Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-30
NO. 298.
Gales ano Skettbes.
SUNSHINE AFTER STORM.
Leaf from the Life OF q New Enxland
Household.
By II. NJ. C. +.

By II. NJ. c. +.
Dreaming, Mabela Why. Your ewes
We're looking as far off and sad Just now.
as though You were the veritable Little
Bo Peep that lost her sheep. far over the
hill-tops yonder. and teasing brother
Ralph pulled one of the long curls that
hung in golden shower over the slender
shoulders Of a fair voung girl standing in
the sunshine by n deep bay window.
She caught her breath quickly. and
turned her eyes upon him with half.
startled expression, like one reused from
a very deep dream indeed.
Come. sis he continued, Jim is go-
ing 10 bring Lightfoot round in a few mo-
ments with Midnight. Don your habit
quick, and let's be OF for ride over the
hills. this fine breezy morning. Hurry,
do," rs she ran with gleetul. musical
laugh up the broad stairway.
Her canary. taking that for challenge.
left off dressing his feathers and broke out
into such n torrent of trills and quavcrs
that even Ralph looked up at him in criti-
cal approval.
What tiny thing you are to make so
much noise. Well, It's not always the
biggest bodies that makes the most stir In
this world of ours he added. comical,y
glancing at his 'six foot two' in the mir
ror opposite. ..IIow the burden OF that
song heard last night does haunt Eel.
low.
The bird that fell with broken wing,
Could not fly 40 swiftly or far again
Wish hadn't All ready, Nab ?" he
interrupted himself as she came skipping
along. her long skirt thrown over her arm.
looking fresh and sweet as the breezes she
was going forth TO meet. and whstlinr a
gay note or two to the canary who was
gravely regarding her with his head tip
ped on one side.
II say, Mab." called her brother from
the door, "did you learn that accomplish
men; at Madame Odenwald's select
school p''
mo indeed. Ralph; wouldn't she be
mortified if she ever heard me performing
such an unladylike action" she mimick-
ed. holding herself very straight. and put
ting on all the dignity possible. rs she
slowly approached her pony.
Look out, sis Lightfoot is not strong
enough TO carry such n weight of dignity"
laughed her brother rs he placed her in
the saddle, and away they went. down
the avenue of giant oaks, rs merry A.
birds on the wing.
Glow happy they look. and so hand
some" sighed a sad looking little lady.
that, dressed in deep mourning sat by an
upper window. waving her handkerchief
in acknowledgment OF their upward glance
and bow. "lIow proud his father was Of
Ralph Dear me, what can the Professor
mean by this letter." taking Il up thought
iully. ''Will forgive much for his fathers
sake Coming to see me the 2Oth' Let
me see. that is to-day. Hope the boy has
not got into any mischief. His high spir-
its lead him too far sometimes. How un-
fortunate that his father could not have
come back, when we needed him So
And the sensitive mouth guivered like a
grieved child's, as the tears rained down
the pale lovely face for Alice Pierce was
but eight years the senior of Mabel. and
four of her big brother
Indeed. Little mother as he called
bis fathers second wife. seemed to him
more like dear elder sister 10 be guard
ed from all uppleasantness 10 whose
ready sympathy he could entrust all man.
ner of coniidences: showing TO her only
the deeper better side of the nature, which
TO a casual observer seemed rather careless
and superficial. Five years before Col.
Pierce had gone forth with those.
"who would shield their Couniry's honor cen
though their life blood gushed,"
and his name was one Of the first on the
list of Missing A comrade saw him
reel and fall amid the hottest of the fray;
and that was all. All All me. How
MANY hearts have ached in bitter. bitter
grief beneath the burden brought by that
m 1ttfln xrprI NTH fhapebgo
of the loathsome southern prison lingering
torture and death. alone meath the piiiless
stars, with only the careless ands of
strangers 10 rudely bury from sight the
loved. noble and brave For long time
the faithful vile had refused TO believe
him dead. and every effort was put forth
to gain tidings Of him, without success
till at last. she put on the. e.--alas too often
seen.--garb of widowhood.
She was however too true woman 10
neglect for moment the best interests of
those whom their father had entrusted to
her care though she sometimes felt. IA
now. the charge TO be most onerous one.
When the riders came back in little
more than an hour. Mabel. hearing voices
in the parlor slipped quietly up stairs To
her room: but Ralph not noticing entered
anu tBFtN Hitb-sit 1iItO a c0dlT Tatncr
YEARLY. but sprang up quickly. while a
hot flush rose to his brow, at the surpris-
ing vision Of the grave Prot. Lyons sitting
on the sofa in conversation with Little
mother.''
so you did not expect TO see me here.
my boy, did you?" said the Professor.
taking him cordially by the hand. What
fortunate thing to possess such an
eloquent advocate as you do" with an
expressive glance towards Mrs. Fierce.
| Respectful eyes turned in the same di-
rectioD, at once depreciatory, entreating,
thankful.
WELL continued the Professor, 'syou
were always favorite of mine I think
that we will have you back all right when
the HOLIDAYS are all over.''
.'Is that so'' cried Ralph, seizing the
Professors hand. his handsome face all
aglow. and his fine eyes misty, 20 thank
you, thank you sir,' and he rushed off out
OF doors unable to control himself-where
Mabel found him some time after,--when
she stole down he back stairs, and out
through the kitchen, after changing her
riding dress for cool muslin. He wa,
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