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diff --git a/old/69973-h/69973-h.htm b/old/69973-h/69973-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 35c2c85..0000000 --- a/old/69973-h/69973-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15020 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> -<head> - -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> - -<title>Ingleside by Madeline Leslie</title> - -<style type="text/css"> -/*<![CDATA[*/ -/*,![CDATA[*/ - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1{ - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - - - /* Style Definitions */ -a:link, span.MsoHyperlink - {color:navy; - text-decoration:underline;} -a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed - {color:maroon; - text-decoration:underline;} -p.Heading, li.Heading, div.Heading - {margin-top:12.0pt; - margin-right:0in; - margin-bottom:6.0pt; - margin-left:0in; - page-break-after:avoid; - font-size:14.0pt; - font-family:"Liberation Sans",serif;} -p.PreformattedText, li.PreformattedText, div.PreformattedText - {margin:0in; - font-size:10.0pt; - font-family:"Liberation Mono",serif;} -div.WordSection1 - {page:WordSection1;} - /* List Definitions */ - ol - {margin-bottom:0in;} -ul - {margin-bottom:0in;} ---> -/*]]>*/ -</style> - -<style type="text/css"> -/*<![CDATA[*/ - body.c11 {word-wrap:break-word} - span.c10 {font-size:12.0pt;font-family:NSimSun} - span.c9 {font-size:14.0pt} - span.c8 {font-size: 12.0pt} - span.c7 {font-size:8.0pt} - span.c6 {font-size:13.0pt} - span.c5 {font-size:16.0pt} - span.c3 {font-size:26.0pt;font-family:"Lucida Console"} - span.c2 {font-size:11.0pt} - span.c1 {font-size:12.0pt} -/*]]>*/ -</style> -</head> -<body class='c11'> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ingleside, by Madeline Leslie</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Ingleside</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>or Without Christ and With Him</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Madeline Leslie</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 7, 2023 [eBook #69973]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Reader24</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INGLESIDE ***</div> -<div class="WordSection1"> -<p class=""></p> - -<h1><img width="467" height="742" src="images/image001.jpg" alt="Ingleside Cover" /></h1> - -<br /> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><img width="419" height="643" src="images/image002.jpg" alt="Page 6" /></h1> - - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p> -<h1><span class='c2'>[Illustration: FRONTISPIECE. Page 83.]</span></h1> - - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><em><span class='c3'>INGLESIDE;</span></em></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c5'>OR</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c5'>WITHOUT CHRIST AND WITH HIM.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c5'>BY</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c5'>MADELINE LESLIE,</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c1'>AUTHOR OF "TIM THE SCISSORS-GRINDER,"</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c1'>"SISTERS AT SERVICE,"</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText c3"></p><h1><span class='c1'>"THE HOME SERIES," ETC., ETC.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"To be in Christ is the secret of our life; to be for Christ, the meaning of our activity; to be with Christ is the hope of our glory." Anthony W. Thorold.</span></p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c7'>SECOND EDITION.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c7'>London:</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c7'>HODDER AND STOUGHTON,</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c7'>27, PATERNOSTER ROW.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c7'>MDCCCI.XXXVIII.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c7'>Printed by Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld., London and Aylesbury</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c5'>PREFATORY NOTE.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The object of this -book is to prove, from a series of scenes drawn from real life, the misery of -those, whether rich or poor, who live without Christ, and the peace and comfort -of those in whom the spirit of Christ dwells as actuating principles of duty.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The scenes were -selected by the author from a number, either falling under her own observation, -or narrated by friends who vouched for their truthfulness. They are not the most -wonderful thus brought to her notice, but were chosen because they more plainly -prove the object referred to.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The devotion of time -and money, by a young lady described here under the name of Marion Howard, is -not fiction. The eccentricities of Mr. Regy, the sorrows of poor Esther, are -facts. The singular circumstances connected with the brother and sister from a -foreign land, inmates at the same time of the Home for the Sick, though unknown -to each other, were given to the public at the time, and excited great interest -for the unfortunate strangers. Indeed, were we privileged to read the record -of cases in our hospitals, or the diary of our missionaries among the poor and -distressed, we should find that in our very midst scenes so wonderful are occurring -that fiction is left far in the background.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>My little book is sent -forth on the same mission as one of its predecessors, "Tim the -Scissors-Grinder." That it may meet with the same success in winning souls -for the Master is the earnest prayer of</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><em><span class='c6'>THE AUTHOR.</span></em></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c5'>TABLE OF CONTENTS.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>PART I.</span></p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>CHAPTER</span></p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_1"><span class='c6'>THE FIRST SERMON</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>II. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_2"><span class='c6'>THE NEW PASTOR</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>III. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_3"><span class='c6'>THE HOME FOR THE SICK</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IV. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_4"><span class='c6'>ETHEL AND HER PASTOR</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>V. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_5"><span class='c6'>A HAPPY CHRISTIAN</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>VI. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_6"><span class='c6'>THE MUSIC TEACHER</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>VII. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_7"><span class='c6'>GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENTS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>VIII. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_8"><span class='c6'>PLEASANT PROJECTS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IX. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_9"><span class='c6'>THE DOCTOR'S DIAGNOSIS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>X. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_10"><span class='c6'>A RAY OF HOPE</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XI. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_11"><span class='c6'>AN APPEAL FOR SYMPATHY</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XII. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_12"><span class='c6'>MARION'S SICKNESS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XIII. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_13"><span class='c6'>ANNIE'S LETTER</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XIV. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_14"><span class='c6'>THE LOST PACKAGE</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XV. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_15"><span class='c6'>A SAD STORY</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XVI. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_16"><span class='c6'>STELLA'S CONFESSION</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XVII. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_17"><span class='c6'>THE CRIPPLED BOY</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XVIII. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_18"><span class='c6'>A MYSTERY SOLVED</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XIX. