The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-06-15

Ninton's daughter"
So llilda remained at Trently Man
or.
The days went by. Gradually
there came a change of affairs in the
lonely mansion. 1t lost its old gloom
mess the silken curtains were parted
to admit the sunlight, fresh flowers
from the conservatory filled the empty
vases, the old. fashioned piano was uh.
covered, and its tones, clear and sweet
as in the olden time, echoed through
the vast rooms, when Hilda's dainty
fingers pressed the yellow keys.
Old Jasper grew cheerful and genial
under the sunny influence, and life
assumed brighter aspect to him.
But he was not quite content.
lIilda found him one day leaning on
the library mantle with his eyes on
the portrait above. They wore a
wistful expression, and his face looked
sad and grave, almost regretful.
"Who is it sir p she asked, softly.
The old man frowned on her, then
turned with sudden impulse
"That's Charlie, my nephew, Char
lie he said, with emotion. II have
never spoken of him to you, my dear,
but he is seldom out of my mind We
used TO get along famously, but he
was wild bit, and self willed, ant
one day we quarreled. l don't think
either of us meant one word we sale
then, but we were both very angry
and the end of it was / ordered hin
from my house forever. lie took m,
at my word, and have never seer
him since
"lou loved him, sir o. asked IIilda
GAS my own son. he answered
then with sudden bitterness, "But h,
did wrong. I was in the right, ant
he was too stubborn to yield. l tolC
him would never forgive him."
so, I'm sure you will"
TIilda laid her hand on the old man.
arm and looked at him with wistfu
eyes. They had grown to be very
fond of each other, and the brigh
young girl held deep place in the
| ola man a1tectlOnS.
1m sure you WILL" she repeated
"He was such boy thea, you know
and he has repented."
"How do you know?" old Jasper
asked, fiercely. "He will never re
pent, tell you"
'1Ie looks too kind and true to har
Dor resentment long said Hilda
"Wou't you write to him, sir, and tel
him he may come back ?"
He shook his head slowly and hi
features grew hard and cold again
He was not ready to yield just yet
but Hilda hoped that at some futur
day he would grant her request an'
for his wayward nephew.
Summer came and passed. 1t wa
October again, but Jasper Trently di
not dread now the coming winter wit
its bleak days and long, weary night:
He was lonely no longer; Hid
became a constant companion, bright
ening his life with her sunny presenc
and willing away the hours that wer
once so tedious.
Sitting one evening at twilight a
the old piano, she began the ballad c
"Robin Adair." With the first note
old Jasper started up and laid hi
hand on her shoulder
"Don't, don't" he exclaimed, trem,
lously; that was always Charlie
favorite. Don't sing it"
| Iillo hol ,,aun, o.op hin, an
she thought it would be good oppo
tunity to plead for the absent lad, an
began without delay, earnestly an
appealingly while the old man listene
and did not silence her. .....
"Oh, sir, please forgive him;
know he is sorry 1t will be best fC
you both. Won't you forgive him?"
'But was right, persisted the ol
man.
Yes, | know; but he was SO youn
and thoughtless. l don't think he d
serves such severe punishment.
"Well, perhaps not"
"Then you forgive him, and take
all back p
"Well, yes, I'll forgive him."
: Old Jasper spoke reluctantly, b
Hilda knew that he would not i
tract his words.
"And you will write and tell hi
soH" she added.
A change came over the old mai
face it grew sad and thoughtful,
"Alas !! / don't know where he
now," he answered "but | will try
find him.
Hilda rose from the piano and knt
, at his side,
"Mr. Trently," she said, slowly,
l TOO must ask forgiveness. Would "
: grant it when tell you have q
| ceived you?"
'Deceived me! l cannot undt
stand"
Briefly she related her story.
''Before father died we met yo
nephew, Charlie Trently. Faith
t welcomed him at once, for your SAX
and he visited us very often. Tn
: when ! was left alone | had no 9th
, friend, so | turned to him, and-a
: a few months later we were married
She looked up timidly at old j
, per's face, but it was non-committ
| and he maintained grim silence,
: 81 did it for Charles sake" s
went on ale was willing to retu
, to you, but he said it would be usele
so | came, and-and-oh, Mr. Trent
| can you ever forgive me ?"
, For moment the old man sat
i lent and motionless, then, to her $,
prise, he bent and kissed her fo
head
"You have done me a great fav,
, my dear he said, gently, and thong
, of the past years, lonely and profile
before this young girl came. w
! those in mind he would not resent |
F., deception then, too, he was touch
- by her devotion and perseverance.
!, Charlie came a few days later, a
; the old feud was forgotten,
During the years that followed
would be difficult to find a happ
a trio than old father Trently, of Tire
!" ly Manor his nephew Charlie, a
l. the idol of both loyal hearts, swe
Il Il III l. Al