The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1882-04-15
THE STEP-NOTHER.
BY W. F T.

Alanson Parker was seated in his IL
brary and deeply immersed in thought.
His usually placid brow wore at present
shade Of perplexi'y, and the fingers of
his nervous, delicate hand which shaded
it. trembled not little. That day was
the anniversary of his wife's death. which
and completed the expiration of that pro-
baton which the world imposes ere it
sactions n second hymenal connection.
He at l.ngth rose and took from con-
cealed drawer in his wriing-desk, a cask-
ct, and from that miniature, on which
he gazAd for some moments with tender
interest, OF course the picture Of his de-
parted wife. says our authoritative reader,
hut such is not the fact Her pale, in
elegant features, which were correctly
portrayed on the canvass, ornnmented by
a rich gilt frame, and suspended from the
wall were in marked contrast TO the
witching charms of the fair being repre-
sented by the miniature The former
was the personation of mature life, the
latter, the very dawn of womanhood.
The casket and its treasure were soon
restored to their secret resting-place, a
momento of disappointed hopes and still
cherished affection, which had made the
gay man of the world sober man of
thought, and early wove the threads of
premature age amid his dark hair. A
gentle tug at the bell-rope WIS answered
by the appearance of an old domestic,
whom he directed to inform his daughter
that he desired her presence at once.
Charlotte Parker, then in her sixteenth
year, was indeed an object which COM
mauded admiration. A woman in form
and stature, with features of surprising
loveliness, she still retained a childish
simplicity, and the wayward but engag-
ing faucies years of indulgence had en-
tailed upon her yet with frank and gen.
erous impulses which endeared her to all.
AS she entered the apartment, somewhat
startled by the foi imal summons, her faith
er took her hand and in a tone of deep
tenderness said to her:
"My dear child. have sent for you in
order that we might have short but
serious talk of the future. need not
ask you if you member the sad event
that occurred year Rgo to-day
Dear mother, she can never he for
gotten" cried the fair girl, with burst
of tears.
"Yes, my daughter, your mother has
long since become an iuhabitant of that
unseen, better world, and has only left
us her memory to cherish, and the calm.
pure example Of her life"
A silence of some moments ensued and
when broken, MIR. Parker had assumed
a calmer aud more formal tone, as he
said:
"Charlotte, you have now attained an
age when a Young woman is expected to
make her app arance in the world. au
eyeut which father, however great his
solicitude, cannot shape or well advise,
bat which reqnires the staff OF maternal
counsel. Have you ever thought of tbisi'
~ only think that any place, however
remote from society. which contained MY
kind father and dear Aunt Susie, would
be productive of all the happiness could
hope for"
"That sreats well for your affection.
my child, which l must soon put to the
test. You are deeply attached then TO
your aunt?"
''She has been mother and companion
to me, and everything kind and good"
"Stlll she has not a mothers right 10
advise and control, and this brings me
to the point which, is the object of this
interview. Charlotte, am about to
marry, for your sake aud my own, and
inclination rs well as duty on my part,
has prompted me to take this step"
The young girl sprang from his arms
as though viper bad siung her.
Il was not prepared to receive a new
afft ction, to the exclusion OF one enter
tanned for years, nor can my heart be
compelled to it,"
/ forgive you. Charlotte, and yon will
regret this display of passion in your
calmer moments. You may now retire,
ri wish 10 be alone"
She suddenly left the room, without a
word aid sought tue drawinp-room to