A German Immigrant Girl Shares Her Adventure

Mrs. Gertrude Lindon shares her experience of immigrating from Germany to the United States in the late 1800s. Alasce/Lorraine Immigrant Girl, 1906, New York Public Library. GGA Image ID # 217906ac25

INTRODUCTION

One day in the early summer of 1860, while I stood at an open window in my room enjoying the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills and blooming flowers, I heard someone opening and closing the gate on the opposite side of the house. Soon after that, I heard footsteps approaching the house, the sound echoing through the quiet countryside.

I turned to another window to see who it was and saw a woman of middle age with a plain dress but a captivating face. Despite the clear signs of sorrow and hardship etched on her features, her expression remained dignified and intelligent. It was evident that she had weathered many storms, yet her resilience shone through.

When I opened the door to her, she introduced herself as Mrs. Linndon and asked if I knew anyone who needed sewing work done. Although I didn't, I couldn't help but notice her tired and sad expression. Moved by her plight, I invited her to take a seat and rest for a while, and suggested she remove her hat and shawl to cool down, as it was a sweltering day. We sat down and she began to tell me about her life, her struggles, and her determination to provide for her family despite the odds.

"I'd be happy to do that if I had the time," she replied in a sweet voice with a strong German accent, a stark contrast to the harsh reality of her life. "It's very unpleasant to travel in this scorching sun."

"Don't worry," I said, trying to offer some comfort. "It'll be cooler in an hour or two."

She listened to my words with evident pleasure and eventually took a break. Her demeanor perfectly matched the refined appearance of her face, and as I observed her graceful and easy ways, I couldn't help but feel a growing desire to learn more about her past. I obtained this information during the few hours she spent with me that day and on other occasions, as she soon found a job nearby, and I saw her frequently after that.

The following article includes her life story, although I have not attempted to convey it in her passionate language. It is impossible to fully capture the depth of emotion demonstrated by this unfortunate woman as she tearfully recounted the joys, follies, and sorrows of her past.

On the day I first met her, while sharing some incidents after her separation from her husband, she mentioned a particular song that had been a favorite of her father's. She had learned it and often played and sang it to entertain him during their long days together.

I believed her story accurate from the outset, but I needed further proof. So, I asked her to play a particular song for me, and I watched her closely, scrutinizing for any signs of deceit. The musical instrument was situated in the adjacent room, unbeknownst to her.

To my amazement, she graciously accepted my request and, with remarkable skill, played and sang the song with such passion and emotion that it brought her to tears. The memories evoked were genuine.

But let's not dwell on that for now. Let me tell you about Mrs. Gertrude Linndon's story, which is sure to captivate and inspire.

Chapter I : Birth and Childhood

My father was a native of the city of ---, situated on the seacoast in the northern part of Germany. He was a merchant and conducted his business with such skill and energy that he soon amassed a fortune from the allowance that his father made him when he first began business for himself.

At my grandfather's death, my father also found himself sole heir to his father's fine estates, for another brother who, if he had lived, would have been co-heir with him, had perished the year before on a voyage to India.

Thus, my father, while yet young, found himself in possession of wealth seemingly inexhaustible, and he began, for the first time, to think that he might now cease to exert himself as he had hitherto done.

He soon decided to establish his own and began to look around for someone to preside gracefully over it and share with him the joys and sorrows of life.

He was greatly aided in coming to a satisfactory conclusion in this matter by the recollection of a college classmate to whom he had once been sincerely attached and whose untimely death a few years previous he had deeply lamented.

The name of this youth was Bertrand Leslie. He was talented, handsome, and sound, yet possessed of a fiery, passionate temper, over which, when suddenly roused, he had but little control.

Notwithstanding this, he had such a good heart. He was sincere in his repentance and generous in making amends when he thought he had done wrong. He was also so faithful and upright in principle that his friends and acquaintances overlooked this one fault. He was, despite it, a universal favorite.

However, he sometimes met with those as sensitive and high-spirited as himself and with whom some difficulty would arise if he did not guard against it.

While he was in college, and when he had about half completed his college course, at the beginning of a term, a new student entered the institution not unlike Bertrand in his temperament, though by no means his equal in noble heart qualities.

He also prided himself upon being a sprig of nobility, a lineal descendant of some great historical personage, and was extraordinarily arrogant and overbearing toward others.

My father foresaw the difficulties that might arise should these two collide and often cautioned Bertrand against being too much in young H.'s society or, at least, not to lose sight of prudence if he should take offense.

This caution was heeded for a time but was forgotten one day when the two happened to be debating some matter of interest to them both when he was, as usual, arrogant and insolent. Being off his guard, Bertrand gave vent to his excited feelings and was equally insulting or more so.

My father, who was present, went up to Bertrand as a friend and, excusing himself to H., drew him away to the quiet of his room, remarking, as he did so, that they were both too much excited to talk the matter over calmly and had better defer it to some other time.

When Bertrand became calm, he thanked my father for his friendly interference on his behalf and admitted that he had indeed been hasty. My father advised him to go at once to H. and make a manly and Christian acknowledgment of his error.

While they were still conversing upon the subject, someone called at their room's door and handed Bertrand a letter. As I opened and perused it, a deathly pallor overspread his fine features, and, without speaking, he gave it to my fattier to read.

It was a challenge to a duet from H., who could not brook the insults Bertrand had given him, and he demanded satisfaction.

"You surely will pay no heed to this unreasonable demand," said my father when he had finished reading the note.

" I do not know," returned Bertrand; " I certainly do not wish to be a coward. 1 Pray, counsel me what to do."

"You certainly can not need advice regarding so plain a duty. It is at variance with the spirit of Christianity, and the rules of this institution forbid dueling."

"That is true," replied Bertrand, "and yet if I should refuse to fight this duel, I should be branded as a coward, and that is a thing which you know I could not endure."

" No one who knows you, Bertrand, would for a moment believe it was a Jack of courage that caused you to decline."

" I don't know about that," said Be slowly, and, after a short pause, added, "Let me decline for any reason whatever, and I should be called a coward. I should be obliged to leave the school or remain through the course an object of ridicule, for H. has friends here, and his money would buy more, who could be prejudiced against me, and such a life as that would be to me simply unendurable.

No, I," said he emphatically, " I will prove to them that I am not a coward," His eyes flashed with the fire that glowed in his dauntless soul as he arose to go and pen a reply.

My father implored him not to send it, for, said he, "You are no match for H. in dueling, and you have no right to place your life in such jeopardy, to say nothing of your friends, to whom your death would be such a crushing blow."

