Connecticut western news., 1889-03-13


 the open miniature Tn her hand.
 'Pardon me, major," she said, "but in searching for some old costumes in the garret, Laura came across this."
 She handed it to him. He, too, seemed hardly less discomposed than she had been.
 'Ah,' she cried, "I see you recall it. You vii. understand what sad interest it possesses for me when tell you that this likeness is my own, taken when a child. I can just remember seeing my dear father kiss and replace it in hls bosom as he rode off, after bidding fare we'll to my mother and me. He never came back. He was killed at Win chester We found that out, though we don't know how. o, sir! perhaps you can tell mo something of my fathers death. This picture in your possession revives strange hopes."
 The major, during the recital, showed signs of strong self-repression. He was usually quiet, reticent, self-contained sort of man, and, by the time Miss Pinkney concluded, all outward signs of discomposure, except certain degree of pallor, were carefully banished.
 'I have almost forgotten" he said, kindly. t'It seems to me picked it up on the battlefield. If so sad reminder of the past is of value to you, pray keep it. I once tried to find its proper own CTS, but failed. You see the family name is Howard, not Pinkney."
 My full name is Alice Pinkney How ard," said the governess, quietly. '1 concluded to drop the Howard when I found that money must be earned some how. It was not through false pride, but in deference to the wishes of others. And you never saw my father, Major Hinton2"
 The major hesitated, and drew long breath through his teeth.
 s'No;" he almost whispered.
 Miss Pinkney sighed, and soon, there after, retired.
 Ss *
 After that, Miss Pinkney was treated with greater kindness by Major Hinton than ever. Had she been one of his own daughters, his solicitude could hard ly have been more marked. Her salary was gradually increased, until she felt herself called upon to remonstrate.
 ''I am not worth near so much," she said to the major. 'I cannot consent to see your kind heart so over influence your good judgment
 The major was then recovering from light stroke of paralysis. He regarded her sadly from his reclining chair; then, as she turned away, said to himself:
 of she knew all, would she not shrink from receiving money at the hands of her fathers destroyer? Yet, was it not done fairly-in battle? Ican- not be held shonorably responsible and yet-yet-
 The major sighed, wcarily.
 That night he had another and a severer stroke. In the morning, the doctor said he might live day or so- not longer. There was great grief and some commotion. Miss Pinkney felt as though her best living friend was passing away. The major remained in stupor until afternoon, when he reused little. His grief stricken family were around him. He was able to talk, and asked for Miss Pinkney, who came at once.
 "The - the - picture," he gaspcd. "Where is it?"
 He would not be denied; so the mini ature was brought forth and placed in his hands, while his friends began to wonder at his manner. He placed one feeble finger upon the fatal stain, still disclosing the ancient velvet and, fixing his sad eyes upon the governess, whis- pered:
 "Your fathers blood."
 Miss Pinkney felt both horror and a fascination at the sick mans words and looks. One of the consulting physicians was eyeing the miniature, as though tho poor little relic were Mcdusa's head.
 "Yes," continuel the major; "his blood. We met-at Winchcster-in [, charge. We fought-he fcll-I kill ed him. He gave me thc-this picture He asked-me-to send it-home. could not find -family-or friends Now-you know-you see-O, Miss Pinkney!" The major, in his menta agony, raised his voice to a vail, inex- pressibly piteous. 'I-killed him-bu I-have tried to-be good-to you. Can you forgive-a dying man9"
 70, sir" cried the girl, hcartsick ove1 this revelation, yet not embittered, "yo, both were soldiers. It was war, not murder. freely forgive you"
 Her head whirled, she would have fallen forward upon the bed, but th' strange doctor caught her in his arms and embraced her, to the amazement O. all.
 ''Alice, my child," he exclaimed, "nc harm has been done. I am your father.
 Miss Pinkney gave one frightened glance at the bearded face bending ovel her, then swooned away. The majo seemed as though about to do likewise