Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1894-10-05

rived There was long conference
in the pnrlor, to which the children
we're not admitted. They gathered in
the library, however, and compensat-
ed themselves by abusing their guest.
But when they were called into the
parlor and presented severally to Mr..
Talbot, their anger was turned away.
Even their young eyes could soc the
lines which grief had traced on that
thin face and not only in the thin,
worn, aged face, but in the bent and
feeble frame they saw the marks oi
sorrow-the signs of broken hear
which touched theirs to the tenderest
pity and sympathy. They felt, but
did not know how deeply they telt.
The little girl, contrary to their ex-
pectations, was not afraid, but sat
quiet and trustful in her grandfather'a
arms; some blind mother instinct con-
trolled her hayward little heart
$50 these are my Barbara's bro
thcrs, he said, with a pleased smile.
"we hope you will let her be-" an
swered Moore.
81 am sure she can find no better,
he responded, his smile dying like
sigh.
"You don't mean to take her away,
please, sir?" asked Arthur, eagerly
"Not tonight, my boy" said his IA
ther. ''NIr. Talbot is ill and exhaust
ed from his journey, so we will let
that rest, and talk about it tomor-
row."
"But just tell me, papa, said Bas-
il, softly, sis that her name?'
oYes; Barbara Postlethwaite Tai
bot is her name,
"There's lots of it," whispered
Dave. "And tomorrow we shall
know who's going to have her?"
'Yes, my child; probably tomor-
row Mr.. Talbot will decide. :"
But tomorrow brought the decision
from higher power than Mr.. Talbot.
His health had been feeble for year,.
The anxiety and suspense which he
had endured regarding the fate of his
only child, Barbara's father, had been
too much for him. The news of Bar
bara's rescue had reused and renewed
him once more, but it was only for {
moment, and in the night God sent
hia engel. Delaying yet a little while
to the prayer Of love, the a,sger stoo-
by him, clasping close in his hand tn
hand of the weary wnnderer, and lit
tie Barbara's happy face shone in hi
longing eyes. In those last hours h,
made final disposition of his affairs
and the child was consigned to tn,
care of the new friends who loved he
50 well.
81 have outliyed my family" h
said. There is no other to whom
wish to commit her. You will cher
ish her tenderly." But he needed nc
assurance. He had seen himself how
dear she had grown to them.
1t had been her fathers wish tina
the seal of baptism should be set upor
her brow by his fathers hands. Il
was decided that she should bear hei
own name, but that the name of Lon
don should be inserted. The children
had gathered in the room where thc
old man lay bolstered up in bed. Mr.
London held the little girl in his arms
and in few words asked for her thi
blessings of God. Then the dyin4
man touched her forehead with tn,
water of baptism, and pronounced
with clear voice;
Barbara Postlethwaite London,
baptize thee in the name of the Fa
ther, and the Son, and of the Hol!
Ghost; Amen"
Then the angel gently pressed hi
hand and they two went away to
gether through the Gates of Pear
into the Beautiful City
But Barbara stayed behind. He
pattering feet make music still in thu
home that would be lonely withou
her. No spring violet is more lovel,
than she. No June rose exhales
sweeter fragrance than her dewy pres
ence. All the summer birds sing il
her Joyous voice; and when the sum
mer is gone and winter seals up tn
melody, and covers away the beauty
she brings the perfume of flowers, tn
ripple of brooks, and the hum of bee
around the household hearth.