"Have no fears for me," he returned; "you will see me here a week hence and now, and happier by far, for my honor will then be vindicated."

And animated by this delusive hope, and despite my father's remonstrances, I sent the letter accepting the fatal challenge. After it was gone east, recall, he realized more fully the fearful step he had taken, though he tried to feign indifference.

My father, however, was not deceived by it in the least. After they had retired for the night, and Bertrand supposed my father was asleep—which he was not—he arose and paced back and forth all night long in an adjoining room, which happened to be empty at that time, engaged, without doubt, in the painful task of taking mental leave of dear absent friends, in case it should be his fate to fall, for he was an only and idolized son. He had an only sister he seemed to regard with the warmest affection.

The morning of the duel dawned fair and cloudless. At an early hour, the parties repaired to a wood some distance from the school, where my father's worst fears regarding the termination of the scene were soon realized.

As predicted, it was an unequal contest, and before the bell had rung for the opening of school, poor Bertrand lay pale and lifeless on a couch in my father's room.

The affair he had privately conducted now became public, and 14. was at once expelled from the school and sent home in disgrace. At the same time, my father undertook the painful task of appraising Bertrand's parents, who lived in a distant city, of the sad occurrence and of conveying his remains to them.

I have often heard my father say that the grief of these aged parents and the sister—then a young girl of about twelve or fourteen years—over the inanimate form of one they had so fondly cherished presented the most touching scene he had ever witnessed.

The sweet face of the young girl, who manifested such heartfelt sorrow over her lost brother, long haunted my father after his return to school. Afterward, when he became absorbed in business, he used often, he said, to find himself thinking of it. It closely resembled that of the unfortunate Bertrand, yet it was unlike it.

She possessed all those qualities that had made him a general favorite, yet there were no pieces of evidence of the fiery temper that had been the besetting sin of his life and had taken him to an untimely grave.

As time passed, he thought less frequently of her, however, for he became more deeply engrossed with the often baffling pursuits of the business. Moreover, he had determined to become rich and influential before setting up an establishment of his own.

But he never once lost sight of her, and when, at his father's death, he suddenly found himself in possession of means sufficient for the gratification of every reasonable wish, his thoughts again turned to her. When he had seen her and found that she had, mentally and physically, more than fulfilled the promise of her youth, he determined to woo and win her if possible.

This was accomplished as soon as practicable, and he secured a situation near his native city that was for sale at that time, which was indeed a most charming spot.

It commanded a view of the city, the surrounding country, and the port, where ships of all nations flocked with their many-colored flags and curious devices.

This home was at length pronounced complete in all its arrangements, and then my father brought thither his chosen bride. How often have I heard him speak of the blissful years that followed, each of which proved more clearly than the last that he had chosen wisely and well!

However, I remember little about her, for she was no longer there before I reached my fourth year. Her death was a severe blow to my father, and one from which it was long before he recovered.

Besides, he knew not what to do with me. None of my grandparents were living or other friends to whom I could go, and he did not deem it prudent to leave me wholly to the care of servants.

But as there seemed to be no better way, I was finally left in the care of a servant who had been my mother's nurse and had hitherto proved faithful to every trust.

No, she proved equally faithful to me or meant to. My father also observed me so kind and indulgent that no wish which my childish fancy suggested was left disappointed.

My nurse, I believe, would as soon have thought of committing a crime as refusing to grant a wish of mine, however unreasonable. And in this way, I was exposed to many dangers, for I had inherited something of the high spirit which had proved so fatal to my mother's brother, and I needed a guardian who had the wisdom and firmness to chasten and subdue it.

But my father saw nothing of this danger or did not fully realize it. He had again plunged into business to drown the sorrow occasioned by my mother's death, and I seldom saw him until after my business hours were over.

Then never had aught to ruffle my temper, and I was so pleased to see him and was so happy by the affectionate caresses he bestowed upon me that he seldom saw occasion to reprove me.

And this way, time passed until I became old enough to have a governess. But I became so accustomed to having my wish a law that I frequently used to have severe difficulties with her.

If she went to my father with any complaint, it made matters only a little better, for he loved me so well that he could not find it in his heart to punish me or do more than advise me to be a good and obedient child.

I meant to follow this advice, and I then thought I did—though I now see that I did not as I ought—for there was nothing I would not have done to please my good, kind, indulgent father.

Chapter II : School Days

When I was about sixteen, my father began to talk of sending me from home to an excellent school a few miles away to enable me to secure that fashionable polish to my education that is thought desirable.

I was delighted with this project and could not think or talk of anything else until the much-wished-for time arrived for me to start.

I had then seen little of the world and knew nothing about the laborious life of a student in an institution where the teachers are thorough and exacting. I dreamed only of a fairy palace with the most lovely beings imaginable. I had been there briefly before I heartily wished myself at home again. But I was doomed to a sore disappointment.

However, in time, I became interested in some of my studies and formed some agreeable acquaintances. These reconciled me to my banishment from the ease and comforts of home.

Yet I often used to implore my father to allow me to return home, but be who had been so indulgent at all other times was immovable now. He could not yield to my request, for he wished me to become an educated and accomplished woman.

I was, moreover, under a good and Christian influence, and it was out of the tenderest regard for my well-being that he insisted upon my remaining in school. I knew that what he said was true and disliked to displease him. I returned, though. If I had followed my inclinations, I should have remained at home.

Among other privileges that my father granted me to make my school life less irksome was spending the boll-days and Saturdays at home. Oh, how much do I enjoy those precious seasons?

I used to wait impatiently for those days to roil around and filially count the hours until I saw the carriage approaching, which was to convey me back to my own delightful home, where I believe everyone sincerely loved me and where, at all events, every wish of mine was law.

There were no arbitrary rules for me to follow and no one to whose will I was called upon to bend my own.

Oh, if I had only known then that the discipline I was under in that school was the most important thing I needed, how much trouble and sorrow it would have saved me.

But, alas! Had I possessed this knowledge then, I would not have been a homeless wanderer in a foreign land today. The country gave no friendly warning, no band outstretched to save me from the dread abyss yawning for my unwary feet.

The time finally arrived when my various tutors pronounced my education finished, and I returned to my father's house. I had truly enjoyed the advantages of superior instruction and wise counsel, and when I left school, I fully intended to live a new life.

"Never again," I thought, " will I give way to my temper or live so selfish and idle a life as I have formerly done."

But, alas! I undertook in my strength that which I could only have accomplished with the aid of God's Holy Spirit.

Soon after returning home, I began to look forward to my entrance into society with much interest. Many of my classmates who had left school with me were residents of my native city, and we frequently called upon and visited each other.

