CONCLUSION.
On the next day Adele Weir was taken by Mr. Fleetwood and Florence to
the house of Mrs. Elder. The good lady, when she clearly understood the
case, and read something of the girl’s character and state of mind, did
not hesitate about receiving her, and Adele accepted the proffered home
and refuge with tearful gratitude.
Mr. Fleetwood and Florence returned together. As they drew near the
house of Mr. Dainty, they saw a woman ascend the steps and ring the
bell. Before they came up, the door was opened and the woman entered.
“Who is that?” asked Mr. Fleetwood.
“If my eyes do not deceive me,” was the reply of Florence, “it is the
mother of Adele Weir.”
“No! she would hardly dare venture here.”
“A mother will dare much for her child,” said Florence.
They moved forward quickly, and were soon at the door.
“Who came in just now?” inquired Miss Harper, in a low voice.
The waiter shook his head as he answered, “Don’t know, miss.”
“What name did she give?”
“She asked for Mrs. Dainty, but would not send up her name.”
“Let us go into the parlor,” said Mr. Fleetwood, in a whisper to
Florence. Florence looked assent, and the two passed in. A woman
closely veiled sat on one of the sofas.
“Mrs. Weir!” said Florence, speaking with blended surprise and
indignation in the tones of her voice. The veil was drawn aside,
revealing the pale face and glittering black eyes of Adele’s mother.
Her thin lips were firmly set, and the expression of the woman’s
countenance was resolute.
“I have come for my child!” she said, in a voice that betrayed much
agitation of mind.
“She is not here,” Florence replied.
“She was brought here,” said the woman, fixing her piercing eyes upon
the face of Miss Harper.
“She came here to restore to her mother the child a wicked woman
enticed away, and you secreted, making yourself thereby a party to the
crime.”
“And is here now?” said Mrs. Weir.
“No, she is not here,” answered Florence. “I said that once before.”
“Then where is she?”
Florence turned to Mr. Fleetwood, and the old gentleman promptly took
her place.
“Beyond the reach of your blighting influence, madam,” said he, in his
decided way, “and, I trust, forever beyond.”
“Sir, I will not be robbed of my child!” And the woman started to her
feet, exhibiting not only strong excitement, but a determined spirit.
“Your child has fled from you in fear,” said Mr. Fleetwood, assuming a
calmer voice, “and is now, I trust for her sake, entirely beyond your
influence. She has made her election, and, so long as she continues in
her present mind, will have friends to guide and protect her. And now,
madam, let me warn you, in the beginning, against any attempts to annoy
this family. Your daughter is not here, and therefore all search for
her in this direction will be fruitless. If you come here again you
will be handed over to the law. And I am not sure that we shall let
you escape as it is. The part you have taken in the concealment of the
child stolen from this house makes you an accomplice in the crime,—you
and the man Dyer also.”
At the name of Dyer the woman started in surprise, and a shade of
alarm came over her pale face.
“Mr. Dyer has nothing to do with the affairs of my house,” she said,
quickly.
“He is known to have been a party in this wicked transaction.” Mr.
Fleetwood spoke sternly and positively. “And I shall get the police on
his track.”
Mrs. Weir manifested still greater disturbance, which encouraged the
old gentleman to continue the assault in that direction.
“See to it, then, both of you!” he continued. “Such things are not to
be done in the broad day and passed over as of light account. You will
all of you find, before you are done with this nefarious business, that
you have gone a step too far. Mrs. Jeckyl has escaped us; but some
one must answer to outraged justice. Florence!” Mr. Fleetwood turned
quickly to Miss Harper and said, “Tell the waiter that I wish to see
him,” adding, in a lower key, “it will hardly do to let this woman
escape.”
The closing words reached the ears for which they were really intended,
and Mrs. Weir, as Florence turned to leave the parlor, moved toward the
door leading into the passage.
“Stay,” said Mr. Fleetwood, speaking to Mrs. Weir. “Don’t go yet!”
If he had said “Go,” instead, she could not have shown a greater
willingness to depart.
