Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1885-04-30

| saw your face and heard your voice."
said Mrs. Barton.
The lady smiled and continued: God
raised up a friend for me in that good
man who took me to his home, and upon
hearing my story shed tears. He adopt
ed me as his own daughter, giving me
the name, Mary Stanley, and 1 was de-
Gently dressed, kindly treated and placed
at one of the best schools. Learning
later that 1 had great talent for art, and
pereeiving his health failing. he took me
TO Italy to finish my edacation.'
Fathers 6fsr such 1 always called
HIM Health improved little, and we
enjoyed each others society very much,
and he took keen delight in my stud
les. Soon after becoming pleasantly 10
Gated he died. Great indeed was my
surprise to learn that his will made me
possessor of 100000 for I did not know
that he was rich man.
He had no heirs to inherit his fortune
but half sister and me.
Thus from beggar in rags, was ell
evated to lady in elegant attire. re-
mained in Europe pursuing my art and
earning reputation as an artist, but
thinking of my parents. neglected graves
1 returned some three months ago to
America
Mrs. Barton sat looking into that mo-
BILE, benign countenance with reveren-
tial feeling. Speaking slowly and with
deepest emOtien Mrs Barton said:
Are you mortal, or an angel in dis
guise? You have talent and wealth
and stOop to notice a poor beggar like
me-
4 have talent. wealth, and fame, but 1
am alone in the world. Every time L
meet little beggar or girl it recalls to
mind my former condition, and Imske
it a rule to learn something about them,
and to aid them if possible. feel true
sympathy for those in distress. and do
what can to relieve them. No doubt
my own sorrow has caused me to realize
misery in others, and surely God who
has -befriended me would be pleased to
have me extend it to others
o, Miss StaBly, you are true chris
tian. You assisted me from holy and
lofty motives, and an excess of benevo-
lence. Surely, yours has been a checker
ed and an eventful life
Yes, there are few who have expert
eneed what 1 have. Since my return
from Europe 1 have visited the prison
where the old woman-ny abductor and
ssme of ber associates are passing their
lives. She said she had repented of her
crimes and sins. and begged my forgive
ness, which she has freely
4 presume she has been severely pun>
ished. What crime caused her impris
onment?'
Murder replied Miss Stanly. o, it
was herrible.'
Miss Stsnly, pardon my question, but
have you any objection to telling meyour
former Damep
My name was Rebeeca Stuart, and my
home was at Strowbridge.'
Mrs. Barton threw her arms around
her friends neck and cried freely.
AS soon as she could articulate. she
exclaimed:
Don't you know me, Rebeeea? am
Lottie you used to love. To think that
did not recognize your
No wonder. Rebeeca had developed
into most beautiful woman, and rich
dress set off her fine figure to advantage.
1t was now her turn to be surprised.
'Lottiel You Lottie Rood Can it be
possible? What has caused this changer
Mrs. Barton was oyercoms at the unex-
pected good fortune of being again unit
ed to her long lost friend.
After short interval, during which
both shed tears freely, Mrs. Barton said.
'Rebeeca, you are surprised to meet
me in such deplorable circumstances.
Who ever thought the wealthy Mr..
Rood's daughter would come to this? I
am now wretched beggar, and wan
derer from my fathers house. The chief
cause of the unhappy change are improp-
er training in youth and bad company.
People may have enyied me when 1
reigned society belle, dressing extrav-
agantly and practieing all the arts and
deeeptions of coquette, but was more
to be pitied. My last rash act was to
marry a fortune hunter and come here
without even the knowledge of my par
ants." Here the wretched woman broke
lowH and cried bitterly.
Never mind, Lottie, let the past be
forgotten. You must begin anew. Let
every action proceed from good motives
and you will never more feel this re-
morse. Cheer up. Lottie. Trust me; L
ean help you, said her noble friend.
God will reward you, Rebecca. will
begin anew. Heneeforth you viii direct
me- replied Mrs. Barton.
We must visit Strowbridge together,
and seek a reconciliation with your par
,nts. There is much good work for US
10 do
'Oh, how you do cheer and inyigorate
me-
A few years later. DR.. Hugh Murry
handsome residence on the
Hudson, having Induced the lovely and
alented Rebecea to share it with him.
Heaven smiles apprOvingly upon those
who live righteously. and upon the erring
Who torsake their evil ways.
There is happiness and honor for those
gho seek it.