Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-08-30

oil the very son 1 have dis0wned. "
God! how just has been my punish
ment! to think that he, whom | cast off,
is now, in all probability, able 10
laugh at my fall in the midst of his
growing prosperity. But think YOU he
would do il? Think you my William,
who was once my JOY and pride, would
have the heart to triumph over me in
my misery?'
mo. he would not.n said deep,
earnest voice beAind me, which made
me start.
On looking around, saw the strang-
or | had admitted approaching the bed
side. AS the light fell upon his brow,
| beheld it was dark with agony, and
there was IA tear glistening in his eye.
WHO spoke? what voice was that?"
demanded the invalid, turning on his
pillow.
made way for the stranger, and he
drew neac the bed. He bent over the
form OF the old man, and their eyes
met.
1T was ! who spoke" said the
stranger, in hurried, husky tones; cit
was my voice"
The old man stared at him wildly.
"And who are you" he demanded.
"Do you not know me?n murmured
the other. 80 God! that it should
come 10 this-that | am forgotten by
my father!"
William! my son William!" sobbed
the invalid -''Oh, my injured my
noble and forgiving boyn'
The old mans voice was choked by
sobS, as with his feeble arms he drew
his son more closely to his bosom. |
turned away to dash aside the tears
which came to my eyes, dimming my
sight; and when looked again, near a
minute after, beheld the father and
son still locked in each others arms.
As | contemplated that silent, heart
felt embrace, / felt my eyes fill again
and my bosom heave with sympathy.
"Oh, my SON.. murmured the inva-
lid, at length. what good angel has
brought you hither? am no longer
what | once was, bat a humble. mis-
cradle wretch. Adversely has taught
me IL deep and holy lesson; and it is
now with JOY, ana not with pain, that
ask you to forgive me ~
Father. father" Interrupted the
young man. in voice OF agony, speak
IlOb VI Vic Ddst. Leu US
and forget! Both of us may have
been in fault, but the days of our
estrangementarep past now; we are faith
er and son once more!"
God bless you! oh, my child" muir
INJURED the old man. God bless you."
Il am come" resumed William, "to
repay the debt OF gratitude | owe to
you"
The debt OF gratitude"
"Yes; for what does not IL son owe to
his father-especially TO such father
as you were once to me? Ny mother
was taken away when was young and
Hetty but an infant; but you filled her
place. You educated me-you did
everything IA your power TO make me
happy. Now ! am come to repay the
debt as freely. | have dear happy
home in New York. to which | will re-
move you and Hetty, as soon as you
are able to leave your bed. Till then,
| will sec that You are made comforta-
bic here. Oh, l thank heaven for put
ting it into my heart to come back to
Boston and search you out,'
The old man strove to reply to these
words of Kindness, but could not speak
for sobbing. He wept like a child.
My situation during this interview
was painful. 1t was a relief to hear
footsteps ascending the stairs. and to
see little Hetty enter the moment
after.
Seeing two strangers in the room
with her father she started back sur
prised, for she was far from recognize
ing her brother. The Old man saw
her, and called her TO his side.
William uttered not word, but
stood regarding her in silence.
my child" said the old man, lido
you remeber your brother William?n
"Oh, yes" replied the girl. quickly.
II remember him-he was always SO
kind to me. Don't you wish he was
here now. father"
"My child, he is here." exclaimed
the old man. This is your brother
William"
The girl turned, and when she saw
her brother regarding her tenderly and
kindly. open his arms TO receive her,
she flew to his bosom and flung her
arms wildly about his neck.
At this moment, my friend, the ply
stefan Hetty had gone for, having fol-
lowed her almost Immediately, rang at
the door, and | FASTENED TO conduct
him up the stairs.
He gave the sick man encourage
ment of affording him immediate relief,
and having prepared some medicine for
his use, took his departure.
Thinking it best to leave the new
united family alone, / rose to depart.
The old man and his son thanked me
warmly FOR the interest | had taken in
their affairs. and the little girl. as she
conducted me to the door and babe me
goodnight, bcsought me with tears in
her eyes TO visit them again.
That night | went homo better
man than when | left few hours be-
fore. The lesson had learned had a
peculiar effect upon my mind. teach
ing me, as it did. the folly OF family
pride or the pride OF wealth. and the
divine beauty and sweetness of forgive
ness.
When I visited the house amin |
found coach at the door. and ing
admitted by Il servant, met little Iet-
ty in the hall, dressed ready for n
Journey.