“John!” Mr. Fleetwood called for the waiter, in a loud, imperative
voice.
That was enough. Mrs. Weir’s alarm was complete, and she fled
precipitately from the house.
A few days afterward Mr. Fleetwood visited the neighborhood in which
she had lived, but found her house vacant, and “To Let” on the door.
The task before Miss Harper was no light one. It required more than a
single victory over the evil spirits who had gained, through disorderly
rites, power in the child’s mind, to dispossess them. Scarcely a day
passed in which Madeline did not relapse into moody states or show a
strangely perverse will. Patience, gentleness, loving-kindness, all
were brought into exercise; and sometimes the contest would be long and
painful. But always the angel proved stronger than the demon, and the
tried spirit of the child arose, through divine aid, superior to its
foes.
As weeks and months glided onward, the old tranquil states returned,
and the gentlest and sweetest of all the children was restored to
herself again,—stood clothed and in her right mind. Mrs. Dainty, from
whose eyes the veil had fallen, now saw the character of Florence in
its true light. There had been no intrusions upon her selfish pride,
no humiliating concessions required. A quiet dignity and gentle reserve
had marked the conduct of Miss Harper from the hour their new relation
began. Instead of having to throw up barriers against the too familiar
approaches of an unwelcome inmate, Mrs. Dainty soon found that she must
court, if she would have, equal intercourse.
With an easy grace and unobtrusive self-possession, Miss Harper took
her place as one of the family. Before a year had passed, even Mrs.
Dainty had learned to confide in her discretion, to defer to her
judgment in all things relating to the children, and to regard her as
a true friend. Mr. Fleetwood looked on, a happier man than he had been
for many years. No tenderer love for a daughter was ever born in a
father’s heart than that which he felt for the child of his adoption.
And he was very proud of her. As she gradually passed into the refined
and intelligent circles that opened spontaneously to receive her, and
there became an object of unconscious attraction, the old man looked on
with a swelling heart, while admiration blended with love and pride.
And yet he loved her best of all for the daily duties through which
she passed with such an earnest self-devotion. He saw the children
of his weak, vain, worldly-minded niece growing daily more and more
like their guide, companion, and friend. He had loved them from the
beginning for their childish innocence and affection, but love took
now a deeper tone, and gathered strength and emotion from the beauty
of goodness that daily blossomed in their lives, the sweet presage of
fruit in sunny autumn.
Of Mrs. Jeckyl no more was seen or heard. She vanished like an evil
spirit when the sun-rays of truth stream down through the rifted clouds
of error. The shadow of her presence had left a blight on the earth;
but warm sunshine and gentle dews made the soil fruitful again, and
good seeds, planted by careful hands, soon shot up the tender blade
and covered the desert place with greenness. Mrs. Weir came not again.
The warning of consequences had thoroughly alarmed her, and Adele was
permitted to remain under the wise, religious care of Mrs. Elder. Very
deeply had her young life been disturbed by the disorderly influences
to which she had been subjected in her mother’s house; and there were
times when the evil spirits who had gained access to her mind found
some of the old avenues unguarded, and flowed in with their sphere of
error, invading even the outer citadel of natural and corporeal life.
But Mrs. Elder knew wherein lay the power of exorcism. She knew that
as she filled the mind of Adele full, as it were, of the precepts and
narratives of the Divine Word which was “in the beginning,” which was
“with God,” and which “was God,” she would succeed in casting out the
spirits who sought to rule her, and set her freed soul upon the Rock of
Eternal Ages. She did not labor in vain.
And so good triumphed. The Angel was stronger than the Demon. The human
souls that came forth from God, with God-given freedom of will, were
restored to the orderly life into which they were created, free, as
reason developed, to select, unbiassed by the intrusion of disorderly
spiritual spheres, the paths of life in which they would move through
the world. Without such rational freedom, spiritual regeneration is
impossible; and any thing that disturbs such freedom cannot have its
origin in heaven. So we read the doctrine of life; and, so reading it,
we teach.
THE END.
STEREOTYPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO.
PHILADELPHIA.