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_19"><span class='c6'>TEARS OF REPENTANCE</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XX. </span><a -href="#Part_1_Chapter_20"><span class='c6'>LETTERS FROM THE -PASTOR</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>PART II.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>CHAPTER</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_1"><span class='c6'>GRANTBURY AND THE FIRST -CHURCH</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>II. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_2"><span class='c6'>VISIT TO INGLESIDE</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>III. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_3"><span class='c6'>WITHOUT CHRIST</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IV. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_4"><span class='c6'>WITH CHRIST</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>V. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_5"><span class='c6'>HOME IN THE STABLE LOFT</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>VI. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_6"><span class='c6'>THE SIMPLE PRAYER</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>VII. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_7"><span class='c6'>ESTHER'S FORGIVENESS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>VIII. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_8"><span class='c6'>GAMES AND -ENTERTAINMENTS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IX. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_9"><span class='c6'>TRUE FRIENDSHIP</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>X. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_10"><span class='c6'>NEDDY CARTER'S MISSION</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XI. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_11"><span class='c6'>MANY BLESSINGS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XII. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_12"><span class='c6'>A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XIII. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_13"><span class='c6'>RECONCILIATION AND -HAPPINESS</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XIV. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_14"><span class='c6'>CHRISTMAS DAY</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>XV. </span><a -href="#Part_2_Chapter_15"><span class='c6'>OUR INGLESIDE</span></a></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><em><span class='c5'>INGLESIDE.</span></em></h1> - -<h1><span class='c9'>PART I.</span></h1> - -<h1><span class='c8'><a id="Part_1_Chapter_1">CHAPTER I.</a></span></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE FIRST SERMON.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"WELL! -well!" exclaimed Mr. Asbury, after a preliminary "Hem!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I know what you -would say, pa," interrupted Mrs. Asbury, in a deprecating tone. "But -it isn't fair to judge so soon. It's a trying situation for a young clergyman. -If it was our Gardner, now, we should want people to remember that it isn't -easy to stand up before strangers and preach one's first sermon."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I shan't be a -minister, ma; I've made up my mind on that." Joe looked at his sister, who -generally was not backward in expressing an opinion. Now she only said, as -though speaking to herself, "I wonder what Marion would say." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The family had just -returned from morning service, where the new pastor for the first time had met -the people. Aunt Thankful, as she was called, had taken off her bonnet and -shawl, folding the latter carefully in the creases; now, with a peremptory wave -of her hand to enjoin silence, she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There's either -sorrer or there's sin behind him. I'm inclined to think it's sorrer. It's -Scripter, you know, to let charity have its perfect work."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The door-bell at this -moment ringing, Aunt Thankful, who was passing Sunday with her friends, seized her -bonnet and shawl and left the room. Annie started for the door, to answer the -summons, while Joe opened his library book and began to read.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The sound of a manly -but nervous step in the chamber above called forth a sigh from Mr. Asbury, -followed by the words,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm dreadfully -afraid, wife, we've made a mistake."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't look so -melancholy, pa," urged Annie, returning, "or Mr. Angus will think we -are talking of him. He asked what time we dined, and said he would like to go -to his chamber for a few minutes."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>While he paces back -and forth in the apartment assigned him, I will explain that the parish to -which Mr. Asbury belonged had lost their pastor by death six months before the -opening of our story; that a succession of candidates had been heard, discussed, -and dismissed; that the people, wearied out by their own criticisms, were -beginning to scatter; that at length they conceived the idea of sending a Committee -on an exploring tour, which Committee, going to hear a city preacher, heard in -his place a young man lately graduated from the divinity school; that they were -so impressed with his heartiness in his work they requested an introduction and -invited him to add one more to the number of competing candidates; that he -politely but firmly declined, not believing, this the proper method of -obtaining a clergyman that, after making inquiries of his Professors and -others, and receiving instructions to go forward from the church at home, the Committee -did proceed to call the Rev. Mr. Angus to be their pastor; that, after several -weeks of earnest prayer for guidance, he did accept their call, the public -services of his ordination to take place the week following his first sermon.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His arrival in the -town, which I shall call Grantbury, late on Saturday evening, had given the -family little opportunity for forming an opinion of the new pastor; that he was -tall and vigorous in frame, with a countenance sad rather than smiling, eyes -looking far away, a sweet, musical voice with a sad note running through it, -was all that they knew of him until they took their seats in church directly in -front of the pulpit. The sermon was on Christ's invitation to the weary and -heavy laden to come to him for rest. In the most graphic language he depicted -the condition of these poor, sad, weary sufferers, bearing their heavy burden -of sin and sorrow, longing to be rid of it, but knowing not how to throw it -off, groaning in secret places, with an abiding dread of what the future might -bring to them. He brought tears to many eyes unused to weep, by the vividness -with which he portrayed the soul in darkness, but longing for the light, empty, -void of faith in God or man, shut up in a prison of gloomy thought and -forebodings, every day verging toward the frightful chasm of despair.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Listening to the -preacher's voice trembling with pathos, no one could doubt that he well -understood by personal experience the condition of those to whom our blessed -Lord extended this gracious invitation. Every eye was fixed on his, every heart -followed him; but when, turning from the weary and heavy laden, he pointed to -the One who could deliver them from all their wretchedness, the note of sadness -still lingered. Instead of the triumphant ring of victory from the freed soul, -the tone of peace and rest from those delivered from their heavy load, there -was an unexplained want of harmony between the manner and voice of the speaker -and the subject of which he was treating. A general restlessness among the -audience proved their disappointment.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The sermon closed with -a passionate appeal to all present to accept Christ's offer of pardon, peace, -and rest. The people rose to receive the benediction, half wondering at the -sadness which oppressed them. Under other circumstances they would have crowded -around the new pastor, offering their hands in token of their welcome. They -had been prepared to receive him with enthusiasm. The weeks of suspense during -which they were waiting his reply to their call had deepened their anxiety to -obtain the services of one so highly recommended, but a weight had fallen on -their spirits, and they silently left the church, a few casting glances back to -the pulpit, where sat a figure prone and abject, the face buried in the hands.