Thomas County cat., 1889-08-15

toll and poverty were honorable, and
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
him.
land he married her?"
Eyes; and from that time I have
never seen him! He provided 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 a 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
father?"
..Yes, for a 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 heard of him he
was in New York, and in tolerable cir
cumstances. Oh! what triumph it
would be to him could he see me thus
reduced-shorn of my pride and former
wealthr'
"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 off
one by one; and uow sickness has re-
duced me to the helpless, miserable
condition in which you behold me.
There is not an individual living who
cares for nee 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 a sigh.
At this moment observed that the
stranger. who at first seemed to take
no interest in the old mans story, had
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.
Il think might be brought to ask
relief of the very son ! have disowned.
o God! how just has been my punish
ment! to think that he, whom l cast
off, is now, in all probability, able to
laugh at my fall in the midst of his
growing prosperity. Bus think you
he would do it? Think you my
William, who was once my Joy and
pride, would have the heart to triumph
over me in my misery?'
No, he would not" said deep,
earnest voice behind me, which made
me start.
On looking around saw the stran-
ger had admitted approaching the
bedside. AS the light fell upon his
T hohol.1 ,ly
and there was a 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 near 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" ffss
The old man stared at him wildly.
|. "And who are you?" he demanded.
..Do you not know me?" murmured
the other. 20 God! that it should
come to this-that l am forgotten by
my father!'
"William! my son William sobbed
the invalid. ''Oh, my injured-my
noble and forgiving boy!"
The old mans voice was chcked by
sobs as with his feeble arms he drew
his son more closely to his bosom. l
turned away to dash aside the tears
which came unbidden to my eyes,
dimming my sight; aud when 1
looked again. near minute after, I
beheld the father and son still locked
in each others arms As l contem-
plated that silent, heartfelt embrace
l felt my eyes Mi again and my bosom
heave with sympathy.
'Oh, my son." murmured the in
valid, at length, what good angel has
brought you hither? am no longer
what l once was. but humble, miser-
able wretch. Adversely has taught
me deep and holy lesson; and it is
now with Joy, and not with pain, that