River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-05-31

/ the rOll-call Of regiment and companies at
the recruiting Offices. True, she had been
more fortunate than many, being more
nearly alone in the world. but even she had
/ seen a beloved father brought home
to die. and an invalid mother fade away
! like shadow under the afiiction, and the
I fife and drum had weird, dark memory in
its notes for her which time could never
| efface.
The flowers We're lavishly scattered the
salutes were fired and the main body of the
procession slowly filed out of the cemetery
gates. but still the twins fingered by the
grave which they especially loved to honor
in memory Of the father whose form and
face had long since passed from their re-
membrance. It was a pleasant place to
them, shaded by many trees and watered by
a purling brook. from which the ground
| took its name. .'BrOokside"
Loving hands kept it in neat repair, and
rustic seats and jetting fountains made il a
/ pleasant spot in which to spend medita-
tive hour
They were picking away a few stray
weeds and polishing the white marble of
the neat stone which marked the grave.
when a stranger appeared; he was tall and
erect, with snowy hair and keen eyes. and
as he drew near he fixed his gaze on Holly
with an eager look which drank in every
feature Of the boyish face as the thirsty
wayfarer drinks from cooling spring.
There was no need TO establish the child's
identity for every feature proclaimed il,
and the old mans eyes filled with tears as
he drew near and laid his trembling hand
on the sunny head, asking, gently: What is
your name my son.'
"HolrOyd Graham. sir;' was the boys
reply. looking up in the still handsome and
aristOcratic face Of the stranger in sur
prise
And who is this little maid.' lifting
Freda's chin and looking earnestly into the
brown eyes so like those Of the mother
This is Freda, sir. and we are twins"
replied wondering Holly.
And where Is the mother this lovely
day."
s. Mamma is sick. sir, and we are
afraid''-and the boyish face contracted
with a swift spasm of pain, for even his
light heart had become Swallowed by the
knowledge that soon. only too soon, there
would be two graves in the green cemetery
TO cherish
And there is a Grace. too, Is there
nOti" and the strangers voice grew ten
der and pitiful as he thought Of the little
letter in his desk at home. and earnestly
wished he had come long ago.
But Grace must stay with mamma; she
coughs s. dreadfully we can not leave her
alone replied Freda, timidIy.
The unsuspiciOUs children talked on
without a thought of concealment, until
the tall stranger was in full possession of
the family history, with its pitiful strug-
giles and discOuragements, so far as they I'M
derstood them. and even Grace'S self
denial in regard 10 the music lesson was re-
hearsed
'' And have kept my wealth and grudgcd
them a helping hand in their need"
thought the old man, in bitter self repfoach.
" And now, my little man, do you know
who l amT' he asked aloud.
- very kind gentleman. / am sure. sir"
replied Holly. mOdestly; his simple little
heart had never once guessed at the truth.
q Have You never heard Of your Grand
Esther Graham}''
"Oh, yes, sir. but he is very angry with
US all, and has been unkind to us" replied
Holly, innocently.
Z" But he will be unkind no longer said
the old man, eagerly. - am your grand
father, dear children, and, please God. the
past shall be atoned for in the future, and
now let Us 60 70 mamma and Grace
Who can be coming home with the chill
dreI.." said Grace, as she stood in the cot
tage door shading her eyes with her hand
from the brilliant sunlight She formed
pretty picture, her brown hair floating out
in the fresh breeze, her cheeks flushed
and her graceful form arrayed in a light
dress. plain and cheap to be sure, but taste
fully and becomingly made.
Her quick intuition took in the possible
identity of the stranger, and fearing the ef-
feet Of the sudden surprise upon the
mother should her surmise prove correct,
she stepped out to the gate to meet them
oh, Oracle" cried Holly, Athis is
grandpa. and we met him az the cemetery
He put out his slender white hand draw
ing her 70 him. AID looking az her search
ingly. Ny dear child. forgive me flst /
have lefI you 70 bear 50 much alone he
said, gently, as he pressed kiss On her
fresh. young lipN