Th unwonted excitement, as the scenes of his early boyhood
once more appeared before him. A thousand boyish memories returned to
him, as he trod the familiar street. He met persons whom he knew, but
they showed no recognition of him. Six years had wrought too great a
change in him. He rang the bell. The summons was answered by the
servant, the only one employed
in Mrs. Brandon's modest establishment. "Is Mrs. Brandon at home?"
asked Ben. "Yes," answered the girl. "Will you walk
in?" Ben stepped into the entry, and the girl opened the door of the
room in which Mrs. Brandon was seated. Mrs. Brandon looked up. She saw
standing at the door a well-grown lad
of sixteen, with a face browned by long exposure to
the sun and air. It was six years since
she had seen Ben; but in spite of the changes which time may have
wrought, a mother's heart
is not easily deceived. A wild hope sprang up in her heart. She tried
to rise from her chair, but her excite was so
great that her limbs refused their office. "Mother!" exclaimed Ben,
and, hurrying forward he threw his arms around his mother's neck. "God
be thanked!" she exclaimed, with heartfelt gratitude. "I have missed
you so much, Ben." Ben's heart reproached him as he saw the traces of
sorrow upon his mother's face, and
felt that he had been the cause. "Forgive me, mother!" he said. "It is
all forgotten
now. I am so happy!" she answered,
her eyes filled with joyful tears. They sat down together, and Ben
began to tell his story.
In the midst of it hi
