The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1889-08-07

that worth was oftener found with
them than with luxury and riches
He trusted that he had found price
less jewel in the person of the humble
girl he loved, and he boldly and un-
hesitatingly offered her his hand,
although he knew / would disinherit
hlm!'
"And he married her?'
"Yes; and from that time l have
never seen him! He provided a home
for himself and wife in Boston, and
wrote me letter. In that he begged
me to excuse-he did not say forgive
his acting against my wishes, but
said not word-not syllable about
being received once more as my son
and heir. He ended by inviting me to
visit him in his new but humble home,
and expressed q desire that we might
live on friendly terms. l was too
proud to visit him, and he never saw
fit to cross my threshold again!"
"And he continued to reside in
Boston-the same city with you, his
fatherp"
"Yes, for time; but he was poor
and could not hear, presume, the
sight Of those of his old associates who
ceased to know him when he was no
longer able to live in style. He
scorned them, it is true, but he hated
the sight of them, and therefore re-
moved from the CITY,"
"And he never came to you or wrote
TO you afterwards" said /.
"Never. The last l heard of him he
was in New York, and in tolerable cir
cumstances. Oh! what a triumph ii
would be to him could. he see me thus
reduced-shorn of my pride and former
Wealth.
you see am now left alone in the
unfriendly world with the child who
brought you hither As my riches
failed me, being swept away by mis-.
fortunes, my old friends dropped of
one by one; and now sickness has re-
duced me to the helpless, miserable
condition in which you behold me.
There is not an individual living who
cares for NE or mine! You have
already shown some kindness to us
for which Heaven reward you! but you
are the only one-the only one!"
The sick man turned his eyes up
wards, then closed them with sigh
At this moment observed that the
stranger, who at first seemed to take
no interest in the old mans story, hat
at length drawn his chair close to the
bedside, as if to listen.
my pride is humbled now" re
sumed the invalid, after long pause
II think l might be brought to ask
relief of the very son have disowned
0 God! how just has been my punish
ment! to think that he, whom l cas-
off, is now, in all probability, able to
laugh at my fall in the midst of hi
growing prosperity. But think 20,
he would do itp Think you m,
William, who was once my joy ant
pride. would have the heart to triumph
over me in my misery?'
mo. he would not" said deep
earnest voice behind me, which mad
me start.
On looking around l saw the stran
ger had admitted approaching tn
bedside. AS the light fell upon hi
brow l beheld it was dark with agony
and there was tear glistening in hi
eye.
who spokep What voice was thatp'
demanded the invalid, turning on hi
pillow.
made way for the stranger, and h
drew near the bed. He bent over tn
form Of the old man, and their eye
met.
at was l who spoke" said tn
stranger, in hurried, husky tones; ri
was my voice"
The old man stared ut him wildly.
'.And who are youp" he demanded
'.Do you not know mep" murmure
the other. 20 God! that it shout
come to this-that / am forgotten b
my father!'
civilian! my son Williamr' sobbe
the invalid. 'Oh, my injured-m
noble and forgiving boy!"
The old mans voice was choked b
sobs as with his feeble arms he Dire,
his son more closely to his bosom.
turned away to dash aside the tear
which came unbidden to my eyes
dimming my sight; aud when
looked again, near a minute after,
beheld the father and son still locke
in each others arms. As l conten
plated that silent, heartfelt embrac
l felt my eyes fill again and my bosol
heave with sympathy,
"Oh, my son!' murmured the il
valid, at length, ''what good angel h;
brought you hitherP l am no longe
what l once was, but humble, mise
able wretch. Adversely has taugl
me deep and holy lesson; and it
now with joy, and not with pain, tn,
/ ask you to forgive me-"
Father! father!' interrupted Il
young man, in voice Of agony, "spea
not of the past! Let us forgive ar
forget! Both Of us may have been
fault, but the days Of our estrangemel
are past now; we are father and sc
once morer'
God bless you! oh, my childr' mu
INJURED the old man. God bless you
II am come" resumed William, "