Year: 1862

But now know Jnat uaQ Mary met ule
/ then she would have despised me. She was
as far above me as the heavens are above the
earth. Perhaps, in the scented and affected
student, she might have found plenty Of sport;
but as for loving me, or feeling the slightest
interest in me, save a regret that I should
make such an unmitigated donkey of myself,
I know she would not.


India was my salvation; not merely because
Of the plentiful share of gold I had laidup, but
because my earnest labor had counteracted
the evil of nature and made me a better man.
And when at the end of three years I prepar-
ed to return, I wrote nothing to the dear ones
I was about to meet of the reformahons which
I knew had taken place. "They loved me as
I was I murmured to myself and they
shall find for themselves if am better worth
the loving as I am"


Ipassed up many token from that land Of
gold for the friends I was about to meet. The
gift for Mary Moore was one I had selected
with beating heat-a ring of rough, virgin
| gold, with my name and hers engraved inside.
That was all, and yet the little toy thrilled me
strangely as balanced it upon the tip Of my
finger. To the eyes Of others it was but a
small, plain circlet, suggesting thoughts, per
haps, by its daintiness, of the dainty white
hand that was to wear it. But to me-oh,
mellow much was embodied therel A low
ing smile on beautiful ace-low words Of
welcome happy home and sweet face smil-
ing there-a group Of merry children to climb
my knee-all these delights were hidden with
in that ring of gold.


A tall, bearded, sun-bronzed man, knock
ed at the door of my fathers house. The
lights in the parlor windows and the hum of
conversation and cheerful laughter showed me
that company were assembled there. I hoped
my sister Lizzie would come to the door, and
that I might greet my family when no stran-
gers eyes were looking curiously on. But no,
a servant girl answered my summons; they
were too merry in the parlor to heed that long
absent one when he asked for admittance.
Some such bitter thoughts were passing
through my mind as heard the sounds from
the parlor and saw the hall-suppressed smile
on the servants face.


hesitated a moment before 1 made myself
known or asked after the family And while
I stood silent astrsnge apparition grew up be-
fore me. From behind the servant peered
out a small, golden head tiny, delicate form
followed, and a sweet, childish face and blue
eyes were lifted up to mine, 50 like the one
that had frightened my bOyhood, that start
ed back with a sudden feeling Of pain.


"Wkat may your name be, little one?" I
asked, while the wondering servant held the
door. ..--


She lifted up her hand as if to shade her
eyes-I had seen that very attitude in anoDh-
er, in my boyhood, many and many time
and answered in a sweet, bird-lille voice;


"AIary Moore"


"And what else2" I asked.


"Mary Moore Chester" lisped the little
child.


My heart sunk down like lead. Here was
an end to all the bright dreams and hopes of
my youth and manhood Frank Chester, my
boyish rival, who had tried in vain 10 usurp
my place beside the girl, had succeeded at
last and won the woman away from mel And
must 60 in there and meet her once again,
and then go away forever nd die-if God
would let me.


I sank, body and soul, beneath this blow,
and, hiding my face in my hands, leaned
against the door, The little one gazed at me,
grieved and amazed. and put her pretty lips
as if about to cry, while the perplexed servant
stepped to the parlor, and called my sister OUT
to find out who it could be that conducted
himself so strangely.


I heard light step and pleasant voice, say
ing:


" Did you wish to see my father, sir ?"


looked up. There stood a pretty, sweet
faced maiden of twenty, not much changed
from the dear little sister loved so well I
looked at her a moment, and then, sitting the
tumult of my heart by effort I opened my
arms and said =


Jennie, don't you know mc?"


Harry Oh, my brother Harryl7 she
cried, and threw herself upon my breast. She
wept as if her heart would break. could
not weep. drew her gently into the lighted
parlor, and stood with her before them ALL
There was a rush and a cry of joy, and then
my mother and father sprang towards me and
welcomed me home with heartfelt tears. Oh,
strange and passing sweet is such a greeting
10 the wayworn traveller. And as held my
dear cid mother to my heart and grasped my
fathers hand, while Jennie clung beside me-
I felt that all was not yet lost, and though an
other had secured Ife's choicest blessing, many
a joy remained. for me in this dear sanctuary
of home.


There were four oilers, inmates ofthe room,
who had risen on my sudden entrance. One
was the bIue-eyed child whom had already
seen, and who now stood by Frank Chester
clinging to his hand. Near by stood Lizzie,
Mary MoOrc's eldest sister, and in a distant
corner, where she had hurriedly retreated
when my name was spoken, stood a tall and
slender figure, half hidden by the heavy win
dow-curtain that fell to the floor.


When the first rapturOus greeting was over,
Jennie led me forward with a tirnid grace, and
Frank Chester grasped my hand.


" Welcome home, my home" he said with
loud, cheerful tones I remembered SO we'll.