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>So it happened that -only the Committee who had heard him in the city waited to speak to him, and at -length accompanied him, almost in silence, to the house of Mr. Asbury, where he -was to remain until after his ordination.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_2"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER II.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE NEW PASTOR.</span></h1> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IN the mean time, in -the spacious chamber assigned to the clergyman, a terrible conflict was raging. -Possessed of the keenest susceptibilities, with a morbid sense of his own -unworthiness, he was, alas, too well aware of the impression left upon his -hearers by his morning's discourse.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God forgive -me!" he ejaculated, his hands pressed to his head. "Deliver me from -this terrible burden. Make known to me thy will. Thou knowest my heart. I -thought I heard thy voice. Show me the way in which I should walk. How can I, -laden with sorrow, stand in God's stead and preach the gospel of salvation? -Make haste to help me, O Lord! All my trust is in thee."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A light tap at his -door disturbed his meditations. He presented to Annie a face so pallid and -suffering that she started back, exclaiming,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You are ill, Mr. -Angus: let me call mother."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh no! I am not -ill,—I mean not much. Certainly, I have a headache."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I came to say -that dinner is ready. Mother will give you something for your head."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you. I -will be down-stairs directly."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He turned to his -washstand and dashed cold water on his burning forehead, then, crushing back -the wretched doubts and fears which had oppressed him, he presented himself in -the parlor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His pallid countenance -confirmed Annie's statement of his illness. Mrs. Asbury, with true motherly -kindness, ordered a cup of coffee with out milk or sugar, but postponed an -examination of the case until a more fitting opportunity.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Seated opposite Mr. -Angus at the table was fairy little figure, introduced to him as "Our baby -Ethel." She had large gray eyes shaded and deepened by long, black lashes. -Raising her eyes timidly at first, she glanced at the stranger, gave a little -start at the expression which beamed in his face, then her whole -countenance—eyes, cheeks, and lips—grew radiant and, to the utter astonishment of -all present, the shy, timid little one, whose caresses were so daintily given, -so highly prized, exclaimed,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I love -you!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, -Ethel!" began her father. "Why, Baby!" repeated the mother; but -Annie, catching a glimpse of intense, yearning love in the face of the -clergyman, wondered in silence.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After dinner, one look -of entreaty brought the little miss to the clergyman,—no longer a -stranger,—when, to the undisguised astonishment of her parents, she allowed -herself to be folded in his arms, her long flaxen curls floating over his -breast. Nestling close to his side, with her eyes uplifted to his, she -remained, quietly listening to the conversation which followed, rewarded -occasionally by a smile so sweet, so full of tender yearning, that not only the -child's but the mother's heart was wholly won.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Asbury had asked -some questions concerning Mr. Angus's mission work in the city, and then said -to his wife,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Marion will like -to hear about this: she loves such work."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She is a real -missionary herself," urged Annie. </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I love -Marion," lisped the child. "She is my Marion."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is she your -daughter, Mr. Asbury?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not -exactly," laughing, "though she is as near as a daughter. She is the -daughter of Mrs. Asbury's cousin, now deceased. Indeed she has lost both her -parents, and we have adopted her. She calls us uncle and aunt."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I want Marion to -come home quick, pa." Then, turning again to look in the face above her, -Ethel said, "I'll let my Marion love you too."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A great piece of -condescension on Ethel's part, Mr. Angus," added the mother, laughing -heartily. "The little puss is extremely jealous in her affection for -Marion, and scarce allows her cousin out of her sight for a moment when she is -at home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Does your niece -not live at home, then?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, no, sir. -She teaches music in Madame La Vergnes's Institute in New York; but, as her -classes only occupy six hours a day, she has abundant time for her poor -people."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is against my -wish," urged her uncle, "that she should stay away from home for so -many months in a year."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But not contrary -to your consent, pa," explained Annie. "You told her you wouldn't -forbid it. So, Mr. Angus," she added, blushing at her own earnestness, -"you musn't think our Marion naughty or obstinate. It was her duty she -said, and so she went."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Ethel, I fear -you will tire Mr. Angus, sitting in his lap so long."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He pressed her tightly -in his arms and waited to hear what she would say.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He's skeezing -me, ma. I guess he isn't tired. Are you?" putting her hand softly on his -cheek.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He took the small hand -in his, held it for a moment, asked, "At what time does your Sunday school -commence?" put her hand to his lips as he said, rising, "We are -friends from this time, Ethel. Good by for an hour or two," and left the -room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I like him ever -so much," exclaimed Annie. "Aren't you glad now, pa, that he has come -to be our minister?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Perhaps Mr. Asbury -would have answered still more warmly could he have followed the pastor to his -chamber and listened to the cry which went up from a full heart.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is this a ray of -light from thy throne, O my heavenly Father? May I not accept it as an answer -to prayer for help,—as a token of thy loving care? O God, I bless thee!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Making his way from -his chamber, he saw Ethel sitting on the lower stair waiting for him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You may kiss me -if you want to," she said, putting up her rosy lips.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He caught her in his -arms, kissed her again, the mother coming forward just in time to hear him say, -"God bless you, precious child!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>How warm his heart -felt with this new glow. With his whole soul he received the loving confidence -of this little one as a token of divine favor. God had accepted him and would -bless his work among these people.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Arriving at the -chapel, the superintendent of the school came forward to meet him, with the -request that, in the place of the usual exercises, he would address them. But -Mr. Angus requested to be allowed to watch the workings of the school -consenting, however, to talk to them at the end.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is this your -usual number?" he inquired, glancing over the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes sir, about -the average."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Are they -punctual in their attendance,—teachers and scholars?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, sir; that is -one great drawback to success."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do these children -not go to church? I saw few children there." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, sir; they -seldom go."