Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-12-09

'ro on their errands, stopped once or
twice TO inform her that the stranger
was Young and handsome, but dressed
like a labOrer, and that the doctor said
lit was a narrow chance whether ne
lived or died."
Two weeks passed on. The village
doctor came and went each day; the
neighbOrs far and near volunteered their
services except Squire SeatOn, who
lived his usual secluded life in his man
sion. buried i'm his books, and knew
of the stranger who lay at death's
door. :,
"Poor boy Alice, l wish you would
go in and sit beside him awhile" said
Mrs. Derwent, on the first evening OF
the third week of his illness. he Is
asleep now. If he wakes you can call
me. If we only knew his people, l
would send for them. fear ne Will not
last long,"
Alice crept in and took her place in
the nurses chair. Tears of pity dimmed
her eyes as she looked at the wasted
figure on the bed-the pale, thin face.
the fast closed eyes, the hollow temples
under the waving brown hair.
II wish his mother or father could
Gomez she said, aloud
ewes looked at her implOringly.
my fatherw whispered the sick man,
"bring him-tell him-I was coming
SeatOn--S eatOn-"
The faint voice died awav-the eyes
again were closed.
Alice stood an instant like one struck
dumb. She never noticed the resemblance
before: but now she could trace the firm
| lines of the old Squire'S cOuntenance In
"Sleeping still? That is good sign"
said her mother, coming in, ready to re-
sumo her place for the night.
Alice hesitated moment. Never be-
fore had she acted by or for herself in
any matter of moment.
But the sound of voices might arouse
the slumberer. Her father and Tom
had gone on household errand to the
village; there was no one to consult.
Finally, she drew on her waterproof,
drew It's hood over her head, and sped
across the valley to Squire Seatons house.
Even the well-trained servant wore
an astonished face as he ushered this
mysterious visitor into his masters
study.
Squire Seaton looked up from his book
auI his usual pallOr increased to a
CHASTITY hue as he listened to the breath
less girl.
my SONNY boy-my Philip at your
fathers house? And dying, you fear!
Asking for me? Coming to me? Wait,
child I'll 90 with you, of course III
90 to NV poor boy! But the room is
turning around-I think l must be go
ing blind!'
Alice sprang to his side. The gray
head fell on her shoulder. Tenderly she
smoothed the silvery hair away from the
high forehead, and bathed the pale face
with the cold water and fragrant essence
which the frightened servant brought.
NThe old man revived, to find her min
istering to him thus. And it was almost
like father and daughter that they took
their way across the valley together, he
leaning on her arm, and listening greed
ily to all that she could tell of his long
absent, lOng-mourned son.
ut is my fathers voice! heart his
step! Il shall get well If he will only
forgive mep said the invalid, greatly tt
Mrs. Derwent's surprise. as the mouse
door softly opened to strangers touch
He struggled up from his pillows, re-
sisting her attempt to sOoth him. -,
"Father, am sorry-forgive me!' NJ
, said, i'm firmer voice, as Alice entered
followed by the old man.
And then Squire SeatOn came, ieepiy
but swiftly, into the room, and held ni'
, son to his heart, sobbing aloud WIFI
gratitude and joy. while Allce GreV
her bewildered mother into the kitchen
r and told her OF her expeditloh W th'
|, lonely home of the millionaire.
low seldom kills; and there Is reviv
living power in love and happiness com
bined, far beyond the skill of earthl.
; physicians, or the virtue of all earthl.
: drugs.
So it happened that as the sprinli
q months deepened into summer, fnlil
SeatOn, strong and we'll once more, stoo
beside bOnny Alice, in the porch on
= evening to see the six o'clock express g
q by. d,
@ "At Leadville, when l was utterl
reckless, and utterly penniless, TOO,
n letter from my father reached me-" h
r. said i'm low tone. "It was 20 KIND, s
If sad, that it seemed to turn me from m
r. evil courses in moment. just as wa
II in the rough garb OF miner SCI 0
N to return to my father, like the prodigf
IA son. And God led me here"
There was long silence; the sun san
le out of sight behind the circling hills, u
TO first chill of evening was in the air.
70 an my anger swore l would new
again enter the door of my fathers hous
rs Here may enter, purified, repentan
- forgiven, II only the good angel OF n
.. life will 20 with me. Will she, Alice
no He took her hand.
Ky "But your father" stammered Alic
y am only farmers daughter. AL
he you"
i'd II am not worthy your love In al
ms way. But my father begs you to De .
en- daughter, Alice. Say yes"