LIST OF VALUABLE AND POPULAR BOOKS.
DR. LIVINGSTONE’S
TRAVELS & RESEARCHES
OF
SIXTEEN YEARS
IN THE
Wilds of South Africa
This is a work of thrilling adventures and hair-breadth escapes among
savage beasts and more savage men. Dr. Livingstone was alone, and
unaided by any white man, traveling with African attendants, among
different tribes and nations, all strange to him, and many of them
hostile, and altogether forming the most astonishing book of travels
the world has ever seen. All acknowledge it is the most readable book
published. Price $1.25.
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
It abounds in descriptions of strange and wonderful scenes, among
a people and in a country entirely new to the civilized world; and
altogether we regard it as one of the most interesting books issued
within the past year.—_Daily Democrat, Patterson, New Jersey._
The subjects treated of are new and strange, and take a deep hold
upon popular feeling. The book is having a great run, and will be
read by every reading man, woman, and child, in this as well as other
lands.—_Ashtabula (Ohio) Telegraph._
Those of our readers who would have a delightful book for reading
at any hour, will not be disappointed in this work.—_United States
Journal._
This interesting work should be in the hands of every one. Its
interesting pages of adventures are full of instruction and
amusement.—_Auburn American._
With truth we can say, that seldom is presented to the reading public
a work containing such a vast amount of solid instruction as the one
in question.—_Family Magazine._
It is a rich and valuable book for the general reader; and the
admirable style in which the publisher has issued it, will commend it
to the favor of thousands.—_Christian Observer._
This is a valuable work for the general reader, gotten up in beautiful
style. A special interest is given to this volume by the addition of
valuable “Historical Notices of Discoveries in Africa.” Altogether, it
would be difficult to name any work which would more completely meet
the popular taste of our day. Those of our friends who have perused
“our” copy, speak very highly of it.—_Fort. Edward Inst. Monthly._
The present volume is a beautiful 12mo., of 446 pages, numerously
illustrated, and contains all of the original, except some of the more
dry, scientific details. It is emphatically an edition for the people;
and, judging from the rapid sale with which it is (illegible)ing, it
is fully appreciated by them.—_Christian Freeman, Boston._
T. S. ARTHUR’S WORKS.
[The following List of Books are all written by T. S. ARTHUR, the
well-known author, of whom it has been said, “_that dying he has not
written a word he would wish to erase_.” They are all gotten up in the
best style of binding, and are worthy of a place in every household.]
TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR-ROOM,
AND
WHAT I SAW THERE.
This powerfully-written work, one of the _best_ by its _popular
Author_, has met with an immense sale—ten thousand copies having been
ordered within a month of publication. It is a large 12mo., illustrated
with a beautiful Mezzotint Engraving, by Sartain; printed on fine white
paper, and bound in the best English muslin, gilt back. Price $1.00.
The following are a few of the many Notices of the Press.
Powerful and seasonable.—_N. Y. Independent._
Its scenes are painfully graphic, and furnish thrilling arguments for
the temperance cause.—_Norton’s Literary Gazette._
Written in the author’s most forcible and vigorous style.—_Lehigh
Valley Times._
In the “Ten Nights in a Bar-Room,” some of the consequences of
tavern-keeping, the “sowing of the wind” and “reaping the whirlwind,”
are followed by a “fearful consummation,” and the “closing scene,”
presenting pictures of fearful, thrilling interest.—_Am. Courier._
There is no exaggeration in these pages—they seem to have been filled
up from actual observation.—_Philadelphia Sun._
We have read it with the most intense interest, and commend it as a
work calculated to do an immense amount of good.—_Lancaster Express._
We wish that all lovers of bar-rooms and rum would read the book. It
will pay them richly to do so.—_N. Y. Northern Blade._
It is sufficient commendation of this little volume to say that it is
from the graphic pen of T. S. Arthur, whose works will be read and
reread long after he has passed away. He is as true to nature, as far
as he attempts to explore it, as Shakspeare himself; and his works,
consequently, have an immense popularity.—_New Haven Palladium._
There are many scenes unequaled for pathos and beauty. The death of
little Mary can scarcely be surpassed.—_N. Y. Home Journal._
WHAT CAN WOMAN DO?