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Declining a seat on -the platform, Mr. Angus drew an arm-chair near the Bible class and waited for -the superintendent to call the school to order. The gong sounded, but the noise -did not decrease. The second time, with the aid of the teachers, the loud -whispering abated, when, in a low voice, impossible to be heard at the farther end -of the room, the superintendent offered prayer. A hymn was given out, and all -looked around for the lady who usually played the melodeon. She was absent, and -at last, just as the singing was to be omitted, Annie Asbury came forward -blushing, and said, "I will try to play."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus was -afflicted with a keen ear for discords. I can only say that during the singing -he was agonized. Before the closing exercises he had made up his mind that here -at least there was work for the pastor. The apathy was alarming. With few -exceptions, the teachers hurried through the lesson, accepting without reproof -the too evidently manufactured excuses in place of a well-learned lesson; then -shutting the book, he or she became totally oblivious of all that was passing, -some even leaving the class to talk with another teacher.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>That was a face -thoroughly in earnest which confronted the school when the superintendent -announced that "Rev. Mr. Angus, our pastor, will address you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In a full, impressive -voice the clergyman began. </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Boys and -girls,—yes, and teachers too,—we are strangers to-day, but we shall not -continue so. I have a good memory for names and faces. I intend to know you -all, every one. I have come here to be one of you, to love you, and I hope to -be loved in return. My business is to lead every one in this room to the arms -of the blessed Saviour, and I ask you all to help me. As many as are willing, I -ask to come after school and give me your hand in token of your acceptance of -this contract. Until we meet again next Sunday, I ask you to consider seriously -a few questions. You can give your answers in writing if you please. I shall -like that best; or you may come to me,—not in classes, but individually, and answer -them.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"First. What do I -come to Sunday school for,—to please God, or to please my parents, or to please -myself?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Second. Does my -coming just as I have been used to coming please God,—does it please my -parents,—does it please me?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Third. If I -neither please God, my parents, nor myself, in what way can I change my actions -to do so?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now, with the -permission of your superintendent, I will ask you to rise and join me in one -verse.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Praise God, from -whom all blessings flow;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Praise Him, all -creatures here below;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Praise Him above, ye -heavenly host;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Praise Father, Son, -and Holy Ghost."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Remember God is -here: let us not mock Him; now begin." His voice was a deep, rich -baritone, which resounded through the chapel, carrying the scholars and -teachers with him. At the close, he stood with his hand extended toward a -little girl near him. Boys and girls pressed forward, each one giving his own -name, until only the teachers remained. To these, as they gathered around him, -he said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will it be too -much for me to ask that each one of you will ponder the questions I gave you? -The work of a Sunday-school teacher may be wearisome and unpleasant, or it may -be glorious, most blessed. It is God's own work; and He is a good -paymaster."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Annie persuaded her -brother to wait for Mr. Angus, but hesitated about joining him when she saw how -sad he looked. With a frankness which was her peculiar charm she said, -timidly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We waited to -walk home with you, but perhaps you would rather go alone."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you, -yes." Then, rousing himself, he added, "You are very kind. I shall be -glad of your company."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was true that in -the excitement of the past hour his own personal grief had been absorbed in the -sorrow he felt at finding the Sunday school in such a low condition. He began -to realize that this was the keynote by which he must judge of the spiritual -state of the church. Then doubts of his fitness for the work assailed him, and -he was appalled with the reflection that it was too late now to recede. It was -at this minute that Annie met him. He would have given much to be alone, to -fight his battle unobserved; but no, it was better that he should not dwell on -such painful, unavailing thoughts.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Annie glanced at him -occasionally, as with knitted brows he hurried forward, but did not speak until -he was about to turn the wrong way.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This is our -street, Mr. Angus," she said.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pardon me, -Annie, I am usually quick at finding my way, but—I am thinking about your -Sunday school. Were the children more inattentive to-day than usual?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, sir. Marion -goes wild about it. She thinks everything in it is horrid. I heard her talking -to the superintendent; she told him the mode of teaching, the want of order, -the singing, were all as bad as could be; but Marion is a singer, you -know."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How long has -this gentleman been superintendent?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Only a few -weeks. They tried one and another, but nobody would take it. Marion said Mr. -Molton only accepted because he was too good-natured to say 'I won't,' as the -others did."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At the close of the -evening service the congregation were not a little astonished by the request to -remain in their seats for a few minutes after the benediction had been -pronounced, nor was the astonishment abated when the young pastor elect began -to address them. It was as well for them to know it now as any time. He never made -any unnecessary preliminary remarks; he made a fierce dash at any subject and -done with it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Every eye was fixed on -him when he began.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Owing to my -peculiar views as to the dignity of the office of an ambassador of Christ, I -declined to come among you as a candidate for your favor. I knew nothing of the -state of your church and society. I had no experience to guide me, except that -derived from my mission work among the poorest of the poor,—among those so -eager for the bread of life that it was a glorious privilege to break it for -them. I find your church large in numbers; I—yes I must say it—I am appalled, I -am young. It is not yet too late for you to relieve me from the -responsibilities which may prove too much for me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His head sank on his -breast as a murmur, "No! no! We want you," ran through the audience. -His voice trembled with emotion as, after a brief pause, he spoke again. -"God's will be done; there is a great work to do here. We must begin with -the Sunday school. The help of every father and mother and child is necessary. -Above all, we must earnestly besiege the throne of grace for divine help. -Brethren and sisters, pray for each other and pray for your pastor, for his guidance; -that he may be holy, humble, earnest, and hopeful in his work of winning souls -for the Master."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_3"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER III.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE HOME FOR THE SICK.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IN one of the main -avenues in a large city stands a spacious building enclosed in garden. The -edifice and its ornamental surroundings occupy an entire square. Lofty trees -and low shrubs, parterres of flowers, picturesque arbors with rustic seats, -gravelled walks winding in and out among the blossoms, prove to the passer-by -that this is truly what the name indicates,—a "Home for the Sick."