Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-12-24

mic and her mother were suffering for
the want of few necessaries. They
had now reached the market, and in
spite of Minnie's circumstances Frank
purchased two great baskets of good
things and ordered many more to be
sent to her home. On the way back
Frank told her that while dining with
friend at Delmonico's that very day he
had been introduced to a gentleman
who, in the course of conversation, had
asked him if he knew of family by the
name of Osborne, and stated what her
fathers business had been. He. of
course, told them all he knew respect
them, and they had made compact to
find them, if possible, the gentleman
saying that he was the brother of Mrs.
Osborne, but had not seen her for many
years.
"Why, that must be mothers brother
John. of whom ! have heard her speak
SO Often" said Minnie; II hope it is
she will be SO glad to see him."
almost as glad as I am to see you,
my darling" said Frank, passionately.
sand te think that while you have been
having such struggle with poverty, I
have been living in luxury, with the ex-
ception that [ have been hungry for
the sight of your dear face. Why did
you not come to me, Minnie?"
"Well, Frank, pride kept me away
for one thing, and for another, | knew
how honorable you were and that you
would keep your troth with me, but I
was afraid you might feel as though
you were sacrificing yourself in we'd
ding me-not Minnie Osborne, the rich
mans daughter, but Minnie Osborne,
the poor saleswoman."
"No, Minnie, it can be no sacrifice,
for love you for yourself alone, and
with love which comes only once in q
mans lifetime" replied Frank, earnest
ly.
"Well, Frank" said Minnie, "the
present is so happy and beautiful that
can almost forget the dark, weary past
I have learned many good lessons in
the school of sorrow and trial, and
though we have suffered much, my
faith in Him who careth for the widow
and the fatherless has never wavered,
and I thank Him tonight for having
brought us together again. Indeed,
Frank, am, trust, a better woman
and a better Christian for having
walked in the paths of the lowly."
"You have always been an angel in
my eyes, darling, and the thought of
your purity and beauty of character
has spurred me on to try to keep in the
straight and narrow way, and, thank
God, by His grace and assistance, I
have succeeded, and with you I feel
grateful to Him who has permitted us
to meet here tonight
There was a happy party in the little,
low back room that night, and Frank,
who had always been favorite, was
welcomed by Mrs, Osborne, Maud and
Jamie IL manner so cordial as showed
that they were glad to see him once
more, not for the good things and the
health and comfort he brought them,
but for him alone. After the greetings
were over and there was lull in the
conversation, Frank told Mrs. Osborne of
the stranger he had met at Delmonico's,
giving description of his personal APP
pearance.
"Oh, know it is my brother john"
she exclaimed; "and the sight of him
will make me well again. Dear, dear
fellow, when can L see him?"
"You can see him tonight if [ can
find him." answered Frank; it is not
very late and [ think he will be at Del
monico's now. At aay rate I'll go and
see."
He went and returned in about an
hour with the stranger, who was, indeed
Mrs. Osborne's dearly loved brother
whom she mourned as dead. It was a
happy meeting, if the place was poor,
and they ate and talked until Christmas
ushered in, and the bells of Trinity
pealed forth their chimes.
So the Christmas eve which had
seemed SO dark and dreary to Minnie as
she was going home from the store
proved to be the happiest she had ever
experienced, for out of deep sorrow had
come great JOY.
Mrs. Osborne's brother explained
that he had gone into the interior of
Australia, and had not heard from his
sister since that time, the letters on
both sides having been miscarried.
The gentlemen took their leave in
the wee sma' hours" and in each heart
was the feeling of "Peace on earth,
goodwill to men," and thankfulness to
the Oliver of all good for the way in
which he had led them through all
their trials to the ultimate happiness of
the end
Before they left matters had been ar
ranged SO that on New Years Day there
was to be a quiet wedding, and Minnie
Osborne was to become Mrs. Frank
Johnson. Frank was to go into bust
ness, with Mr.. John Drake, Mrs. Os-
borne's brother, who was to be silent
partner. They went even SO far as to
plan trip to Europe in the summer,
and though Minnie said she thought
they were looking too far ahead, She
was too happy to spoil the bright air
castles by not giving her consent to all
the propositions and plans.
And now, dear reader, we leave them
to the enjoyment of their happiness,
hoping that every dark cloud which