Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1880-01-15

WIN tnose wnom, by some subtle instinct,
| they at once recognize As friends. Dandy s
canine predecessor In the house, the much
lamented Topsy. was frequent subject OF
conversation. Her accomplishments were
described, though admitted to be fewer
thaa Dandy's and her death and burial
dweit on with some pathos. And one day
little Ally came into the room hugglng q
thick photograph album In her arms. She
had brought IL for the express purpose OF
showing poor Topsy's likeness.
Topsy bad been photographed num-
DER OF times; once costly curled up on .
mat; once occupying an easy chair. with
something of the dignity OF a judge ::
another time as conspicuous member Of
group. and lastly by the side OF lady
who had her hand on his head.
"And who is the lady ?" inquired Mr..
Broughton. trying to speak with cain.
ness he did not quite feel. ut does not
look like your mother"
90 no. Why, It Is auntiei' exclaimed
little Ally In tone which implied wonder
tina, he could for 4 moment have taken it
for Mrs. Gray.
Then Topsy was fond Of auntie. and
auntie was fond OF Topsy, l suppose?"
said Mr.. Broughton. wishing to discover
oil he could about this sunte
The little girl nodded her head by way
OF reply. and then she said: "Auntie did
cry so when Topsy died. She was auntie's
own doggy"
And did you cry7" asked Mr.. Brough-
ton.
Another nod of the head but the child
exclsimed: Not so much ns aunte-
auntie cried till her eyes were quite red"
And Is this portrait very like auntle?"
asked Mr. Broughton.
Yes; but she never wears such sleeves
as those now. I'll show you her new
Photograph" and the little fingers rapidly
turned over leaves and found . likeness
taken only the other day. Mr. Broushton
recognized the same sweet face, though IL
showed that seven or eight years had
probably passed between the time the one
photograph had been taken and the other.
And what Is auntie's namey inquired
Mr.. Brou9hion with forced composure.
"Aunt!e." said the little girl. as II the
word were quite sufficient; bu. added q
moment after, as |! the thought OF more
Information being required had just come
TO her; ''She Is Alice, and am Alice only
they call me Ally. Auntie Is so good"
the child continued; "mother says she Is
the best aun!le that ever lived. And |
must try TO be good too, because l have
got her name"
Quite right my darling" said Mr..
BrouRhton, giving the child fatherly kiss
but run away now, for have letters to
write. Will you leave me the album; |
should like 10 look at Topsy again-though
don't think she was much like Dandy.
Do you"
Not Bit" cried the child. tripping OF
geetully, and leaving Mr. Broughton with
his heart stirred In 3 manner 4, had not
been for years
IL was true that he had letters to write,
but 1t WAS halt AN hour before he took pen
IN hand The FIRST thing he did was to
draw forth powerful magniiying glass.
and by It's means to study the face OF the
lady with the dog most narrowly Yes;
h" had not shadow of q doub. that this
dear "aunilc' the maiden sister OF Mrs
Cray of whom he had heard, was the love
OF his youth. the Alice Clifton of the con-
cert-room, the Alice Croft of private life.
Photography revealed some lines OF care
aud suffering that had not belonged TO the
fair young face he so well remembered;
out such ioot-marks of time must be ex-
pectei In the course OF twenty years, even
under happier circumstances than had
probably beiallen the woman In question.
That she should have relinquished her pro-
ie,sional career wi,hou. having married
puzzled him. But he had incidentally
heard from the children that "auntie" was
coming home tomorrow; and before many
days should pass, he should certainly find
out thing or two which must greatly in
fuence his future.
As i! 10 confirm his already strong belief
beyond the power OF even momentary ca
VII, the next time he went down stairs he
observed letter on the hall table, which
on looking II il were intended for himself,
he saw was addressed Miss Croft"
The next day Alice Croft returned home;
and as Broughton was taking his coffee, he
could hear the children's merry shouts OF
welcome. at which, bye and bye, Dandy
set up a short bark. as II lie thought he too
had right TO join In the demonstration.
Il will do nothing hurriedly," thought
Mr.. Brough;on TO himself; "after twenty
years of separation | can wait for q few
days surely. Alter all. If We meet ON the
stairs she will not recognize in me the slim
,mooth-faced boy believe she remem-
bers.' And thinking thus. he glanced at
himself in the chimney glass. noting the
oronzed weather-beaten face and long
thick beard streaked with white that it re.
flected. 81 wonder though II my name
will strike herr he continued, pondering.
perhaps not; and yet 1t may"
Now the fact was Alice Croff had not as
yet heard the new lodger's name; for her
sister had At irst misunderstood IL, and had
written IL "Rawton'' 10 communicating the
news that the rooms were let. Three or
four days passed away before Alice had
any inkling OF the mistake. Meanwhile
Broughton had seen her-unseen
himself-more than once; and had even
heard her voice speaking caressingiy to
the children. How II thrilled on his ear
and confirmed his resolution!
1t was the early twilight Of . summer
evening. The shop was closed and Mrs.
Gray had gone out after seeing the chill
dren In bed. Broughton felt that the hour
was come, and ringing his bell. asked the |
servant who answered 1t II Miss Croft were
ct home and disengaged.
Yes, sir" answered the maid; "she is
all alone in the parlor."
"Then be so good as to give her my card,
and ask II may waH upon her."
But Mr.. BrouRhton followed the servant |
down stairs. and was ready TO avail him
self OF the permission given, in . minute. |
The servant thinking IL her duty, lighted
the gas before leaving the room; but she
left it burning low. so that the lingering
daylight prevailed over it. Though the
reception room was only little parlor be-
hind shop, there was an air OF refine
s~s~"s "Scut 'tS oppOiutmCutsb ouu tuC Out- |
look into mere yard was masked by q |
balcony full OF blooming and odOrous
plants. The door which led into the shop
remained open. probably for the sake Of
air; but TO such q passionate lover of mu- |
sic as the visitor was, the sight OF two or |
three pianos and harp and guitar was |
rather suggestive Of delightful ideas than
else.
Alice had risen from her chair, and ad- |
with Oatstretched hand to meet her |
guest; but she did not seem able to find a |
word OF greeting.
'Alce!" exclaimed MIR. Broughton, .if |
may still call you so, do l seem like one
risen from the deadr'
"Oh no." she replied; II never thought |
you were dead" But as she spoke there |
WAS faltering to her voice which showed |
that she WAS agitated.
BY this time both were seated, though q |
little way apart. Mr.. BrouRhtOn drew his |
chair nearer and said softly: "Alice. l |
coiue to ask you II it is too late to mend |
our broken chain?'
"But you are married; heard that long
ago." exclaimed Alice with dignity. "YOu
have NO right TO allude TO the past"
II have been . widower these two
years." was the rejOinder.
The explanation which followed need |
not be described 10 detail