Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1897-05-13
THE FARM MORTGAGE

scampefeu over tnae very hcauoW ohu
sat under the shade of yonder chestnut
tree, and she wondered how Roger
could have changed so much and how
few years residence iii the city could
have blotted out all Of the sunny mem
cries that were now rushing back into
her heart, and with all the yearning
love of sister for an only brother she
exclaimed:
"Oh, Roger, Roger!"
She thought, too, of Tom Wilson, the
COMPANION of all their rambles, the
sharer of all fun and frolic.
What of Tom9
Had he too, forgotten?
Tom, who, in later years. had light
ened for her many household burden,
who had wooed and won her, and whose
wife she had promised to be in the gold
en- years that were to come.
Surely he had not forgotten the past,
although years ago he had gone out
from her presence with frown upon
his brow because she could not, dare
not, leave her sick mother and accom-
pany him.
She would have followed him to the
end of the earth but for the sacred
charge that had been committed to her
trust.
And she had never regretted the step
she had taken.
Roger had been led away by evil COM
panions He had been lured by them
into a course of extravaganza and dis
ki,,,Salf h,,r cd
his father, and which was now turning
his only sister homeless and penniless
upon the world.
But Tom was proud spirited and high
minded.
He would never stoop to be the slave
of his associates.
Perchance even now he was thinking
of her aud deeply repenting Of the hasty
step which had divided them, perhaps
forever.
Thus thought and reasoned Esther
as she wandered from field to field, con-
stantly discovering something that
brought another pang to her heart, and
it was not until the sun had set and the
shadows of evening were shrouding the
ldllusCdDt IlluJ NIC lnOuBhb VI ihAhb
her steps toward home
Homel 1t was no home of hers now.
She had no place upon earth to call by
that sweet name.
Henceforth strangers would gather
round the old hearthstone, and strange
voices would ring through the old cot
tage that had shielded and sheltered her
infancy
Thus soliloquizing Esther did not OBJ
serve stranger who had been watching
her for some time, and who, on seeing
her come toward the orchard, had care
fully let down the bars of the gate and
now stood waiting her approach.
With an exclamation of surprise she
started back and gazed full on the in
truder.
Esther, don't you know me|'
All, yes, it needed not the broad
glare of day to tell Esther who stood
there.
ooh, Toni"
This was all she could utter.
He took her hand and led her to the
seat under the old pear tree
He told her how long and how bitter
ly he had repented of his conduct to-
ward her; how utterly he had despised
himself for his selfishness, and how
shame and pride had so long kept him
from acknowledging his fault, and beg
ging for her forgiveness
He told her of all his wanderings,
and how her spirit had followed him
and watched over him and strengthened
him.
How he had struggled and toiled and
saved only for her, and now returned
to cast himself upon her mercy, hum
bly, and truly penitent.
And Esther was satisfied.
She spoke of all her trials and sor-
rows during these long years.
OF those who had been laid side by
side in the little graveyard OH the hill;
of Rogers neglect and want Of sympa
thy with her in all her deep Affections.
Finally she told him of the letter
that had broken the last link of her
earthly associations, and that she had
just returned from bidding silent fare
well to the dear, familiar haunts OF
childhood and youth.
Tom drew paper from his pocket
and laid it upon her lap.
In the deepening twilight it was very
difficult for Esther to make ont its i'm
port, but she read enough to learn that
it was the mortgage which her father
had given to Mr. ELY, and the whole
truth flashed across her mind.
And so it is yours now?" she said.
Not mine, but ours, darling Have
you forgotten?"
Nay, she had not forgotten the prom
Use of her girlhood, and tears of love
and joy were mingled together as she
renewed the vows that would be full
filled so soon.
1t was quite dark when they had
parted, but the cloud that had hidden
from Esther the bright sunshine of that
glorious summer day was lifted from
her heart New York News
Mexican English.