I also often received a visit from a young girl whose acquaintance I had formed at school and whose friendship I prized more highly than all others. Her name was Constance Lindon. She entered the school after I had been a member for some time and had had time to become thoroughly acquainted with the institution's ways.

When I first met her, if I had not been captivated by her beauty and grace and the apparent sweetness of her disposition, my heart would have gone out to leer, for she was far from home, among strangers and homesick. I remembered my feelings under similar circumstances so well that I fully sympathized with her in her sorrow and strove by every means to make her feel at home and happy. Thus began a friendship that was sincere and destined to be lasting. The memory of it even now thrills me with joy.

I can hardly tell why we became so attached. We were in every way unlike by nature, and the training we had received had also been in many respects different.

She was the daughter of pious parents, both of whom were living, and she had been carefully trained to perform every filial and Christian duty strictly.

Indeed, she had a mild and gentle disposition, was affectionate and sound, and required minimal discipline to make her what she was: a true and noble girl.

This friendship increased as time passed, and I frequently invited her home for a day when there was no school. She seemed to enjoy these visits.

She was naturally quiet and retiring in her manners. With few besides myself in the school, she became intimately acquainted, and she wept bitterly at my departure from the institution where she was still to remain.

I was equally sad at the thought of parting with her. But we agreed to write often to each other and for her to spend Saturdays with me as frequently as convenient, and this arrangement reconciled us to the change.

Whenever it was inconvenient for her to come to me, I sent for her, and I need not say how much we enjoyed those delightful seasons. Never shall 1 forget those days, for they are among the happiest of my life.

On one of these visits, she brought a brother, who had come to spend a few days with her in the city. Since leaving home, she had seen none of her friends and was overjoyed at his appearance.

Anxious to make his visit as pleasant as possible, she proposed spending a day at my home, where she knew she was always welcome.

That morning, I was out making some calls. Indeed, I have been much in society since my return from school. My time was almost constantly occupied by my company, either at home or abroad.

It was a bright, lovely day, and when I came in, I had laid aside my bat and shawl and taken my favorite seat at a window that looked out upon the hay.

The view from this window was exceedingly fine. Far off in the distance was a line of hills lifting their gray outlines against the bright blue sky. Nearer at hand, on one side, lay the city spread out like a beautiful panorama, while on the other rolled the deep blue waters of the bay.

On this broad expanse of water were floating vessels of various sizes and descriptions, and many a boat with its freight of pleasure-seekers was visible this morning.

As I glanced over this lovely scene, I began to think of Constance and to wonder if she would come on that day as usual. " What a splendid day for a sail on the bar," r thought as the fresh Spring air, laden with the perfume of a thousand bursting leaves and buds, floated in at the open window.

It was now getting late, and I had begun to fear that something had occurred to prevent her from coming when I heard the sound of footsteps in the bail.

Confident was I that it was Constance who had come, and I flew out to meet her. In a moment, we were in each other's arms, as happy as though an age instead of one week had passed since we last met.

As usual, I supposed she was alone and did not observe her brother, who was a few steps behind, until she turned to present him to me. I was abashed to think of the abrupt manner in which I had received my guests, but I speedily regained my self-possession and welcomed them.

He was a tall, noble-looking man with dark hair and eyes, and in appearance, he was a perfect gentleman. I soon found that he possessed a well-stored and highly cultivated mind. Though a few years older than his sister, he had significantly added to his store of knowledge by traveling to foreign climes.

Constance and I were so intimately acquainted, and he so intelligent and agreeable, that it was not long before we were conversing almost as freely as though we had been taught for months. Before the dinner hour, I had mentally decided that he was the most interesting person I had ever met. After an early dinner, we went out for a sail upon the bay.

The wind favored us, and we had a delightful ride. Next, we enjoyed a stroll around our grounds, visiting one spot after another where one could have a more varied and extensive view of the surrounding scenery.

Soon after, my father returned from his business and joined us in the library, where we spent the evening. First, we had music, and then Esmond—for this was his name—and my father engaged in a long conversation about business, foreign countries they had each visited, and other topics of interest. At the same time, Constance and I improved the time spent chatting over past times and other matters that happened to interest us.

When the time arrived for Constance and her brother to return, my father invited him to call again—for he was to spend a few days in the city on business—and I observed that he looked well pleased with the invitation and promised to accept it. In a few days, he called again. He then followed other calls and still others.

One day, we would have a drive, another a sail upon the bay, and the few days he was to have stayed in the city lengthened into weeks, and still, he seemed reluctant to go.

I will attempt no description of these delightful days—the brightest I ever knew. Let it suffice to say that I had promised to become his bride in the coming Autumn when we parted.

Chapter III: Joys And Sorrows

The few months that intervened between Esmond's departure and the time set for the wedding, I rolled swiftly away. Bright and blissful were the hours and undarkened by a single shadow. It gave me pain to think of parting from my kind, good father, but he promised to visit me often in my new home, and I already anticipated the time when Lie should come to live with me.

"One's wedding day," said my father to me one day just previous to my marriage, "should be the happiest of their life," and accordingly, nothing was left undone that his purse could afford to make mine brilliant and delightful:

The new home to which my husband took me was in the southern part of Germany. It was very unlike the one I had left, for it was an inland town and the surrounding scenery was far from being as grand and imposing. Still, the city itself was not less beautiful, and the home Esmond had prepared for us was what the most fastidious could have desired.

Constance was now out of school, living with her parents in a mansion near ours. With her so near, with a frequent visit from my father, and with the best and noblest husband in the world. I should be thrilled, I thought. And surely no one could ask for more happiness than we enjoyed during the first few years of our married life.

But this bright dream did not always last. Over time, things arose that occasioned my heart! Thoughts and feelings between us. I thought no husband could be kinder than mine, and no children could be lovelier than the two God had given to us.

When at home, I seldom had my patience taxed or needed to bend my will to another, and now, when my husband seemed to me to be unreasonable, I would sometimes lose my patience.

It was a long time before I said anything about this to anyone, but one Summer, when I came home on a visit, I determined to open my heart to my father and seek his advice before leaving.

It so happened that a convenient opportunity soon presented itself, and I told him all. He listened kindly to my story, and when I had finished, he said," I am indeed grieved to hear of this, Gertrude, for I had supposed you were living very happily. Are you quite sure that you, too, have never been unyielding and unreasonable?"

" I don't know," I said. " I have never meant to be."

" I presume not, my dear," he returned, " but it is such an easy matter to be mistaken. As saith the Scriptures, the heart is 'deceitful above all things,' very few of us understand ourselves as we ought. You will not take offense if I talk very plainly, daughter ?"

