Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1891-12-18
At last the old man stopped and groaped

give in now, when we have come so far
Lean on me-do Pm hardly tired at all
and l dare say we shall do better to-mor-
row"
Tomorrow !" said the old man. bitter
ly; tomorrow will be too late don't
mind hunger and l don't mind cold but
the shame of it, the disgrace-after having
struggled against it all these years-to come
to the workhouse at last 1t isn't for my
self l mind-beggars mustn't be choosers
and, dare say, better men than ! have
slept in casual ward but you, my tender
little Lily The thought breaks my heart
1t kills me !" And the old man sobbed aloud.
Dear grandfather, you are always think
ing of me, and never of yourself. What
does it matter after all It's only the name
OF the thing. I'm sure don't mind it one
bit" The shudder of horror which passed
over the girls frame gave the lie to her
pious falsehood. Il dare say it is not so
very bad and, after ALL something may
happen to prevent it even now :"
What can happen short of a miracle, in
these deserted streets p
well, let us hope for the miracle then,
dear. God has never quite deserted us in
our deepest troubles, and don't believe he
will forsake us now"
As she spoke she drew her thin shawl
more closely round her, shivering in spite of
herself under the cold blast which seemed
to receive no check from her scanty cover
ings. Again the pair crept on, and passing
beneath the lofty wall of St Winifred's
church, stood beneath it for temporary
shelter from the driving wind and snow.
While SO standing they caught the faint
sounds of the organ solemnly pealing within.
Noble music" said the old man, as the
final chords died awav mobile music, and a
soul in the playing. That man, whoever he
may be, should have a generous heart. ~
Hush, grandfather, said the girl che
is beginning to play again
Scarcely had the music begun, however
than the pair gazed at each other in breath
less surprise.
Lily, darling do you hear what he is
playing p said the old man in an excited
whisper.
A.. strange coincidence the girl replied.
Strange 1t is more than strange Lily,
darling; who could play that song p
The melody came to an end, and all was
silence. There was moments pause, and
then, as if by a common impulse the old
man drew his bow across the strings, and
the girls sweet voice caroled forth the
second verse of the song. Scarcely had they
ended when a door opened at the foot of
the church tower Just beside them, and
Michael Fray, bareheaded, with his scanty
locks blown about by the winter wind, stood
before them. He hurried forward and then
stood still, shame-faced, bewildered. The
song had called up the vision of a gallant
young sailor, full of life and health, as
Michael had seen his brother for the last
time on the day when he sailed on his fatal
voyage. He had hurried forth, forgetting
the years that had passed, full of tender
memories of happy boyish days, to find,
alas only couple of wandering beggars,
singing for bread
81 beg your pardon" he said, striving
vainly to master his emotions ''you sang a
song Just now which-which-a song which
was a favorite of dear friend of mine many
years ago. Will you-will you tell me
where you got it 2"
by the best of all titles, sir, the old tid
dler answered, drawing himself up with q
touch of artistic pride 81 wrote it myself
words and music both"
NAY, SIR" said Michael sternly, ''you
rob the dead. A dearly loved brother Of
mine wrote that song forty years ago"
"Well, upon my word !" said the old nd
dler, waxing wroth-''then your brother
must have stolen it from me What NIGH
this precious brothers name be, pray 2
"An honest name, a name | am proud tc
speak" said Michael, firing up in his turn
Ibis name was Richard Fray !"
The old street musician staggered as If hi
had received blow.
"What /" he exclaimed, peering eagerly
into the others face; then you are my
brother Michael, for l am Richard Fray e
Half an hour later and the brothers Sc
long parted, so strangely brought together
were seated round roaring fire in Michae
Trays quaint, three-cornered parlor Mich
ael's stores had been ransacked for warm
dry clothing for the wanderers. Drawer
long closed yielded, when opened, swee
scent of lavender, and containing homely
skirts and bodices, kept still in loving mem
ory of little Nell, gave up her treasures fol
Lily's benefit, and Richard Trays snow-sod
den clothes were replaced by Michael
choicest coat and softest slippers. In
J wanderers had done full justice to plen
r tiful meal and a jug of fragrant punch nov
. steamed upon the hob and was laid unde
frequent contribution, while Richard Fra
; told the story of thirty years wandering
Y and the brothers found how it came to pas
t that. each thinking the other dead, they ha
D lived their lives, and married, and burie
= their dear ones, being sometimes but fey
e miles apart, and yet as distant as thong
2 severed by the grim Divider himself. AM
: Iilv sat on a cushion at her grandfather
a feet a picture of quiet happiness, and san
e sweet songs to please the twoold men, whll
a Michael lovingly traced in her soft feature
II ,u---z., HE Lost NpllV. tn