The Springdale news., 1889-08-16


 bedside, as if to listen.
 My pride is humbled now" re- sumed the invalid, after long pause. II think might be brought to ask relief of the very son I have disowned. o God. how just has been my punish menti to think that he. whom cast off, is now, in all probability, able to laugh at my fall in the midst of his growing prosperity. But think you he would do it? Think you my William, who was once my joy and pride, would hayo tho heart to triumph over mo in my misery?"
 No, he would not.n said a deep, earnest voice behind me, which made me start.
 On looking around I saw tho stran- ger l had admitted approaching the bedside. As tho light fell upon his brow bchcld it was dark with agony, and there was tear glistcning in his eye.
 'Who spoke? What voice was that?" demanded the invalid, turning on his pillow.
 l made way for tkc stranger. and he drew near the bed. He bent over the form of the old man, and their eyes met.
 "lt was l who spoke" said the stranger, in hurried, husky tones; it was my voice
 The old man stared at him wildly.
 And who are you?" h. demanded.
 "Do you not know me?n murmurcd the other 70 God! that it should come to ths-that l am forgotten by my fathor!'
 William, my son William" sobbed the invalid. "Oh, my injured my noble and forgiving boy."
 The old mans voice was chokcd 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 unbiddcn 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 I contcm- plated that silent, heartfelt embrace felt my eyes till again and my bosom heaye with sympathy,
 "Oh, my son" murmurcd the inf valid, at length, what good angel has brought you hither2 am no longer what once was, but a humble miscr- able wretch. Advcrsity has taught mo a deep and holy lesson; ana 1t |. now with joy, and not with pain, that l ask you to forgive me "
 Father! father" interrupted the young man, in q voice of agony, speak not or the past, Let Us forgive and forget, Both of us may have been n fault, but the days of our arrangement arc past now; we arc father and son once more,'
 God bless you, oh, my child" mur- murcd the old man. "God bless your'
 II am come, resumed William, 'tc repay the debt of gratitude owcyou
 1.-The debt of Tratitude2n
 "Ics; for what does not a son owe to his father especially to such q father as you were once 10 me? My mother was taken away when was young and Hctty but an infant; but you filled her place You educated me you did every thing in your pow CT to make me happy. Now l am come to repay the debt as freely. | have a dear and happy homo in New York, 10 which ] will remove you and Hctty as soon as you are able to leave your bcd Till then, will see that you arc made comfortable here. on, I thank Heaven for putting it into my heart to come back to Boston and search you outn'
 The old man strovo to reply to these words Of kindness. but could not speak for sobbing He wept like q chilI
 My situation during this interview was painful. IL was relief to hear footsteps ascending the stairs, and to see little Hctty enter the moment after,
 Seeing two strangers in tho room with her father, she started back sur priscd, for She was far from recorniz- 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 tho old man. do you remember your brother William?"
 "Oh yes, replied the girI 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 
 The girl turned, and when she saw her brother regarding her tcndcrly and kindly open his arms to receive her. she flew 10 his bosom and flung her arms wildly about his neck.
 At this moment my friend, tho IIctty had gone for, having followed her almost immediately. rang at the door, and l hastcned to conduct him up the stairs.
 He gave the sick man encourages mcnt of afTording him immediate re- lief. and, having prepared some mcdi- ;ines for his use, took his departure.
 Thinking it best to leave the new united family alone, l shortly after rose to depart The old man and his son thanked mo warmly for the in- crest had taken in their affairs, md the little girl, as she conducted ne to the door and bade me good night, bcsought me with tears in he. oyes to visit them again.
 That night l went home a better nan than when left a few hours be- lore. The lesson 1 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 for yiveness.
 When l visited the house again Ound a coach at the door, and being admitted by a servant, 1 met little 1ettv in the hall. dressed ready for a