The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1882-06-22

Il have it! Here it is. How glad man.
ma will be to see you, and now She II
get well as We have so much money"
He stumbled as best he could up the
rickety stairs, and followed the child in
to chill. dingy-room.
AS the little one rushed ahead of him
he heard gentle voice exclaim. Us she
folded her in her embrace:
''Oh! Ella darling, where have you
been?"
Mamma, mamma, rs good. got
lots of money; and here is gentleman
come to see you"
The sick woman arose from the mis-
cradle excuse for q lounge on which she
reclined. In the dim light of the mis-
cradle room she did not recognize her
visitor, but he at once knew her, for the
voice which once thrilled his heart could
never be forgotten.
She rose and modestly asked:
''What do you want in this poor place,
sir, or have you brought home my poor
darling?"
'"Thank God, who in his mercy threw
this angel child in my way, have found
you out, Mrs. Stanly, or let me call you
by that name by which knew you years
ago, Ellen Townsend, don't you know
me?"
A moan. half of pain. half of Joy, es-
capped her lips as she sank back ON the
seat. muttering:
''Mr. Barton. Mr.. Barton, how have
you found me out? / had resolved to
bury my misfortune in the grave and
bear my burdea as best / could until
death released me from suffering"
Providence has ordained otherwise.
and has sent me this way to restore you
to your fathers love and home"
'"There is little chance for that, Mr..
Barton, for he has discarded me for
good. Had he given helping hand to
my poor husband, he would have sue
ceeded, but sickness and disappoint-
ment brought him to an early grave,
leaving me alone to make a living as
best could. I came to New York about
six months ago, and have managed to
support myself with my needle since,
but my health was giving way under the
strain, and my only hope was that when
death claimed me he would take care of
my little darling, who has already suf-
fered for the evils of her mother. Since
Laame to New York I have frequently
stood in front of the house watching my
poor father as he returned home, my
heart hungering for his love; and when
/ saw him looking worn and sad, I up
braided myself as the cause of all his
suffering"
81 feel confident, Mrs. Stanly, that all
will go right. Your father, though a
cold and stern man, is not - heartless
man. and T know that in his heart he
regrets his hasty action in depriving
himself of the love and care of his child.
If you leave things in my hands have
no doubt that can effect q reconcilia-
ton"
'.Act as you please, Mr.. Barton, I
must confess that should like to be re-
stored to the affections of my father, for
it is hard TO bear the frown of an injur-
ed parent; besides, could sacrifice any
thing to give this sweet child the advan-
tages to which she is entitled by right"
On the following morning the employ
es in the firm of Townsend, Davis &
Co. were rather startled at seeing the
staid Mr.. Barton entering the establish
ment with a delicate but still handsome
looking lady leaning on his arm. Their
surprise was the greater when they rec
ognized In the lovely. well-dressed child
which chung to the lady's hand the little
beggar-girl of the previous day.
Mr.. Barton and his charges passed in
to private room, and when Mr.. Town
send came in Mr.. Barton went into his
office as usual to consult with him about
business matters.
ssHai Mr.. Barton" said Mr.. Town
send, with smile, .'what have you done
with your little beggar-girl?''
1T will surprise you, Mr.. Townsend"
replied ths other, ito learn that have
taken strange interest in that child,
and have dressed her up In becoming
clothes. You would not recognize her
now, she looks so sweet and beautiful"
"Indeed: as am rather fond of child
rem, bring her around some day until I
SEQ her."
''She is in my Office now, sir. I'll
bring her in until you see what q charm
ing creature she is"
Mr.. Barton went into his office and
soon returned leading the little girl by
the hand,
Mr.. Townsend was so fascinated by
her appearance that he took her in his
arms and kissed her.
..She is alovely little darling, Barton"
exclaimed the man of business. as he
laid her down.
Indeed she is, sir; but does she not
remind you of any one you have seen
before?n
"Well. not exactly; but let me See
Somehow she recalls my lost daughter
when she was an innocent child like
her."
Yes, and she bears strong resem-
hlance to her, Mr.. Townsend; that is
what warIas my heart to her"
MIR. Townsend again took her up In
his arms, and, intently gazing upon her,
exclaimed: You're right, Barton. there
is strange resemblance.
$50 there should be, Mr.. Townsend.
for she is your daughters child"
Pride surged for moment in the old
mans bosom. but nature triumphed.
and with hungry cry of delight he
pressed her to his heart as he exclaimed;
'.My daughter! my daughter! have
killed her, but ] will cherish this little
one for her sake. Oh! would that she
were living to forgive all my cruel in
justice to her and her poor husband! ]
was an old self willed fool. Barton. L
but who is this?"
Your erring child, fatherr' exclaim-
ed the lady whom Mr.. Barton had led
into the office:
The father and daughter looked at
each other for moment, and then, with
a cry of delight, flew to each other s
arms.
Mr.. Barton closed the office-door, and
as he passed around the warehouse he
frequently wiped his eyes with his hand
kerchief.
Soon after a carriage was ordered,
and Mr.. Townsend, with the strange
lady and child, was driven to his pala-
tial residence on Fifth Avenue.
In about a year-from the occurance oi
the events above related the firm chang
ed to that of Townsend & Barton. The
old gentleman stilllives in the enjoyment
of good health. hia old age rendered
hlsaaea sea happy ia tha laye aa4 sa9!