12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00
Our purpose is to show, in a series of life pictures, what woman can
do, as well for good as for evil. We desire to bring her before you
as a living entity, that you may see her as she is, and comprehend in
some small degree the influence she wields in the world’s progress
upward, as well as her power to mar the human soul and drag it down to
perdition, when her own spirit is darkened by evil passions.—_Extract
from the Preface._
STEPS TOWARD HEAVEN;
OR,
RELIGION IN COMMON LIFE.
Price, $1.00
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
It panders to the doctrines and tenets of no particular sect, and
will be found an excellent book to place in the hands of young
people.—_Savannah Georgian._
It is a work well calculated to do good, and to put into the hands of
the youth of the country.—_Enquirer._
This work will interest the reader, and at the same time teach lessons
of practical value.—_Ch. Messenger, Vt._
It is designed to show that the beauties and endearments of
Christianity are to be developed amid the stern realities of every-day
life.—_Vermont Messenger._
It Is a timely and good book, and should be widely read, especially by
young Christians—_Central Ch. Herald, Cincinnati._
Mr. Arthur is already well known as an earnest man, whose object has
been to do his part in spreading the doctrines and teachings of the
Christian religion; and in the present volume he urges the necessity
of charity, and endeavors to impress upon the reader the fact that
religion is for daily life, “and cannot be put aside at the tranquil
close of Sabbath evenings.”—_Courier and Enquirer._
More decidedly religious in its character than Arthur’s other works,
though it is neither doctrinal nor sectarian.—_Ch. Times, Chicago._
The pen of T. S. Arthur never tires. In this new volume, we perceive
that he is still laboring successfully in producing brief stories,
the aim of which is moral. He says truly, when he declares that
“no special theology is taught in this volume,” by which he means,
we suppose, that controverted dogmas are not introduced. His main
point is, “Religion, to be of any real use to a man, must come down
into all his daily duties, and regulate his actions by a divine
standard.”—_Exeter News Letter._
No special theology is taught in this volume. It addresses itself to
no particular sect or denomination. It has no aim but to assist men to
grow better, and thence, happier.—_Salem Gazette._
Arthur has produced few more satisfactory books than this.—_Atlas and
Bee._
THE HAND WITHOUT THE HEART;
OR,
THE LIFE TRIALS OF JESSIE LORING.
Price, $1.00
The point of this story is expressed in the title; and the story
itself is a sharply drawn illustration of the folly and madness of
linking together two immortal souls by the rough chains of selfish
interest, pride, or baser passion. The lesson taught is one of deep
significance; and thousands of hearts will throb in almost wild
response, to the life experiences of Jessie Loring, who in all the
bitter trials of her unhappy union, swerved not a hair’s breadth from
honor, principle, or religious duty, though temptation came in its
most alluring shape. As the type of a true woman, she is worthy to be
embalmed in the memory of every reader.—_Southern Argus._
THE YOUNG LADY AT HOME.
6 vols. in one. Price, $1.00
ARTHUR’S SKETCHES
OF
LIFE AND CHARACTER.
An octavo volume of over 400 pages, beautifully Illustrated, and bound
in the best English muslin, gilt. Price $2.00.
