The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-04-04

ject of fondest devotion, for the kiss
of welcome was followed by one boy
presenting a pair of well-worn slip
pers, while the eldest one tugged
manfully at large, old-fashioned
armchair, to draw it nearer the
table, where the simple evening
meal was neatly spread.
The young mans voice faltered u
moment, as he stood erect and ask
ed blessing upon the meal. His
lips quivered, and he looked for q
moment, and the eyes of the little
boys were raised in surprise, as the
customary form ofwords was follow
ed by brief prayer for help and
strength to bear any burdens.
There was an effort made to main
tain cheerful conversation by both
brother and sister, but finding it to
weary a task, they confined their
tea-table talk to the little boys, whose
prattle was music to both of them.
The evenings in the little home
were devoted to work as well as the
days. 1t was Alfred's custom to
read late into the nights trying to
keep up the knowledge of the law,
that when more prosperous times
should come, he might again resume
his interrupted course ofstudy to be
admitted to the bar. And whilst he
pored over the heavy legal volumes,
Frances busted herself with the sew
ing for the family, often stepping
softly to the bedroom door to see if
her mother still slept.
1t was the last day of March, and
Alfred was busy in the counting
house settling the books for the
month, when Edward Walker came
in hastily. "I'm off for New York, "
he said, tossing over some papers
in his uncle's desk.
"For how long?"
1.-TWO or three weeks-a month,
perhaps. l shall not hurry, if 1
find my time passes pleasantly"
"When do you go?"
"Now. The hack is at the door
with two ladies who are to travel
under my care. HAP
"What is it ?"
"Nothingp but a mischievous
smile was on the young mans face
ss he hastily thrust something into
an envelope, directed it in cramp-
ed, disguised hand, and thrust it
into his coat pocket, 81 had almost
forgotten April FOOLS day." he said,
softly. "Master AL had better open
his eyes very wide tomorrow morn
ing. Good-by," he said, aloud.
"Good-bY. BonvoyageW
"Thanks !"
He was gone, and Alfred turned
again to his writing, unconscious of
the fact that his whole future career
was probably decided by that brief,
hurried visit to his companion to
the counting-house.
The next morning brought dun
ming letter from Mr.. Watts, the
apothecary, to Alfred, who, as he
folded it up, wondered vaguely what
article eff furniture would probably
be sacrificed to meet the mans
claims. His heart was full Of pain
and bitterness as he commenced his
mornings work, but the noon mail
brought him letter directed in a
strange hand, upon opening which
he found inclosed fifty-dollar bill.
There was no letter with the anony-
nous gift, no explanationofits arrival.
"Some old friend who knows of |
our troubles and my birthday. Yes,
the post-mark is New York; he
mused. "This will pay Watts and
get some comforts for mother. Oh,
will the day ever come when this
burden of poverty will fall from me?"
The day passed quickly. The re-
lief from the immediate pressure
was very great, and prayers of the
most fervent gratitude rose often to
Alfred's heart for the unexpected |
and strange aid in his troubles. The
importunate creditor was paid, some
trifies for the little boys, the loving
sister and invalid mother purchased,
and there was quite birthday jubi-
lee in the little home in the evening.
With lighter heart than he had
carried for many days the young
clerk worked the next morning. He
had been absent from his desk,
transacting some outdoor business
late in the forenoon, when, upon his
return, he was surprised to find Mr..
Walker seated before his desk evil
IDENTIFY awaiting his return. The old
gentleman's kind face was very
grave, his eyes full of regret.
To the young mans utter amaze
ment, he took from his pocket-book
note which, when he spread it
open upon the desk, he recognized