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A Russian nobleman, -after a thorough examination of the building itself, its lofty ceilings and -thorough ventilation, its conveniences for heating and cooking, its laundry -department, its beautiful, sunny wards, with the well-trained nurses moving -quietly from cot to cot for the relief of the sufferers, was asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What do you -think of our hospital?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With a burst of -enthusiasm he exclaimed, "It isn't a hospital, it is a palace where the -king receives his guests and takes care of them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At this moment a -carriage is drawn up before the principal entrance and a young woman is -assisted to alight. Presently two men approach with a chair, in which she is -seated, a young lady who has accompanied her walking by her side.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This is not her first -visit to the hospital. For months together she lay prostrate, struggling for -life, going away at last, not strong, certainly, but with a prospect of perfect -recovery. Now she knew she had come home to die. Yes, it was home in the truest -and sweetest sense of the word, for here she had been born of the Spirit. Old -things had passed away and all things had become new. Here she had joined -herself to the people of God, confessing Jesus Christ to be her only hope for -pardon and peace. She no longer shuddered at the approach of the grim -messenger; she was ready to welcome him whenever her Saviour called her to his -immediate presence.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She was placed in her -old bed, endeared by so many precious memories, where she could see the setting -sun, and by his resplendent glories be reminded of the Sun of Righteousness in -whose effulgent beams her soul would bask for ever and ever.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Oh, no! there was no -terror in the thought of death; the language of her heart was, "Come, Lord -Jesus, come quickly."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As she lay reposing on -her spotless couch, her cheek rivalling the whiteness of her pillow, she -clasped her hands, exclaiming,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How good God is! -Think of my being allowed to come home, to have my own bed! You were so -thoughtful, dear friend, to ask for that favor. This room has been like heaven -to me. I am afraid I ought not to be so happy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She glanced wistfully -in her companion's face, who understood the appeal and answered, warmly,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God has forgiven -the past, dear. We are told to 'forget the things that are behind, and press -forward.' You have given that burden to the Saviour; don't take it back again: -it shows distrust of His loving care for those you have committed to Him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If I could only -know before I die that he is safe—I mean that he has accepted Christ,—I would -ask no more. Poverty, even want, I do not care for. Poverty brought me here, -where I found my precious, waiting Saviour; but oh, if I could know that in his -wanderings God's spirit has led him into the truth, how I would praise His name -to all eternity!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>An expression of holy -rapture beamed from every feature. Her friend gazed with glistening eyes. -Softly laying her hand on the head of the dying girl, she repeated the words, -"who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rising, -she pressed her lips to the forehead of the sufferer, whispered, "I shall -come again tomorrow," and left the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In the morning Stella -found herself so much refreshed by sleep that when the chaplain came into the -ward she requested the privilege of having private communion administered to -her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This gentleman, Rev. -Mr. Owen, was not a stranger to her. It was his faithful words which had cut so -deep into her heart that for weeks her soul writhed with self-inflicted -torture. It was a sermon he preached one Sunday when she was in the chapel -which brought her to the feet of Jesus, clothed and in her right mind. The text -was this, "If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will -also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your -Father forgive your trespasses." How quickly the gracious promise had been -fulfilled in her case! Her heart, which had hardened to flint while cherishing -anger toward one whom she believed had injured her, grew tender and loving -under the softening influence of the spirit of forgiveness. No sooner did she -cast away the vile serpent which had coiled itself so closely around her vitals -as to crush out every vestige of affection, than the dove of peace flew down -and nestled in her bosom.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To the chaplain Stella -had related some facts in the history of her early life, with a mere hint at -some events which had blasted her happiness. Only to the loved and trusted -friend of her own age, one who had secured a place for her in this happy home, -and brought her hither, had she confessed that her own temper, jealousy, and distrust -had greatly aggravated her sufferings. Mr. Owen knew enough to understand that, -whatever the past had been, she was now repentant, that she had listened to the -invitation, "Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden," and -that Jesus Christ had given her rest.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In an interview with -the chaplain preparatory to her receiving the precious memorials of Christ's -love, she once more announced her faith in Christ as her only hope for a poor -sinner like herself, and her belief that He would answer her prayers for one -long lost to her, that, if he were still living, he would be brought to love her -Saviour, and to forgive her, as she had, from the heart, forgiven him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The effect of this -service was so refreshing that for several days she was quite free from the -extreme suffering for breath which had so exhausted her. According to her -request, her friend, in one of her daily calls, had brought her paper and pens, -and, bolstered up in bed, she spent nearly an hour every day in writing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The end came at last -unexpectedly. She was sitting nearly upright listening to the last chapters in -the Revelation, when, with a wave of her hand to stop the reading, she repeated -in a full voice the words just read: "And God shall wipe away all tears -from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; -neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed -away."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She paused, raised her -eyes, a bright smile illumined her face; she pointed upward, then with a little -gasp her spirit fled away to the Saviour in whom she trusted.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Waiting only to ask -permission from the superintendent to pay all necessary expenses, and to learn -when the funeral services would be attended, her friend gazed for the last time -on the marble countenance, so peaceful in its calm repose, then, taking from -the nurse a package directed to her care, passed quietly from the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_4"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER IV.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>ETHEL AND HER PASTOR.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>NOW that the -ordination services had passed, the young clergyman girded himself up for his -work among his people. It was his chosen work, and, could he have blotted a few -pages from the book of his past life, he would have gone forward with hope as -well as with courage. During the few days preceding the ordination, he humbled himself -before God, asking help of the Divine Spirit to search out whatever was wrong -in his heart and help him to overcome in whatever tempted him. Still there was -a kind of bewilderment in his mind, a kind of waiting to see whether his Father -in heaven, who knew every event of his life, might not interpose even yet and -by his providence send him back to his work among the poor in the city.