Nellie Milton's Housekeeping, or Sweet Clover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXTT. IN THE SICK HOOM. Y little daughter, you can never know how I have missed you, and how your presence gladdens my poor stricken heart, he said, holding her from him to gaze into her welcome face. Now that I have you once more, I cannot tell how I lived five months without you. Dear father, she murmured, leaning hei weary head against his breast, I will stay with you always; I will never leave you again unless you bid me. The mournful face of Maurice intruded as she made the promise, but she quickly bade it vanish. Tell me all, dear father, I can bear it now; and with closed eyes, she listened to the recital of sickness and suspense; and the hope she had not dared to cherish, she tried to revive in her father's breast. He shook his head. Two years ago, your mother left me, and now her little son is on the way to join her. We will hope, dear father. The carriage stopped before the house; the slosed shutters and muffled bell, bespoke the silence and watching within. The stillness seemed to speak of death to Nellie's heart, and she trembled as she listened for some sound of life. Do they expect me? Shall I disturb them? she asked. Willie will not notice you. You had befcr ter go to llm while I prepare Roby for your return. The poor boy has missed you sadly. He is in his mother's room. Nellie softly opened the door of Willie's chamber, almost afraid to enter. Her eyej soon became accustomed to the twilight, and she bent anxiously above the sufferer, eagerly scanning his features. How changed! she whispered. Dear little Willie, sisfer has come home. He lay in a heavy stupor; the words, and her tears raining upon his face did not disturb him. As she raised her head, she saw that she was not alone. Another figure stood beside the...