I assured him that I would not, and he proceeded,

"I have sometimes feared that I was not faithful in performing my duty to you early in your life. As you know, you were left motherless, and the tenderness I felt for you frequently prevented me from reproving you when it had been better for you if I had been less indulgent.

When I discovered that you had inherited something of the high spirit your mother's poor, unfortunate brother Bertrand possessed, I should have seen that it was early and thoroughly subdued. But I fear my love for you has closed my eyes to my duty. If so, may God forgive me ?"

"Why, father," I said, "you talk as if the whole blame in this trouble between Esmond and myself rested upon me."

" No, I did not mean that, but to cure a wound, it is sometimes necessary to prove it. And I would have you look thoroughly into this matter and find the fault.

You love your husband and desire peace?"

'I do," I said, "above all things."

"And if you found that any share of the blame was yours, would you be willing to admit it and would strive not to err in the same way again ?"

"I should," I replied.

"Let me say, then, my dear child, that I fear you, too, have been unyielding and have too frequently given way to your angry passions and that this is, in part at least, the cause of the trouble between you. But you now know your fault, and I trust I will try to remedy it.

You have been a good, affectionate daughter, and I am confident you will make equally as good a wife if you strive to bear in mind the caution you have given you. Remember that he who mirth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city,'

Whatever Esmond's faults, maybe you can aim to do right, and so bear an approving conscience, and rest assured that the surest way to win him from his errors is your kind and patient forbearance."

" But, father, I have tried to do right in the past, yet we have not been happy." "Have you ever sought strength from on high to aid you in this matter, my daughter?"

"No, I have not, father."

"Then let me counsel you to seek it at once. Here is another duty I fear I have also been too remiss. I should have led you to Him, who is an ever-present help in times of trouble.' But his gracious invitations to 'come unto him' are never withdrawn, and if you will but go to him, he will indeed bless you."

Thus, the conversation continued for some time, but when we finally finished it, and I was left alone, I thought, "How easy it would be to do right if I could always be with my father. He is so kind and wise and loving." I wished I had never left his home for another for a moment.

But it was only for a moment, and then I began to reflect upon what he had been saying. "Is it true," I thought, "that so much of the fault is mine as his words imply? If so, it shall be so no longer. Never again shall Esmond have occasion to find fault with my temper if it is in my power to prevent it.

But if I can not prevent it, shall I seek that aid from above which my father so warmly urges?" For a moment, I was almost drawn to kneel as in childhood and ask God to forgive my past and guide me in the future. But I hesitated and finally said, "If I am again so drawn and need this assistance, I will seek it."

I was waiting for a more convenient season and allowed the golden hour to pass, which had improved and saved me from a terrible future. For, had I then, when my heart was tender, and when God seemed so near, and so willing to bless, given my heart to him, and afterward habitually sought his aid when temptations arose, all would have been well.

But I went forward in my strength as in the past. The following day, when I bade my father goodbye and stepped into the carriage to take my two little ones and me back to our home, I felt confident I would succeed in keeping the new resolutions I had formed.

When we reached home, my husband gave me a warm and cordial greeting, which I returned with heartfelt joy. I did not tell him the resolutions I had been forming, but I intended to put them into practice.

Never did peace and harmony exist for so long in our family as at this period. And I almost longed, in the following weeks, for some trial of my patience to occur so that I could test their strength. But for a long time, I waited in vain.

Over time, however, difficulties arose that called for the exercise of my newly acquired power. Sometimes, I could resist the temptation to yield to my angry passions with a success that somewhat surprised me.

At other times, I would fail and be almost ready to give up in despair, thinking of never being able to gain control of my temper. I thought I had not done so in my youth and certainly could not expect to now. Yet I continued to hope that a determined will would, in time, accomplish something.

I sometimes think that if my husband could have known how much I had to contend with, how earnestly I was striving to overcome a naturally high spirit, together with the faults of my early training, or instead want of training, he would have been more patient with me at this time. But he did not seem to, and I never explained it to him, as I now sometimes wish I had done.

One day at this period of my life, the children were not wealed and had been unusually cross and troublesome all day. My patience was severely taxed before night had become exceedingly wary and nervous.

It so happened that Esmond had also been extensively tried with numberless vexations in his business on this day and, besides, had met with some severe losses through the villainy of a partner, and these things were not calculated to put him in an amiable mood.

Soon after he came home at night, he began to find fault with something I had been doing. I bore it patiently at first, but after a little while, I became angry when Esmond said something so harsh and aggravating that I lost all control of myself and struck him in the face. I would have given worlds a moment later if I could have recalled the act.

He did not speak but stood looking at me like one who could not credit his senses. At length, he broke the silence. " Gertrude," said he, in a tone in which he had never addressed me before, "

I cannot endure this any longer. I can not have my children raised under the influence of such examples, and we must separate."

He said no more, and I knew from his manner that nothing I could say would avail me anything. I had sealed my destiny. I felt that my sun of earthly happiness was set forever.

And so it indeed proved. In a few days, I was back at my father's house. In the settlement that followed, it was too quickly shown that my uncontrollable temper unfitted me for the care of children and the performance of other essential duties.

I had not realized the extent of my loss till this hour. I was never again to have the privilege of folding to my heart the two little ones who were dearer to me than my own life, and never again to hear their sweet voices as they lisped the mother's name or made my heart joyous with their childish prattle.

They would perhaps be brought up by strangers and taught to cherish no affectionate remembrances of their mother, who still loved them so dearly.

My husband, whom I had spent so many blissful hours and still loved, though I thought he had been hasty and unjust with me, would never again call me to his side. Sadder than all things else was the thought that I was cast back in disgrace upon the hands of my poor father, who was now in the decline of life.

I had formerly rejoiced in the thought that it was in my power to make his life bright and peaceful as age advanced, and now, to bring him only grief was more than I could endure.

In the days that followed, I have no recollection of what passed, for I sank under the weight of my grief and was, for a long time, glad. When I became conscious, my father was bending kindly over me, together with the servants who had ministered to my wants from infancy, and my first thought was that I was still a child.

But suddenly, the truth flashed through my mind, and in a few moments, I was again delirious. After a few days, however, I recovered my reason and began to nerve myself to endure the joyless life that was now mine.

I received nothing but unwearied kindness from my father while the servants looked upon me as one who had been most unjustly treated. Each seemed striving, by increased compassion and devotion, to make me forget as far as possible my great misfortune.

I was most grateful for this kindness and strove in every way to manifest my appreciation of it, but for me, there was no forgetfulness, no joy.

