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��THE OLD FARM.
��tions of change. The low, brown farm house has given way to a neat modern cottage ; the old barn and long, low shed are gone, and structures more in keeping with the new dwelling have taken their place; but the old orchard remains, seemingly thrifty and well kept as ever ; the fields are the same, only most of the rocks have disappeared. The old school house, near by, although repaired and improved, retains its individuality, though the children who sought wisdom 'neath its roof in the days when last we saw it, have become young men and women, and their places are filled by others.
As we pass up the carriage way, across the neat yard in front of the cottage, a face at the window attracts our attention. It bears a familiar look, and yet it has changed indeed, since the August morn- ing, years ago, when it looked up loving- ly yet tearfully into that of the depart- ing Charles. Let us enter. Yes it is the same Nellie Watson, who sits by the win- dow, gazing dreamily out over the valley, toward the mountain top on which the rays of the setting sun seem fondly lin- gering. . The same, yet not the same, for the years have more than fulfilled the promise of girlhood. The bright sunny countenance wears a calm, subdued, and yet cheerful expression. Evidently the "hope deferred" has not made the heart sick in her case. Patiently and trusting- ly she has, through all the years, pur- sued the even tenor of her way, perform- ing the weight of household duties, for her mother, growing feeble with years, has long been able to do only the lighter work. Through all she has cherished the affection of her girlhood, and pa- tiently awaited the return of the wander- ing lover.
Mr. Watson still lives, but like his aged helpmeet, has passed the period of active labor, the burdeu of which Edward has assumed and carried bravely forward, with his heart in the work, and the sub- stantial improvements about the farm show that he has labored to some pur- pose.
As Nellie sits by the window to-night, and her father and mother recline in their easy chairs by the fire, an expression of expectancy finally comes over the faces
��of all. Edward is away ; he is soon to return, and not alone !
As we have seen, Charles Bradley had sent no message home during, all his ab- sence. No tidings of his prosperity or whereabouts had come to the cottage on the hill, until, a few weeks since, having casually seen a notice of the failure of Martin, Bradley & Co. in Chicago, Ed- ward was led, in part by curiosity and in part by hope, to write him there, begging an answer if the letter should come to his hands. The] letter was received by Charles, and in sheer despondency he re- plied at length, giving the history of his fortune and his misfortune. Again Ed- ward wrote him, urging an immediate return to his New Hampshire home and friends. Charles hesitated awhile, but finally love conquered pride, and he de- termined to return. And now he was coming ! The cars had supplanted the stage, and Chai'les would come on the five o'clock train to-night. Edward had gone to meet him at the station.
A light carriage soon drives up the
yard and Nellie springs quickly to her feet, as she sees the two young men alight. There is no mistaking the form and figure of Charles, though his face is bearded and his features have gained a stronger expression. The foster-brother and sister — the long separated lovers, meet upon the piazza. " Nellie, dar- ling," and " At last," are the only words spoken as they are clasped in each oth- er's arms ; but the tone and the manner of each speaks more than words.
��Charles Bradley had come home at last, to remain. With all his love of farm- life Edward had formed a stronger at- tachment — that of love for sweet Annie Carlisle, daughter of the enterprising capitalist who had bought the water- power and mill property at the "Falls," and had already made the same a scene of busy life and progress. He now glad- ly left the farm to become Annie's hus- band and assist her father in pushing for- ward the work in which he was engaged ; while Charles, having lost his old disgust for a farmer's life, cheerfully assumed the place he left, and with Nellie as his help- meet, now leads a contented, prosperous life, upon the " Old Farm" on the hill.
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