Roxy Hastings — page 123: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

114 ROXY HASTINGS. “But, alas: all this is but rumor, Charles, and if true, what does it prove ?” “Nothing positive, of course; but, in the absence of other news, it is certainly most encouraging.” “Tt must be that you think so, for you both look so cheer- ful. Well, you have given me new life and strength, even if it is for a short time.” “Strength to bear still better news, I hope, dear mother, if it should come.” “Oh, yes, I can bear any amount of good tidings.” The widow’s face was illumined with a smile for the first time since she heard of her son’s danger, and after a few hours, during which she saw only bright, smiling faces about her, and heard encouraging words, Charley went out, and returned with still better tidings, verging toward that certainty of bliss which, ere the joyous day closed, they were able unreservedly to reveal. There are some emotions which the pen is powerless to portray, and presuming would he be who should seek to depict a mother’s joy or gratitude on such an occasion. Charles telegraphed to his brother and started on the same night for Fortress Monroe, to meet him, as his mother no longer needed his care. Just before starting he received 2. letter from Mr. Ogil- vie, which he perused with involuntary exclamations of pleasure and surprise, but the contents of which he laugh- - ingly declined to communicate to his mother and sister. ‘‘Tt’s part of my guaranteed secret, mother,” he said. “I hold you to your promise.” “Oh, I care nothing about it now,” was the pleasant re- ply. ‘“ You are welcome to keep it.” CHAPTER XXII. LUKE’S HAPPINESS. The meeting of the brothers after such vicissitudes con- stituted a memorable event in the life of each. Both were too much overcome for coherent conversation at first sight, but when emotions subsided and something like equa- nimity was regained, there was the long recital to be made of the lieutenant’s adventures, of the extent or interest of: which he was himself scarcely conscious untit he came tio, recount them, saan ear Eomicbooks.co