One day, when I had so far recovered from my illness as to be able to walk about the house, I went to the bay window, which I had always been a favorite spot, in the hope of seeing something that, to some extent at least, would help to disperse the gloom that rested upon my mind.

But as I cast my weary eyes over the bright scene, it served only to remind rue of my childhood's happy, innocent days and make me sadder, if possible, than before. Moreover, it was the same place where, a few months earlier, my father had so earnestly striven to lead me to the Savior.

If I had then sought Divine aid, I thought I would have been able to resist the temptations that subsequently came and to which I had yielded without it. But I had not, and there was no hope of earthly happiness for me. It seemed as if God would not now listen to my petitions for pardon and peace if I went to him.

A book, which had been used a lot and which I recognized as my father's Bible, lay in the window near where I sat. It was the one from which he daily read, and I had often observed the sweet, heavenly expression of his face as he arose from a perusal of it and knew that it betokened the peace and serenity of his soul.

As I took it up, I felt a new and intense desire to drink from that fountain of peace and joy in the same way. But my heart again sank at the thought of my unworthiness.

I felt I was the chief of sinners in God's sight, and I dared hope for nothing but his frowns. A feeling akin to despair began to settle upon my heart.

With this feeling, I opened the book, and on the page to which I opened a leaf was turned down to the following verse: "Come unto me, alt ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest."

In an instant, my soul was melted. I felt that it was indeed the voice of God speaking to me and that there was, even now, the hope of rest and peace. A sweet sense of God's infinite love and compassion filled my heart, and I obeyed the uncontrollable impulse I felt to kneel and pour out my soul to Him in prayer.

As the remorse that I felt for the errors of my past life, all the boundless love and gratitude that welled out of my heart to Him for this blessed assurance of his never-failing love, I tried to express in this prayer.

And I felt that it was demanding and accepted, for, when I arose, that " peace of God which passeth all understanding" filled my soul, and I knew that, whatever might be before me in the future, I now had one unfailing source of light and joy.

Chapter IV: Unexpected Changes

About three years after my return to my father's house, I began to notice an unusual depression of spirits in him. Although he said nothing as to its cause and tried to appear cheerful in my presence, I could not be blind to the fact that something weighed heavily upon his mind. I longed to know the cause but did not like to question him.

When he returned from business, I met him in the hall, as was my custom, when he asked me to go with a hint to the library, for he had something he wished to say. I led the way and wheeled his easy chair into a comfortable and pleasant corner, and when we were seated, he said :

" You have, perhaps, observed, Gertrude, that I have not of late enjoyed my usual peace of mind."

"Yes, Father," I replied, "and I have desired to know the cause so I might do something to cheer and comfort you. But I have thought that if it were anything you wished me to know, you would speak of it of your own accord."

" I should have explained it to you before, but I did not wish to give you needless pain. I have been hoping the gathering storm would pass, but I am convinced that my worst apprehensions will be realized today.

A train of causes, which would be unnecessary to explain, has brought my affairs into a state that must inevitably end in ruin. My goods, without doubt, will soon be in the hands of my creditors.

I hope to retain this our home, but I am not confident that I shall be able to do so, for I shall cancel every debt if it requires the last penny, and I hope, my daughter, you will prepare yourself for the worst."

"0, is that all, father ?" I exclaimed, feeling a sense of relief at what he said, for I had imagined more profound sorrows in my anxiety in the few days past.

"All I, my child," he repeated. "Is not the loss of my goods, and, without doubt, this home, where we have lived so long and around which cluster so many delightful and sacred associations, enough."

" Do not, my dear father, misunderstand me. I do not undervalue these things, but I had had much anxiety about you of late and have sometimes feared that your health was failing and that the time was approaching when I was to lose you, my best and only earthly friend, and I rejoiced to find that it was only the loss of your wealth.

If the worst comes, and we lose, even to this home, we could still be L happy, for we should have each other left. You know not how gladly I should improve such an opportunity to show you my gratitude for the kindness you have lavished upon me, especially in my hour of need.

Indeed, nothing could make me happier than labor for you. I have health and strength, and there are many ways in which a person with the education you gave me could earn more than enough to supply our needs."

"But, my child, have you considered what it would be to leave this home where you were born and to give up the ease and luxuries to which you have been accustomed from infancy and to toil for the means of subsistence ?"

" I should not grieve for these things, Father, except for your sake. You know I have long since ceased to look for happiness in this life, save what I find in your society and the performance of my duties to my fellow beings and God. I have sometimes thought I should be happier if I had something to do, for it would help distract my mind from my sorrows."

It was late before he retired that night, but when he did so, I had the inexpressible pleasure of seeing him look happier and appear more like himself than he had done for weeks. I was very thankful for having been able to lighten his heart and felt that I had lightened my own.

But when I came to sit alone in my room and contemplate the probable future—the loss of my beautiful home and the relinquishment of the pleasures and privileges to which I had so long been accustomed—the bitter, regretful tears, despite me, would flow.

But I dried them as quickly as possible, for this calamity, I thought, must be bravely endured for my father's sake; I began as well as I could to lay out my plans for the future.

Without doubt, we should be without food or shelter in a few days, and I must act at once, for my father was too far advanced in life to begin business anew, even if he had the means.

Chapter V: The New Home

There was a neat cottage on the seashore not far from our dwelling, which I had often admired as I walked or rode in that direction. Its surroundings were tasteful and commanded a beautiful view of the surrounding country. I thought that if that could be secured, it would make us a comfortable and pleasant home. Then, I should try to obtain employment as a teacher.

But in case I should fail to find it, what there was left for me to do, I knew not. All at once, a thought of the jewels that my father had given me in my girlhood, and which I had not worn for so long that I had almost forgotten that I possessed them, came into my mind, and I took up my lath') and went to a drawer in which I kept my choicest treasures. I took from thence the casket where I had placed them years ago, and there they all were, as bright and beautiful as when I laid them away.

I had ceased to wear them because their brightness seemed to mock my misery, and the sight of them now brought up mournful memories of happier days. I would fain have kept them for the sake of the past, but the price they would bring would furnish food and shelter for my father in his old age, and they must go.

I laid them out one by one until I came to a diamond necklace that my father had presented on my eighteenth birthday. That was the summer of my first acquaintance with Esmond, and I had worn it on many delightful occasions. " I will part with the rest first," I thought, "and if necessity requires it, this also, but till then I will keep it,"

I estimated what the others would probably bring and concluded I should have sufficient to purchase the cottage if it were to be had and for our support. This removed a great weight from my mind.

However, I determined to say nothing of this to my father, for I wished to give him a pleasant surprise if possible. And this I thought I could easily do, for he was so absorbed with his business that he would not notice my movements.