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During these days the -influence of the sweet child Ethel did much to quiet him and inspire him to -more confidence in gaining the affection of his people. She used to fix her -eyes so wistfully on his, as she sat opposite him at table, watching and -waiting for the smile which now and then flitted across his features,—a smile -not soon forgotten, so entirely did it change the whole expression of his -countenance. At his bidding she would come and nestle herself in his arms, -never obtruding herself on his notice, but quietly submitting to having her -hand held tenderly and occasionally put to his lips.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her brother Joe, or -Gardner, as his mother called him, was rather a saucy boy, the only son, and of -course a great pet. When he thought Mr. Angus was out of the house, he would -march up and down the long hall singing,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Our pastor is a rare, -rare man,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He sings so fine you -cannot tell,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His smile is bright as -bright can be,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But then he only -smiles for Ethel.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Look here, I'll -tell you a secret," he said to Annie. "My poetry will be the making -of me. I have succeeded so well in my first effort I intend to publish a book -of poems, and I shall dedicate it to the Rev. Harold Angus, who first inspired -my muse. Isn't that the way they put it? I shall have, let me see, how many -copies printed for private use, one for mother, Marion, and you,"—counting -on his fingers—"one for Mr. Angus and Ethel, five, and I'll keep one for myself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Annie laughed -heartily, as she said, "If the rest is as fine as your first verse, no -doubt there will be a great sale. I'm so glad Mr. Angus is to live here."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Only for the -present. He said he wouldn't ask more, and then he whispered baby to plead for -him. Wasn't it funny how seriously the little puss took it? When she found -there was even a possibility of his going away, she walked right up to pa and -said,"—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Do you want -your little girl to go way off?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'No, puss, what -do you mean?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Why, you know -if Mr. Angus goes I shall have to go. He can't go alone, and he hasn't any -little girl but me.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'In that case,' -pa said, 'the matter is soon settled; pa can't spare his baby any way.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In a few weeks the -Sunday school was completely reorganized. Every teacher was obliged to be -present at the teachers' meeting on Saturday afternoon, to be promptly in her -or his place every Sunday; or, if unable to do so, to send a substitute. A -Bible class for adults had been formed, taught by the pastor, and this soon outgrew -the accommodations in the Sunday-school room, and had to adjourn into the -church.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Here more than -anywhere else Mr. Angus felt at home. If it were a mistake for one with a past -like his to stand up in God's place, it certainly was right for him to help -others to study God's word, and so to study it that the effect on their lives -might be for the honor of Christ.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Honestly and truly, he -did try to throw off the burden which often weighed his spirits to the earth, -and yet there were hours when the agony of his mind was almost more than he -could bear, when he could only cry,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Dear Lord, Thou -knowest all. Put Thine almighty arm around me. Hear my prayers and grant me -relief. Visit not, O Lord, upon others the chastening for my deserts. Save me, -and I will praise Thy name for ever and ever."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Day by day he buried -himself in study or in visits among his people, Joe frequently conveying him to -the outskirts of the parish in his father's buggy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One afternoon he had -been alone to a distant part of the town, and was returning, when he stopped at -a small thread and needle store to purchase a pair of gloves. Behind the -counter was a young girl who attracted his attention by a peculiarly merry -expression. The color deepened in her cheeks as she took down box after box, searching -for the right number, and at last she asked him to excuse her ignorance, as she -was only a new hand.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This pair seems -to be very elastic," she said, striving in vain to control the muscles of -her face, which, in spite of her efforts, dimpled and beamed in the most -mirth-provoking manner. She stretched the kid across the back of the glove, and -held it out to him, when he put out his hand for her to measure it. He could -scarcely help noticing that the fingers of the shop girl were beautifully -tapering, and that her one ring, though not a diamond, was large and costly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Just as he was paying -for the gloves, a woman, fat and rosy, came bustling in, exclaiming, as she saw -what was passing,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, I never -did! Why, Miss—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She checked herself -suddenly, warned by a glance from the young lady.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The clergyman had -scarcely reached the street when he heard the</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>woman's voice saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That's the new -parson. Folks like him, mostly, though they do say he's kind o' stiff and -proud."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The reflections caused -by these words were not pleasant. It was possible that when his thoughts were -dwelling on his own painful experience his manner might be reticent. "If -they consider me proud," was his reflection, "how little they know -me! Why, I would exchange gladly with those rough boys playing ball yonder, if -by doing so I would get rid of these harrowing memories. Well, I owe my thanks -to the woman, though I suppose she scarcely intended that I should hear her -criticisms."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Then he began to -wonder who the shop girl could be. She was so evidently out of place there; and -what caused her mirth? Alone as he was, he laughed heartily as he recalled the -dimpled curves around that arch mouth, and wondered whether there had been any -reason personal to himself which brought these dimples into such full play.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Letting himself into -the house by his night-key, he went directly to his chamber, where he remained -until summoned by the bell to the tea-table. Ethel, at sound of his step, -rushed to the door to meet him, her voice ringing joyously as she exclaimed,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My Marion has -come! I'll show her to you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Pulling him eagerly -forward, she brought him face to face again with—the shop girl; stood for an -instant gazing at them, then, in the fulness of her content, and wishing to -give one grand proof of her love, she added,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll let you -kiss her if you want to."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A burst of laughter -followed, during which Mr. Angus had time to catch the little girl in his arms -and whisper something in her ear, Marion, meanwhile, growing very rosy as she -waited for a formal introduction from her uncle.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My niece, Miss -Howard, Rev. Mr. Angus, our pastor."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The gentleman -cordially extended his hand. Their eyes met and they both laughed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After they were seated -at the table, Marion, who was sitting next her uncle and opposite the -clergyman, with a merry glance in his direction, explained:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have met Mr. -Angus before."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Where did you -meet him? In the city?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I had the -pleasure of purchasing a pair of gloves from the store where Miss Howard is -employed. I have tried on the gloves since," he added, glancing archly in -her blushing face, "and I assure you they fit extremely well."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion threw back her -head and laughed heartily, and as mirth is more contagious than any fever, all -present joined in the mirth, though there were loud calls for an explanation.