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
The present volume, containing more than four hundred finely-printed
octavo pages, is illustrated by splendid engravings, and made
particularly valuable to those who like to “see the face of him they
talk withal,” by a correct likeness of the author, finely engraved on
steel.—_Neal’s Gazette._
In the princely mansions of the Atlantic merchants, and in the rude
log cabins of the backwoodsmen, the name of Arthur is equally known
and cherished as the friend of virtue.—_Graham’s Magazine._
We would not exchange our copy of these sketches, with its story of
“The Methodist Preacher,” for any one of the gilt-edged and embossed
Annuals which we have yet seen.—_Lady’s National Magazine._
The first story in the volume, entitled “The Methodist Preacher, or
hights and Shadows in the Life of an Itinerant,” is alone worth the
price of the work.—_Evening Bulletin._
It is emphatically a splendid work.—_Middletown Whig._
Its worth and cheapness should place it in every person’s hands who
desires to read an interesting book.—_Odd Fellow, Boonsboro’._
“The Methodist Preacher,” “Seed-Time and Harvest,” “Dyed in the Wool,”
are full of truth as well as instruction, and any one of them is worth
the whole price of the volume.—_Lowell Day-star, Rev. D. C. Eddy,
Editor._
There is a fascination about these sketches which so powerfully
interests the reader, that few who commence one of them will
part with it till it is concluded; and they will bear reading
repeatedly.—_Norfolk and Portsmouth Herald._
Those who have not perused these model stories have a rich feast in
waiting, and we shall be happy if we can be instrumental in pointing
them to it.—_Family Visitor, Madison, Ga._
No library for family reading should be considered complete without
this volume, which is as lively and entertaining in its character, as
it is salutary in its influence.—_N. Y. Tribune._
The work is beautifully illustrated. Those who are at all acquainted
with Arthur’s writings need hardly be told that the present work is a
prize to whoever possesses it.—_N. Y. Sun._
We know no better book for the table of any family, whether regarded
for its neat exterior or valuable contents.—_Vox Populi, Lowell._
The name of the author is in itself a sufficient recommendation of the
work.—_Lawrence Sentinel._
T. S. Arthur is one of the best literary writers of the
age.—_Watchman, Circleville, Ohio._
The name alone of the author is a sufficient guarantee to the reading
public of its surpassing merit.—_The Argus Gallatin, Miss._
Probably he has not written a line which, dying, he could wish to
erase.—_Parkersburg (Va.) Gazette._
THE WITHERED HEART.
12mo., with fine Mezzotint Frontispiece. Cloth. Price $1.00
This work has gone through several editions in England although
published but a few weeks, and has had the most flattering notices from
the English Press.
Lights and Shadows of Real Life.
With an Autobiography and Portrait of the Author. Over five hundred
pages, octavo, with fine tinted Engravings. Price $2.00.
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
In this volume may be found a “moral suasion,” which cannot but affect
for good all who read. The mechanical execution of the work is very
beautiful throughout.—_New Haven Palladium._
It is by far the most valuable book ever published of his works,
inasmuch as it is enriched with a very interesting, though brief
autobiography.—_American Courier._
No family library is complete without a copy of this book.—_Scott’s
Weekly Paper._
No better or worthier present could be made to the young; no offering
more pure, charitable, and practicable could be tendered to those who
are interested in the truly benevolent reforms of the day.—_Godey’s
Lady’s Book._
The paper, the engravings, the binding, and the literary contents, are
all calculated to make it a favorite.—_Penn. Inquirer._
This volume cannot be too highly recommended.—_N. Y. Tribune._
More good has been effected, than by any other single medium that we
know of.—_N. Y. Sun._
The work should be upon the centre-table of every parent in the
land.—_National Temperance Magazine._
LEAVES FROM THE BOOK OF HUMAN LIFE.
Large 12mo. With Thirty Illustrations and Steel Plate. Price $1.00.
A single story is worth the price charged for the book.—_Union,
Newburyport, Mass._ “It includes some of the best humorous sketches of
the author.”
* * * * *
[The following Books are bound in uniform style as “ARTHUR’S COTTAGE
LIBRARY,” and are sold in sets, or separately, each volume being
complete in itself. Each volume is embellished with a fine Mezzotint
Engraving.]
THE WAY TO PROSPER.
AND OTHER TALES.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00.
TRUE RICHES; OR, WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS.
AND OTHER TALES.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00.
ANGEL OF THE HOUSEHOLD.
AND OTHER TALES.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00
GOLDEN GRAINS FROM LIFE’S HARVEST-FIELD.
Bound in gilt back and sides, sheep, with a beautiful Mezzotint
Engraving. 12mo. Price $1.00.