The following day, as the night before, I sought to cheer and comfort him and prepare him as far as I could for whatever the future might have in store for him.

And it was well that he was thus in a measure prepared, for in a few days goods, home, everything save a few articles, among which was my piano, that his creditors in kindness spared to us, was gone.

As soon as I saw that all must go, I disposed of my jewelry for a reasonable sum and went to the cottage to see what could be done there. Luckily, one could buy it for a moderate price, and I had our goods removed from it at once, supplying by purchases whatever was needed to make it pleasant and comfortable.

I determined to keep one servant, who had long been with us and would have clung to us as long as her services seemed necessary, even with no prospect of any remuneration, and she entered heartily into all my plans. With our combined efforts, we soon had everything in perfect order.

The front and principal room of the cottage was a large and delightful room, with a view from the windows not unlike that from my old home. On the floor of this room, we placed a bright carpet and covered the walls with our pictures, which were among the things sacred to us. In this room, we also put the piano, with a sofa and chairs to match, with my father's easy chair and books, and numerous other articles, which I had caused to be purchased because I knew he prized and would miss them.

When all was so nearly so that I thought I could finish alone, I sent Dora into the kitchen to prepare dinner. " Be sure," I said, "to have a perfect one and be particular to have my father's favorite dishes."

She went about it with a will, and I knew it would be forthcoming. In due time, the savory odors proceeding from that quarter proclaimed the incredible things being prepared for the table.

Meanwhile, to make everything look as pleasant and homelike as possible, I laid the dinner cloth in the room we had just been fitting up. Everything looked cheerful and inviting. When all was ready, I put on my hat and searched for my father.

It was the day of the sale of our home and household goods, and it was all over and the people gone. I found him wandering about the empty, cheerless apartments with a sad, heartbroken look. " Come, Father," I said, " let us go and have a walk down by the seashore."

" No, my child," he replied sadly, " I must go searching for some lodgings for us somewhere, though where the means to pay for it is coming from, Heaven alone knows."

"But come and take this walk with me first," I urged, and without scarcely seeming to know which way he was going, he allowed me to lead him away. We were at the little gate before the cottage in a few minutes.

"No, Gertrude, I can not stop tonight," he began as he saw me about to open the gate. " It will be night now before we get to the City."

"Please me in this, Father," I replied, "and I will urge you no further."

He reluctantly consented, and I went up the steps to the porch, nearly hidden by climbing roses and honeysuckles, just then in blossom, filling the premises with their delightful fragrance.

From this porch, a door opened into the room awaiting us, and when my. Father reached the threshold and saw upon the walls his favorite pictures, with a hundred other dear and familiar objects, together with the table full of smoking viands, all of which looked so cozy and inviting, he seemed, in part, to comprehend what I had been doing, but was too nearly overcome with conflicting emotions to trust himself to speak. "

Does not this look comfortable and homelike, father?" I chirped when I saw the tears trickle down his face and wished to have him joyful rather than sad.

" It does, indeed, and is a refuge unspeakably welcome to me in this dark hour. But whence came the money to pay for this, my dear child?"

" I will tell you, father, but first, let us have dinner, which will get cold if we stop talking longer." As we ate, I told him of all my doings in the few days past and that my jewels had brought not only enough to purchase the house and all the things he saw around him but enough for our support for a long time to come. And I doubt if either of us had passed a happier hour in many years than we spent over our first meal in the cottage.

As the days and weeks passed, I had the pleasure of seeing a look of peace and contentment settling down upon my father's face, which, in time, wholly displaced the haggard, careworn expression it had so long worn.

I was also happier than I had ever expected to be again in This life. I devoted my time to those things I knew would make my father contented and happy.

Sometimes, I would read to him from some exciting author. At others, I would play his favorite pieces in music or stroll with him along the charming walks of the seaside.

But this pleasant dream was destined to be of short duration. When we had been at the cottage for about four months, my father was attacked with a fever prevailing in the city, and in a few weeks, I was bereft of my last earthly friend. I was now more lonely than ever before. However, Dora still clung to me, and together, we lived till the following Spring.

By that time, my funds—into which my father's illness had made considerable inroads—were so low that I could no longer support us both. I then began to turn my thoughts to teaching again, for I could not yet bring my mind to part with my diamond necklace.

The thought, however, of going into the city among those with whom I had associated in my brighter days to seek employment was so humiliating to me that, at times, I was almost tempted to let it go.

While I was still undecided as to what course to pursue, Dora told me one day that she had decided to go to America to a brother, who, with his family, lived in a thriving German settlement and had become wealthy, and from whom she had just heard, and warmly urged me to accompany her.

At first, the proposition seemed wild, but by degrees, it became familiar. "Why should I not go ?" I began after a time to think. "I had no relative, no friend, not a single tie to bind me to my native land, and there was no reason why I should desire to remain where everything I saw served to remind me of the joys or sorrows of the past."

One day, I needed to go to a store to make a purchase when I met one of my former friends and associates on the street. She still moved into the wealthy and exclusive circle I had formerly belonged to. She passed me without even a look of recognition.

From this time, I was no longer undecided. If I became a teacher, as I should soon be obliged to, I would undoubtedly often meet my acquaintances, and the thought of being treated that way could not endure.

Dora was delighted with my conclusion, and we immediately set about making preparations for our long journey. I took the first opportunity I found to dispose of my cottage and furniture, which brought me enough money to take us across the ocean and to supply my needs for some time after.

When we were pretty out upon the open sea and saw the last faint outline of my native land disappearing, I could not but feel unspeakably sad to think I was to see it no more. However, if I had remained, I had no reason to hope for more happiness than I had enjoyed, for I had never once heard from my husband and children and probably never should.

The first few days of our voyage, the weather was fair, and no one seemed much affected by the change from the land to the sea's bosom. But after a while, it was our lot to encounter a fierce and threatening gale. At first, we watched it with intense interest, for many of us had never before witnessed a storm at sea.

And it was indeed a grand and imposing sight to see the substantial foam-capped billows rising in their fury seemingly to the very clouds, then sinking again to such fearful depths.

But the feeling of interest or of awe which it at first inspired soon gave place to that of fear, for the storm was not only endangering the vessel to some extent but the lives of the passengers, who, with scarcely a single exception, began to suffer intensely from sea-sickness.

Dora was among the first to feel the effects of the gale. And so great a sufferer from the first that I early began to despair of her recovery. I ministered to her wants until I was overcome with a terrible sickness when others who were able took my place and did what they could for her. But no remedy proved effective, and before the storm, which lasted several days, had subsided, my poor, faithful Dora was no more.

