Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1880-11-11


his naughty face as he thought
This is al! niue, gained by hand to
hand struggle with fortune.
He had always been proud man,
even in the days of his youth and
poverty, and he had every reason to
be proud of the wealth and reputa
tion that were his now in the prime
of life. He was honorable, and true
hearted as proud, his only fault being
an overwecning ambition, and Il
proneness to be influenced by fattery.
While he mused upon the porch, a
light touch fell upon his arm. and he
turned round to greet the pretty,
blushing face of his oldest child,
sweet Amy Lansdon, who though
scarcely fourteen years had passed
over her head, bore the responsible
position of kousekeeper at Hillside
during her grandmothers absence, for
her mother was a confc cmed invalid.
Tea is almost ready, papa, she
said as he kissed her fondly, and
mama is waiting for you
They passed into the house togeth-
er, she looking up at him with the
almost worshipful trust and rever-
ence it is so beautiful to see in the face
towards parents, and together they
reached the couch where Annie Lang.
don, the wife and mother, now pass,
ed the days that would have been
weary, painful ones but for the love
and attentive sympathy of her hus-
band and children.
1t was the custom now for them all
to gather about their mother, since
she could not join them al the evening
meal, while she ate her light repast,
and all was pleasant hustle, until
everything was arranged to suit the
notions of old maid Amy as Z)e
called her, who was somewhat meth
odical in all her ways.
The hour was passed in delightful
conversation. Each of the three
children had something new to tell
papa, aud be catered With much in,
terest into all their plans and pro
iect,, from Amy :, TO have u new SUN
mer house built to Toes new play
house under the appIet"ee.
The family had always been a
standing wonder to the village peo-
pie, who had never seen such sympa-
thy between parents and children,
and it was truly rare. All this was
unmixed delight to The younger chill
dren but there was the shadow of a
great sorrc. over it to Mr. Lqngdon
and Amy, who saw row much lighter
the fragile form had become in the
last month.
They knew that erc long the little
circle would be broken, and the one
dearest and best beloved be taken
away from them. The Thought
agony unspeakable.
Amy, who was very mature and
womanly for her years, had given
up hope with the last hemorrhaga,
that brought the sufferer so near the
river Of death, and now only tried to
make her last hours happy. But in
spite Of his superior age and wisdom,
her father still hoped against hope
aud could not give her up.
Mrs. Langdon had long ago re-
signed herself to the thought of death
and while looking with fearful eyes
at those SO dear to her, whom she
must leave behind, felt SO sure and
bright hope of heaven that no word
of sorrow or complaint escaped her
lips. And at such hours as this she
was as cheerful and happy in her
husband and childrens society as if
the death angel had not already laid
his icy hand upon her.
Our tea is ready now papa said
Amy, when her mother had finished,
and Zoe had eaten the bit OF toast left
upon the plate, thinking, childlike, it
was better because it was made for
msma. Mr. Langdon placed his arm
about his daughter, and they went
ito the pleasant diniag.room, and
sat down to we'll spread table, over
which little Amy had learned to pre-.
side almost as we'll as mother, -
words of praise from her father that
brought the quick tears to her eyes.
Well I kaow ! wish grand.2a