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is -only," she said, "that I called on my way from the depot to see Mary -Falkner, and as her mother was very busy, I offered to sit by Mary's bed while -she finished her washing. Some one came into the shop. Mrs. Falkner was in the -clothes-yard, and did not hear, and I at last went forward, supposing, of -course, that I should be called on for a spool of thread or a paper of pins.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am sorry, sir, -that I could not serve you better, but under the circumstances I did as well as -I knew how. But I am forgetting my errand to you. I charged you too much for -the gloves, and Mrs. Falkner trusted me with the change to be returned, which I -now make over to you"; passing twenty-five cents in silver across the table.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I shall take an -early opportunity to show my appreciation of Mrs. Falkner's fair dealing," -responded Mr. Angus, smiling, as he put the silver in his pocket. But with an -instant change in his tone, "Who is this Mary Falkner? Does she belong to -my charge?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, sir; she is -a poor cripple; so patient and cheerful, that it is a lesson to see her. It -almost brings tears to my eyes to hear her talk of God's mercy to her, and how -He inclines the hearts of people to supply her wants. Why, even the coming of -customers to the store for a few pennies' worth of thread is a subject for -thankfulness."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She is, indeed, -to be envied. I regret that I have not seen her. Such calls are needed by a -pastor for his own good."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's beaming face -bore witness to her approbation of this sentiment, as she remarked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There is no -place in the parish where a visit from you would be more prized than in poor -Mary's chamber."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Dear little Ethel, how -hard it was for her, during the few days of Marion's visit, to divide her -favors equally between her two friends. By this time the friendship between her -and her pastor had become very close. In a small locker under his bookcase were -some of her choicest toys, brought hither from time to time; and with these she -would amuse herself so quietly that he almost forgot her presence. During his -study hours he often rose from his books and paced the floor while he arranged -the topics of his sermons. One glance showed her he was busy, and she scarcely -moved. Sometimes he seated himself in a large chair for the same purpose, when -the little one, watching every movement, obeyed the motion of his hand, and -with her favorite dolly in her arms, silently crept to his lap, sitting so quiet -that she often fell asleep.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Once her father, -coming unexpectedly from his office to the house, inquired for her, and was -told she was with Mr. Angus in his study. The child heard his voice, and -putting her little fat hand on her mouth to keep herself quiet, went softly -from the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm afraid you -will disturb Mr. Angus," her father said. "What do you do in -there?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I keep stiller -than a mouse, 'cause they nibble cheese and I don't, and I make sermons with -Mr. Angus."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Make sermons, -eh?" laughing; "well, you'd better come with me and make the horse -go."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Now if she obeyed -Marion's invitation for a walk with her, she watched anxiously for any marks of -disapprobation from her other friend, nor was she quite satisfied until she had -made it clear to him that she loved him just the same, but that her Marion was -only going to be with her a little while, and would feel badly if she did not -go for a walk.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To her cousin she also -explained why she did not as heretofore devote herself entirely to her society.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have to take care -of him, you know, because he has nobody but me. He doesn't look as sorry as he -did. It always makes me cry to see tears roll down his cheeks."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Cry!" -repeated Marion, quite shocked.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes; when we're -praying to Jesus to make us good, he says we must always tell Jesus when we -have been naughty, and He will forgive us right off."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_5"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER V.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>A HAPPY CHRISTIAN.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>FROM the first Marion -had been agreeably impressed with Mr. Angus; though after hearing from Aunt -Thankful of his first sermon and his cry for help after the evening service, -agreed with her aged friend that he must have known real sorrow; sorrow from -the effects of which he could not all at once rally. After hearing his prayers, -it seemed to her impossible to believe that his sorrow was caused by any act of -his own. If so, she was certain that it had been heartily repented of. The -scene so innocently referred to by Ethel took hold of her imagination. In the -solitude of his chamber he knelt, his little pet by his side, her hand held -fast in his, while tears ran down his cheeks, as he implored forgiveness for past -offences. Do what she would, she could not shake off the memories of this -scene.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion was young in -years, only twenty-three her next birthday; but her life had been an eventful -one. Blessed with Christian parents, her opening mind eagerly imbibed the -practical truths of the Bible. Jesus Christ was embraced as her Saviour from -sin in this life, and from the punishment of sin in the life to come. God was to -her a tender, loving Father, to whom she might go at any hour, with the same -freedom as she approached her earthly father. She realized in an unusual manner -His watchful providence, guiding and guarding her at every step of her young -life. When at the age of seventeen she was bereft of both her earthly parents, -she accepted in all their fulness the promises of God to the fatherless ones, and -never had these gracious promises failed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her education being -incomplete, her guardian' sent her to New York City to the care of her father's -sister, an amiable but thoroughly worldly woman. Mrs. Williamson considered her -duty accomplished when she had seen her niece arrayed in the most becoming -mourning attire, had entered her at a fashionable institution, and introduced -her to her own select circle.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But these -surroundings, so unlike the quiet refinement of her own sweet home, instead of -weaning the young orphan from the pure pleasures of a Christian life, left her -with such a yearning for the society of those who sympathized in her dearest -joys that she resolved to spend more time than ever in communion with her Saviour. -Happy indeed are those who, losing Christian companionship, are driven for -comfort to Christ himself. His love can so fill the soul thus depending on Him -as to compensate for the loss of every earthly solace.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion was allowed to -choose her own church, and at once joined a Bible class, where her hunger for -instruction so animated her classmates and so encouraged her teacher that the -most happy results followed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During the hours in -the day devoted to secular studies Marion worked with all her might. She knew -it to be right to do her very best, and even with the branches of exact -science, which were irksome, she conquered her reluctance and soon made her -mark as a scholar of unusual ability.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Music was, however, -her specialty. It was passion with her, and even before her parents' death, her -skill as a pianist as well as her power with her voice distinguished her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How plainly I -can see a Father's hand leading me all the way through!" she used to say. -"He gave me the ability to sing, and when the right time came He allowed -me the privilege of using my voice for the comfort of others."