THE STRANGE VISITOR.
The day of the examination arrived at last. The new suit was completed
and hanging in the closet. The nicely starched collar, and the pretty
brown bow were laid with a clean pocket-handkerchief in the drawer.
Fred had been very diligent in reviewing his lessons; but as the time
drew near when he would be called out to recite, his heart beat fast
with excitement.
"I wish the examination was over," he said a dozen times. "I'm almost
sure I shall miss in geography. I can say my piece just as well as can
be; but when I see all the people looking, I'm afraid I shall forget
every word."
The day was fine; and Mrs. Carleton and Hatty left home at an early
hour so as to secure seats in the crowded hall.
There was a raised stage at one end, on which the scholars stood
while examined by the committee, who occupied seats on the opposite
platform, the visitors filling up all the vacant space.
The exercises of examination were interesting to the parents, each
feeling a natural desire that his or her child should excel; and then
the teacher announced that there would be speaking from the first
class.
Just at this moment Hatty's bright eyes noticed a stranger enter the
door, who was at once invited to a seat of honor near the committee.
There was something about his eyes that startled her. They wandered
quickly about the room as if in search of some one, and then fixed
themselves gravely upon the school. The lower part of his face was
completely hidden by a heavy beard.
Hatty touched her mother, calling her attention to the stranger; but,
with scarcely a glance at the gentleman, Mrs. Carleton gave her
attention to the speaking.
At the close of the school, a member of the committee, 'Squire Long,
arose and said to the teacher,--
"I am so much pleased with your boys, that I am going to indulge
myself with the pleasure of giving each one of them a book to remember
me by."
He untied a parcel, and took out some prettily bound volumes, which
he proceeded to distribute, to the great joy of the boys.
[Illustration]
The scholars generally looked much pleased; but not one, except Fred
Carleton, expressed his gratitude. When it came his turn to go
forward, his whole face was covered with a rosy flush. He bowed when
the volume was put in his hands, and with a cordial "I thank you,
sir," retired to his seat.
There were several whispered comments on Fred's conduct; all agreeing
that he had done well.
"That boy has a good mother," murmured one of the committee in the
ear of the bearded stranger.
The gentleman only bowed.
In the confusion of leaving the hall, Hatty lost sight of the strange
visitor; but she could not forget the impression he had made upon her
and continued to talk about him all the way home.
"I can't think where I've seen him before. His eyes looked as familiar
as possible."
Before they started for the school they had drawn down the curtains
and locked the door, Mrs. Carleton taking the key in her pocket. Now,
as they approached the house, they were surprised to see the curtains
up, and the shed door wide open.
Hatty darted forward to see who was within, and presently, with a
joyful scream, was held fast in the arms of the mysterious stranger.
"Husband!" murmured Mrs. Carleton, instantly recognizing him.
"Thank God," he said, "that I see you all once more!"
"When did you come? How changed you are! I was sure I had seen your
eye somewhere," exclaimed Hatty, full of joyful excitement.
"I was proud of you, my boy," said Captain Carleton, again embracing
him. "I was proud of you and proud of your mother, who has trained you
to such good manners. I pray God you may always honor her as you did
to-day."
Mrs. Carleton, having laid aside her bonnet and shawl, rose to make
preparations for supper.
"Now, ma, you sit right down," exclaimed Hatty, gently putting her
back into the chair. "I can do everything. You sit and talk with pa."
"You will find a lobster in the closet," said the captain. "We can
well afford to have a little feast, for the Adolphus, my new vessel,
is completed, and will be ready for sea before I am, I fear."
"Good news! good news! Pa is captain again."
"Yes," added the gentleman; "the owners have been very generous. They
have allowed me a sum in advance, which, with what I have made in the
last voyage, will buy a share in her. I hope for a prosperous trip."
"You have returned safely; and I could be satisfied with that,"
faltered Mrs. Carleton, her eyes full of tears, though hope prevailed
in her heart.