Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-10-16

the Keepers know that the days OF the poor
mad woman, who spends eighteen hours Of
the twenty four on her knees, are numbered.
After they had done all they could for
Sarah, Frank and Beatrice turned to their
own affairs. None of Beatrice's people knew
OF her being in London. Frank, of course,
saw many acquaintance but as Beatrice
knew so few people their companionship
created no remark Upon inquiry at the
hotel patronizad by the Tai berts they learned
that the brothers had not yet come up for
their perennial visit, but were expected
next week. So one fine day Mr.. and Mrs.
Carruthers, the boy and his rev nurse, went
down to Blacktown
Our long lost, but, hope, beloved friends,
Horace and Herbert were one afternoon
returning from Blacktown in the large wag-
onette. AS they came up the drive they saw
something misunderstanding which made
them glance at each other with dismay On
the front doorstep, summing himself, and
looking as if Hazlewood House and its appur-
tenances were his in fee simple, stood a little
boy.
No wonder, the moment some one took
the horses heads, that the Talberts jumped
down to inquire what this apparition meant.
The loss Of the bright hair having so
at first recognize him. SO no wonder that
Horace, who connected painful memories
with mysterious children groaned out,
"another child p
Taey put their eye glasses up and saw
that the small stranger was making violent
demonstrations of friendship. The dancing
blue eyes which looked up at them seemed
strangely familiar. Herbert was the first to
discover the truth.
"It is Beatrices boy p he said.
1T is" said Horace, solemnly. To make
sure they asked him who be was and whence
he came.
He informed them that he was &c mothers
bewitchful boy" and he waved his arms to
show that the distance he had come was
more than his mind could grasp. Then here
commenced his friendly advances, holding
up his face in way which showed he ex-
pected to be kissed. He was so imperious
and assertive that they yielded. Herbert
bent down and kissed him. Horace, who
noticed that his brothers appearance as he
did so was not dignifed, lifted the urchin
up and likewise kissed him. Then they went
indoors to learn what it all meant.
The child preceded theS, and had they
harbored any doubts of his identity such
doubts would have been set at rest by the
way in which the little urchin rubbed his
feet. No child who had not lived part Of
his life at Hazlewood House would have
performed the act so thoroughly.
Whitaker was in the hall 'FWho are
here, Whittaker!' asked Horace.
''Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers, sir,n replied
Whitaker. The Talberts stared at each
other, then, hanging their hats on the
proper and respective pegs, entered the
drawing room.
They saw Frank standing there with that
quaint, dry smile on his face, and then they
saw Beatrice coming toward them with out
stretched arms. Herbert again stared
blankly at Horace, who could not however,
respond to the look because Beatrice had
thrown her arms round his neck
kiss me, uncle Horace, and say you for
give me" she cried. Il have caused you all
sorts of worry and anxiety, but say you for
give me-"
She had caused them worry and anxiety.
Indeed they had latterly been sorely pressed
to account for Beatrice's absence to Lady
Bowker and others. Nevertheless she was
their sisters child and thorough Talbert.
She was also in distress So Horace Welded,
kissed her, and told her how glad he was to
see her again.
After this she went to Uncle Herbert and
something of the same scene was gone
through. The Talberts then re-arranged
their neckties as much as to say that al
though such impulsive embraces might be
allowed once in way they were not to be
11,ula