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
It Is not too much to say, that the Golden Grains here presented to
the reader, are such as will be productive of a far greater amount of
human happiness than those in search of which so many are willing to
risk domestic peace, health, and even life itself in a distant and
inhospitable region.
These narratives, like all of those which proceed from the same
able pen, are remarkable not only for their entertaining and lively
pictures of actual life, but for their admirable moral tendency.
It is printed in excellent style, and embellished with a mezzotint
engraving. We cordially recommend it to the favor of our
readers.—_Godey’s Lady’s Magazine._
“Arthur’s Home Library.”
[The following four volumes contain nearly 500 pages, Illustrated
with fine Mezzotint Engravings. Bound in the best manner, and sold
separately or in sets. They have been introduced into the District,
Sabbath-school, and other Libraries, and are considered one of the
best series of the author.]
THREE ERAS IN A WOMAN’S LIFE.
Containing MAIDEN, WIFE, and MOTHER.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00.
“This, by many, is considered Mr. Arthur’s best work.”
TALES OF MARRIED LIFE.
Containing LOVERS and HUSBANDS, SWEETHEARTS and WIVES, and MARRIED and
SINGLE.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00.
“In this volume may be found some valuable hints for wives and
husbands, as well as the young.”
TALES OF DOMESTIC LIFE.
Containing MADELINE, THE HEIRESS, THE MARTYR WIFE, and RUINED GAMESTER.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00.
“Contains several sketches of thrilling interest.”
TALES OF REAL LIFE.
Containing BELL MARTIN, PRIDE and PRINCIPLE, MARY ELLIS, FAMILY PRIDE,
and ALICE MELVILLE.
Cloth, 12mo., with Mezzotint Engraving, Price $1.00.
“This volume gives the experiences of real life by many who found not
their ideal.”
A BOOK OF STARTLING INTEREST.
THE ANGEL AND THE DEMON.
A handsome 12mo. volume. Price $1.00.
In this exciting story Mr. ARTHUR has taken hold of the reader’s
attention with a more than usually vigorous grasp, and keeps him
absorbed to the end of the volume. The book is one of STARTLING
INTEREST. Its lessons should be
IN THE HEART OF EVERY MOTHER.
Onward, with a power of demonstration that makes conviction a
necessity, the Author sweeps through his subject, fascinating at every
step. In the union of
THRILLING DRAMATIC INCIDENT,
with moral lessons of the highest importance, this volume stands forth
pre-eminent among the author’s many fine productions.
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
A story of much power, imbued with that excellent moral and religious
spirit which pervades all his writings.—_N. Y. Chronicle._
This volume is among his best productions, and worthy of a place on
every centre-table.—_Clarion, Pa., Banner._
This is a most fascinating book, one which the reader will find it
quite hard to lay aside without reading to the last page.—_Albany, N.
Y., Journal and Courier._
THE GOOD TIME COMING.
Large 12mo., with fine Mezzotint Frontispiece, Price $1.00.
It is like every thing emanating from that source—worth
reading.—_Toledo Blade._
It is characterized by “all the excellencies of his style.”—_Phila.
Bulletin._
It is a book the most scrupulous parent may place in the hand of his
child.—_Providence Transcript._
The Old Man’s Bride, Price $1.00
Heart Histories and Life Pictures, “ 1.00
Sparing to Spend; or, The Loftons and Pinkertons, “ 1.00
Home Scenes, “ 1.00
LIFE AND MEMORIALS
OF
DANIEL WEBSTER.
Two vols. in one. By Gen. S. P. LYMAN. Price $1.00.
EXTRACT FROM PREFACE.
The Personal Memorials, which compose so large a portion of these
volumes, are from the pen of Gen. S. P. Lyman, whose intimate and
confidential relations with Mr. Webster afford a sufficient guarantee
for their authenticity. They are believed by the publisher to embrace
a more copious collection of original and interesting memoranda,
concerning the life and character of the great Statesman whose recent
death has created so deep a sense of bereavement throughout the
country, than has hitherto been given to the world.
COOK’S VOYAGES ROUND THE WORLD.
Two volumes in one, Price $1.00