Indeed, Bitter were the tears I shed when the kind-hearted sailors committed her body to the deep. She had been a kind, faithful friend; losing her was to lose all.

If I had dreamed that such a calamity was in store for me, I should not have launched out into the world as I had. But I had not, and earnestly as I wished myself back in the fatherland, it was useless to repine, for there was now no alternative for me but to go forward to the strange, unknown land to which we were rapidly approaching.

Chapter VI: Life In America

When I reached New York, I wrote to Dora's brother about her death, for he lived in another city. But I did not go there as we had intended, for I felt that I had no claims upon his hospitality. Besides, I was not sure that I might not sometime return to Germany if I did not meet with success here.

I also wrote an account of poor Dora's death to her sister, who was still living as a servant in my native city and had once been a valued servant in my father's house. I did not seek a situation in New York at once, for I was still feeble from the effects of my journey, but I hired a comfortable lodging in which I intended to remain until I recovered my strength.

But it would not do to wait too long, for my funds were rapidly vanishing, and as soon as possible, I began to look about me to see what I could find to do. I desired a situation as a teacher but failed to find one, though I made applications in many directions because every post was filled. I next sought music scholars in various places, and in this, I was somewhat more successful.

I secured a few but earned only barely enough to supply my wants. It was arduous work for me, too, for I was unaccustomed to labor and the exposure to the weather, which I was sometimes obliged to endure in going from house to house to give my lessons.

Life sometimes seemed a weary burden, but I did not forget that. However, for my sin—that of giving way to my hasty temper—I should still have been an inmate of my own delightful home, surrounded by my dear little ones and the comforts and luxuries I had always been accustomed to.

One day, after teaching for several months, I returned home from giving lessons and found a letter on my table from Germany. I knew it to be from Augusta, Dora's sister, and I hastily broke the seal, for I longed to hear once more from home. I believed God's dealings with me to be only just, and I strove to bear with patience and resignation my sad lot.

It was a reply to the one I had sent apprising her of Dora's death. After speaking affectionately of her sister, she wrote the news of the day, and of such other matters as she thought I would be pleased to hear, and ended by warmly urging me to return to Germany, for, as she said, "-she could not endure the thought of my being so alone and friendless in a foreign land."

She was a warm-hearted girl, and while a servant in our family, she had become very much attached to both my father and myself. I had taken her more into my confidence and told her more of my heart history than any other person save my father.

But after his failure, she had been obliged to seek a new home, though she still seemed to cherish the most affectionate regard for us and often used to visit us at the cottage.

It gave me heart-felt pleasure to receive this letter, and its thought made me cheerful for days after. It was the first ray of light that had shone upon my darkened pathway for a long, long time, I felt very grateful for her kind interest in my welfare, yet I had no strong desire to return to Germany. Besides, I could not go for want of money.

True, I could dispose of my necklace, but I had determined never to touch it while my health remained good, but to keep it to use in case I should be sick or infirm.

During the following winter, I strove to increase my number of pupils, but I found it very difficult to do this because there were so many teachers of music. Yet I kept hoping that Providence would open some way for me to earn something more than a scanty subsistence.

A few weeks after this, I observed one day in a newspaper from a distant city a notice that they wanted a governess in a particular family and that they would pay a good salary, etc.

I resolved at once to respond to this call, for such a life would be far more accessible and pleasanter than the life I was then living and the labor, without doubt, more remunerative.

I thought. First, I would write, but a letter might fail to reach them, so I determined to go in person and try to secure the place. I did not wish to lose time lest someone should be there before me, so I made arrangements to start on the following day,

When I arose the following day, I saw, upon looking out, that the sky was overcast with dark, ominous-looking clouds and that a fine, drizzling rain was falling. I at first thought I could not go, for I had no umbrella and thought I could not spare the money to buy one. Still, remembering that to wait a day might be to lose the opportunity to better my condition, I took a hasty breakfast. With my suitcase, which I had placed the night before my necklace and other effects, in my hand, I started, thinking that by walking rapidly, I might reach the railroad depot without getting very wet.

But it soon began to rain harder, and I was obliged to undertake my journey with my clothing damp. As there was no tire in the car to allow me to dry it, I soon became chilly and knew that I was taking a severe cold.

But I hoped it would soon pass off; as I rode along began to indulge in a thousand fancies respecting the strange city and people to which I was going and to hope that my days of want and deprivation were over.

Just before sundown, I reached the city of my destination. The rain was over, and I went to a convenient hotel where I procured a refreshing supper, after which I made some changes in my apparel and went out in search of the people I wished to see. I had no difficulty finding them, but a terrible disappointment awaited me; they had that day engaged a governess.

Disheartened and wretched, I went back to my hotel with my bright hopes all crushed to the earth. If I had been informed of this through a letter, I should not have keenly felt the disappointment. Still, now I had seen the genuinely refined and agreeable family in their beautiful advertised home. As I compared in my mind a home with them to the life of toil and exposure which I had been living in New York and to which I must now return, the latter looked doubly repulsive.

Besides, I had taken a heavy cold and now began to feel feverish and sick, but I retired, hoping that a night's rest would refresh me and that things would look brighter in the morning. But I was too ill and weary to sleep, and when morning dawned, I was unable to rise, and could scarcely speak'.

During the forenoon, I received a visit from Mrs. G., the wife of the hotel's proprietor, whom a servant had informed of my illness. I explained my situation to her as thoroughly as I could.

I thought she seemed instead a pleasant woman and appeared friendly, particularly after I assured her that I had it in my power to reward them for any trouble I might make.

And it was well that I saw her thus early, for the fever with which I was attacked increased rapidly in violence, and before night I was unconscious of anything passing around me. A physician was soon called, I was afterward told, who ministered to my necessities, and I have every reason to believe that Mrs. G. was kind and faithful to me and caused others to be while I was unconscious.

One day, after I had fully regained my reason, I reflected upon my desolate condition and my indebtedness to my physician and the family, which had been so kind to me in my extremity. The thought of my necklace for the first time occurred to me.

I turned my head as well as I could—for I was still very feeble—toward the corner where I had left my suitcase, and, seeing that it was still there, I asked the proprietor's little daughter, who chanced to be in the room at the time, to bring it to me.

I had left it securely locked and had since been too ill to think of it, but, ah me! I saw at a glance that it had been opened. I was not able to do the task of looking for the box containing the necklace myself, so I asked the little girl to do so for me. But she assured me that there was no box there.

