with
their burden. After going about half
way, Hugh asked Bessie, do you re-
ally suppose you'll ever find papaY'
Eyes, Hugh, do.''
" Here, Bessie, let us sit down under
this big palmetto and eat our lunch.
Now, Bess, tell me what makes you
think 80. Papa's been gone for long
years.
~ think 80 because think so," and
seeing Hugh smile somewhat scornfully,
added, "I pray for him most all the
time, Hugh, and what's four years to
Godn
90, Bessie Afford what u queer girl
you are; almost as queer as-that-great
fat alligator basking away over by the
bank In the sunshine amt he a whop-
per, though 7 Ugh !"
The children were picture for an
artist as they walked through the streets
Of the tropical city, carrying the basket
of beautiful oranges, which they deliv-
cred first, afterwards entering the lovely
park to admire the flowers and inhale
their exquisite fragrance. All about the
fine grounds were beautiful expresses,
decked with silver; Florida moss and
mir plants, suggesting fatherly over
look of the lower trees and pretty flow-
ering shrubs which they envlroned.
Just as the children shut the park
gate behind them to take their home
ward journey, two gentlemen over the
way, chatting in hanging balcony,
spied them.
How beautiful those childred arel"
said one. Look, Hugh, they must be
twins-almost the age Of yours, ! should
judge from what you have told me-"
The gentlemen addressed as Hugh
looked, and seeing golden.haired Bess
and the manly boy, whose brown hair
and flushing eyes were very much like
his own, said huskily, Yes, yes, about
the age, and really believe they are
mine. I'll not wait for dinner, Tom.
/ could not eat If did, Tom; Pm SO
near home, almost home. Good-by,
Tom.O
"IIlttle ones, which way 7"
The children turned and saw agen-
tleman driving span of handsome
horses, which he reined up by the side
of the road.
"We are going home, sir" answered
Hugh.
Where do you liveP'
Down the palm road about mile
and half"
81 am going that way, would you
like TO ride 7"
"Thank you, indeed we would. Bes-
sic just said she was tired"
Bessie-that's pretty name. Bes-
sic WHAT"
"Bessie Afford"
The gentleman jumped from the car
riage and lifted the little girl tenderly
in, Hugh following.
He seemed very fond of children, for
he talked and listened to them continual
ly until Bessie growing communicative,
said gently, "You look like my papa,
SIR"
"Your papa, dear. Can / see him
when 1 leave you safely at your door ?"
81 wish you could sir" answered
Bessie, tearfully, "but he's gone, I'm
looking for him every day-dear papa"
"Hush, Bessie ~ whispered Hugh re-
provingly, but the gentleman taking of
his hat and bending low, said tenderly,
oh SO tepderly; {" have had little
| girl looking for me, little Bessie, but /
could not come to her until with Gods
help / could be man once more. Bes.
sic, my own darling; look up; you have
found your papa at last, and he is not
treading on sand now, but his feet stand
firm on the Rock of Ages.
go, papal papa what will mamma
say 2" and the loving, faithful child was
folded In an embrace whose fervor she
never forgot. Hugh was waiting mean
while for his turn, which soon came
equal in intensity of expression.
The meeting at home we cannot pict
ure; it is too deep for human pen; yor
must imagine it, and you need not b'
fearful of getting it too beautiful and
tender. The husband and father brough
with him love, peace and plenty. Were
he not richly laden From characte