Tempest and Sunshine

"He stands before you," said Mr. Ashton, rising and grasping Mr.

Middleton's hand. "He is here to thank you for your kindness, and is both

able and willing to repay you for the care you took of him who was alone

and friendless in a distant land."

"Can it be," said Mr. Middleton, with much emotion, "that you really are

Henry Ashton? I should never have recognized you."

"I presume not," answered Ashton. "Twelve years have transformed the pale,

emaciated youth into the tall, full-grown man. But I should have known you

anywhere."

Here Raymond called out, "Why Ashton, have you been to the Indies? Why did

you never tell us?"

"Because," replied Ashton, "there was so much of homesickness and

suffering attending that voyage to India that I never like to speak of

it." Then turning to Mr. Middleton, he said, "I have met your brother

often, but never suspected him to be a relative of yours. Have you seen

him yet?"

"I have not," answered Mr. Middleton. "I intend visiting him tomorrow, and

shall be glad, to take as many of you with me as are willing to go. I wish

to be introduced to him as a Mr. Stafford from New Orleans."

After some further conversation it was arranged that Mr. Miller, Ashton,

Stanton, Raymond and Cameron should all accompany Mr. Middleton on his

projected visit to his brother. Soon after Mr. Ashton departed for his

boarding place, and the remainder of the company separated for the night.