Still, I clung to the hope that she might have overlooked it, and I had her lay the things out one by one on the bed so that I could see for myself. But, alas! It was a vain search. When I was convinced that it was gone, I was for a moment too utterly wretched to think at all with any clearness, but the next, I began to realize my loss fully.

When I was well, I had found it very difficult to secure employment and had never been able to earn anything more than a living. Now I was sick, helpless, and robbed of the only means of supplying my wants that I could ever hope to have and which I had so carefully saved against such a possible day.

As these and like thoughts crowded into my mind, I felt that my lot was indeed a deplorable one, and I almost wished that my Heavenly Father had seen it fit in my illness to take me to himself. I had never before seen so dark an hour, and if I had not learned to put my trust in him in other days, I should have sunk into despair.

I explained my loss to Mrs. G., who sympathized with me in my misfortune, and promised to do what she could to help me recover my lost treasure. But I had little faith that I would ever be found, and it was not.

As soon as I regained, in part, my wasted strength, I began to make inquiries for something to do. Mrs. G. happened to be in want of a sewing girl, and though I should have preferred teaching of some kind, I gladly embraced the opportunity to return the kindness I had received from her and settle the debt that had been accumulating since my illness.

At first, I found it impossible to sew more than part of the day. Still, as my strength increased, I improved the hours to the uttermost and, in time, had the satisfaction of feeling that the terrible debt, which at first it had seemed so impossible for me to cancel, was rapidly diminishing and would, without doubt, in a short time be fully paid.

This was finally accomplished, and then I went to my physician in the hope of being as fortunate in finding a way of paying him. But, as they did not need my services in his family, he kindly told me that I need give myself no trouble regarding his bill. If I found it convenient to pay him in the future, I might do so, otherwise to think no more of it.

If he had known how like balm his blessed words fell upon my weary heart, I have no doubt but that he would have felt repaid for his kindness. I thanked him as well as I could and assured him that if I ever had a dollar I could spare, it should be laid aside for him.

I returned to Mrs. G., who I knew intended to make some calls that day. She promised to see what she could do for me while she was gone, and I waited with great impatience for her return.

But she was not as successful as she had hoped to find me employment, for sewing girls and teachers of every description were so plenty that it was impossible to find a niche that I did not already fill.

I was disappointed at this, yet my faith in the promise, " I will never leave thee nor forsake thee," was still undimmed, and I believed that some way would, in good time, appear by which I could escape from my perplexities.

Previous to this day, I had never thought of going into the country. Still, I now began to entertain the idea, and it seemed reasonable to me, as it also did to Mrs. G., to whom I mentioned the plan, that I might be more successful there than in the city.

Accordingly, I put up what few things I had left and started, and this brings me to the morning on which formed your acquaintance.

Chapter VII: The Conclusion

After completing this narrative by Mrs. Linndon, I entertained the hope that she would someday hear from her husband and children and eventually obtain assistance from or be united with them again.

And I thought of trying to do something for her with that end in view, for she had been purified through suffering, and I believed I could be nothing to them but a precious blessing.

But He who watches over the destinies of his children with an eye that never slumbers and who permits none to suffer more than is for their best good sent in his own appointed time deliverance to this unfortunate woman.

"She has heard from her family," I thought of once, and I was right. Before the summer's close, I saw her coming one morning with a hasty step and bearing in her hand a letter. As she drew near, I noticed her face was radiant with joy, and I knew she had some good news to communicate.

The letter was a reply to one she had written to Augusta during her illness, and it seems that the kind-hearted girl had significantly been distressed at the thought of her mistress's friendless, hopeless condition and began at once to entertain the idea of doing something for her relief.

In the letter, which Mrs. Linndon gave me to read, after the same introductory passages, she says: "At first I could think of no way in which I could aid you, but one day it occurred to me that if I could procure a situation as a servant in your husband's house, I might, in turn, be able to accomplish something in your favor.

I resolved to carry out the plan if it was in my power. And fortune favored me, or, instead, let me say that the Lord went before me and prepared my way for me; here I am in your farmer's home, and engaged as a nurse for your children.

" I have informed Mr. Linndon that I knew you, where you are, and other things, such as I thought might influence him in your favor. He had never heard of your father's death or failure, but suppose you were still living with him and in affluence, and he seemed deeply affected to hear that you were so unhappily situated. From this and other things, I infer that his affection for you is still alive, though I do not know what he intends to do.

When the children found out I knew their mamma, they were perfectly wild with delight and talked of nothing else. They have been taught to think affectionately of you, and more than once, I have heard them telling their papa how much they wished to see you and asking him if you would not sometimes come back to them, etc.

" Constance, Mr. Linndon's sister, who, though she is married, still lives with her parents, who, it seems, could not consent to part with her, comes in frequently to see the children and has made many kind inquiries regarding you, and is, I think, also anxious for your return.

Everything here, I should judge, remains about when you went away, and if you were only here, how happy I should be! I hardly know why I think so, but I believe that Mr. Linndon intends to write to you to send relief or request that you return home. Yet, I may be mistaken. Hoping I am not, I remain, as ever,

"Your obedient servant,

"AUGUSTA VAN AMBROSE."

And Augusta's conjecture proved true. In a few days, Mrs. Linndon received from her husband the following letter. It had been written before Augusta's but had been delayed somewhere on the way:

"My Dear Gertrude,---I have just heard, for the first time, of your father's failure and death and your unfortunate situation in a foreign land. I have been informed of it by Augusta Van Ambrose, who is now a servant in my house, and from several conversations I have had with her, I am convinced that I have been hasty and fear that I have deeply wronged a true and noble heart. I shall be happy to receive you if you can forgive this and still desire to return to me.

" I will come to America for you if you desire it, but if you are as anxious to see us as the children and I are to see you, you will not delay. Please write to me when you sail, and I will meet you at the port. I send you these five hundred dollars, which will be ample enough to defray the expenses of your journey home if you come at once. If you have any debts, I will settle those afterward.

"Your affectionate husband,

" Osmond Lindon."

It was well that this letter did not reach Mrs. Linndon until after Augusta's had, in a measure, prepared her for the reception of such joyful tidings, for it might have proved too startling for one of her delicate nervous organizations. The idea of waiting she could not for a moment entertain, and after settling her bill with Dr. M. and generously dispensing presents to those who had befriended her, she started for home. I have since heard of her safe arrival in the bosom of her family.

Based on the Article by Wiey, Rev. I. W., D.D., "A German Immigrant Girl Shares Her Adventure," in The Ladies' Respository: A Monthly Periodical Devoted to Literature and Religion, Volume XXX, Series RD, Volume V, Carlton and Lanahan, New York, January 1870