The Forrest City times., 1898-08-19

''e ucsolate orphan to his heart and home, and when. some few years later. he gave up his sea iaring life, the people in the place where he settled supposed her his own. Her own father, who was picked up cut at sea on an outgoing vessel. was saved, but supposed both wife and child had perished until, after wears of search, Providence guided his steps to this spot. where he had learned the captain lived, and from whose lips he thought he might hear something more definite If their fate. He found that which exceeded his widest prayers. Belle, my child, do you not know me? l am your father!"
 A moments hesitation and the girl was sobbing on his breast, while his arms closely clasped his new-foupd treasure. Then she raised her head and threw herself on the poor wom- ans bosom, to whom for so many years she had given the sacred name of mother, and who now saw torn from her the child she had learned to love as her own. But the claim of justice could not be denied, and with the promise that every year she should re- turn to visit them, the next day saw each hour tearing her further from them far into the outside world her dreams had so often penetrated. Six months sped rapidly by in her new home, whose luxurious appointments seemed to her the realization of a glimpse into fairyland. Her father. ever anticipating her every wish, show cred upon her gifts of such value that she could scarce believe in the won derful change which had befallen her. She had given herself for this time up to study, that he might feel a lustifi- able pride in her, but as on the eve of her twentieth birthday, in the lus- trous silk trailing behind her its costly folds, jewels gleaming in her hair and on the marble purity of her neck and arms, she reads in his glance his proud coEtent, as standing by his side she re- ceiyes the guests he has summoned in her honor.
 The weeks which follow establish her claim to belledom. The daughter of Col. Smithers (for such is her new found fathers name) at any time would attract attention, but with her beauty and grace all bow beneath the scepter she wields as though she had held 1t all her life. But to the many suitors who sue for her fair hand she gives to one and all a gentle, firm re- fusal. Always when alone there comes before her mental vision the picture of gallant ship with sails unfurled rid ing the crest-topped waves, its brave, young commander looking with straining eyes toward the land. where lie all his dearest hopes, and words of love from other men fall deaf on ears which have listened to those uttered by his lips. Her father, too happy to keep the child he has so long lost all his own, asks no questions as to why she does not care to leave him, but day by day strives to show by some new proof of love his immeasurable con- tent.
 So the year slips by, and the month Belle is to spend with her foster pa rents has returned. An, so gladly her eye falls on the familiar landscape she once spurned, and the cottage which then seemed the narrow scope to her horizon now rises before her with such beauty that it brings tears to her eyes and glad rush of joy to her heart. Outwardly, it is no longer Belle who has come home to them. who lies clasped to their hearts. The graceful young form is clad in garments which well suit their wearer; skill and art have given the picture setting more worthy its beauty. but the heart with in is all unchanged. This they realize as. mingling her tears with theirs. she old way peers here and there, while their eyes follow every movement as if some princess had stepped across their threshold. But the question nearest her heart she utters not. Has his ship come home?" This trembles on her lips. but she dares not speak it. He will come to welcome her. if he is here. But the glad news she learns at last without seeking. The ship in port has ridden we'll. and her young captain earned fresh laurels on his voyage On the morrow she will see him. With this sweet thought she seeks at last the bed whereon have rested so often her childish limls. and closes her eyes to dream of him. With his image still uppermost in her mind she wakens in the morning. Win he think me changed? she wonders as he makes her fresh toilette. wearing the color he has so often told her he liked best. but the sun which has risen in such glory sets again, the ribbons she has so carefully selected are again folded and put away. but he for whom they were worn has not come.
 So passes away a heavy week, and the old captain and his wife look with anxiety on the pale cheek they at first thought so blooming. and hold anxious consultations as to whether city dis sipaton has agreed with their sweet wild rose. It is no longer with pleas ure she walks slowly down to the sands and stands with busy thought
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