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She alluded to the -fact of being invited by a gentleman connected with her Sunday school to sing -for the patients at the "Home for the Sick." In connection with this -first visit she used to say,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Never did I know -such real happiness as when I found myself able to comfort those poor, weary -ones, Christ's own sufferers. When one woman, taking my hand, thanked me with -moistened eyes for the words of cheer, it was an impulse I could scarcely -resist to fall on my knees and thank her for letting me sing for her. 'You have -lighted the path to the grave. I'm not afraid now,' gasped one whose wings were -plumed for her flight.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh!" -exclaimed Marion, clasping her hands to her breast as she recalled the scene. -"Who am I, that I should be so blessed?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During the summer -months Mr. Williamson usually travelled with his family or passed the time at -some fashionable resort, and it was his earnest wish that Marion should accompany -them.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But after a week spent -at a gay hotel she told her uncle she found it unendurable; and insisted on -going alone, if he could not find an escort for her, to visit her Aunt Asbury. -She arrived when the whole family were watching the fading away of a young -life. Helen, the oldest daughter, about whom so many hopes had clustered, the -light of the home, the pride of parents and friends, had received a summons to leave -all that had hitherto been so dear and enter on the unknown,—the infinite. -Shuddering with fear, she turned to her parents for help, but they could only -weep and wring their hands. At length their clergyman was summoned, and from -this hour his visits were frequent. The knitted brow had given way to a calm -seriousness, as with trembling lips she said, "I do believe Christ is my -Saviour, and that He will lead me safely home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her parents, too, if -not really submissive, were trying to say, "Thy will be done."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The coming of Marion -at such a crisis was indeed a blessing. Her very first words as she sat down by -the bedside, after offering and receiving a loving embrace, lit up the face of -the dying girl with a ray of Heaven's own light.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"O Helen, how I -wish I could change places with you! Going home to Christ, to be with Him -forever, to see the dear saints who have gone before, to talk to them of what -Jesus has done for you, to sing with them the new song, 'Worthy the Lamb,' to -sit down by the beloved John, to see Peter and hear him repeat the story of his -grief at the denial of his Lord, to talk with Moses and Joseph and Samuel, to -think that you will be forever free from the struggles with sin, that you will -be holy as He is holy. Dear Helen, you are indeed to be envied."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I can thank -God now." Helen's smile was radiant.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Tears were streaming -down Mrs. Asbury's cheeks, but wholly unconscious of them, the lady rose and -kissed Marion, saying softly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank God you -have come! Your visit will do us all good."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Asbury had not -known much of his niece, though he was one of her guardians. He watched her -closely, trying to account for the change in his household. Every day rendered -it more certain that a grim messenger was hovering about, waiting for an -opportunity to enter, but his approach was no longer dreaded. The chamber where -the patient sufferer lay seemed the brightest in the house. Marion, who had constituted -herself chief nurse, went in and came out with a smile. Her voice was often -heard singing there, not sad, pensive strains, but notes with a ring of -triumph. The names of our blessed Lord, Jesus, Immanuel, Saviour, were -constantly repeated, and dwelt on lovingly. The very words seemed to give -strength, even in the lingering echoes.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On one occasion, Mr. -Asbury, too anxious to remain long absent from the house, quietly entered the -chamber just as Marion began a familiar hymn. He had often heard it before, but -never with such a thrill as now. Even the dying girl was joining in the -singing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How sweet the -name of Jesus sounds</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In a believer's ear,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It soothes his sorrows, -heals his wounds,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And drives away his -fear.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It makes the -wounded spirit whole, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And calms the troubled -breast; </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>'Tis manna to the -hungry soul, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And to the weary, -rest.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Weak is the -effort of my heart,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And cold my warmest -thought;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But when I see Thee as -Thou art,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I'll praise Thee as I -ought.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Till then I -would Thy love proclaim </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With every fleeting -breath; </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And may the music of -Thy name </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Refresh my soul in -death."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Gazing into that rapt -face, so elevated above all the pains and sorrows of earth, the father could -not doubt that the prayer in these last lines was answered. The soul was -refreshed, invigorated, and made infinitely blessed by the music of that -precious name. A prayer rose to Heaven from one hitherto unused to prayer, -"Breathe, O Lord, into my soul such love for Thee as may fill my heart -with peace and joy when I go down to the dark valley."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The end came at last, -suddenly, though long looked for. The messenger was not unwelcome. He was -greeted with a smile so sweet, so rapt, that all gazed in wonder. Calmly the -dying girl put her hand in his, while Marion in a clear voice repeated the -inspired words, "'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, -I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort -me.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_6"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER VI.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE MUSIC TEACHER.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE triumphant death -of the eldest daughter was followed by marked religious improvement in the -family. Both Mr. and Mrs. Asbury publicly confessed their faith in Christ. The -family altar was erected with this inscription, "As for me and my house, -we will serve the Lord."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion, too, received -a new impetus in her chosen work,—the work of a soul-winner.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I want to be a -missionary," was her reply to her uncle, when he was urging her to remain -permanently in his family. "I have already begun to make many projects -for the poor in New York City."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But, Marion, you -are too young, too attractive, to go alone among the poor."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't say too -attractive, uncle. I want to be as attractive as possible. Understand me," -she added, laughing, with a visible heightening of color, "I want to be -loved and trusted; and I thank God that I am—am not repulsive in appearance. -Too young I certainly am to go alone; and that is why I have kept dear old -Hepsey. Aunty thinks me obstinate, incorrigible, because I don't dismiss the poor -old creature, as she calls her, and have a fashionable French maid. Dear aunty! -I'm afraid she would think me a fit subject for the lunatic asylum if she knew -where Hepsey and I go."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm afraid, Marion, -that I shall have to agree with Mrs. Williamson that you are a little wilful. -Put yourself in my place, and ask yourself whether it would be right for me to -consent to your going into those infected regions in New York. You might catch -small-pox, or cholera, or something dreadful."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She caught his arm, -and gave it a loving squeeze, then with an arch glance in his face, exclaimed, -"You ought to praise me for telling you all this. I have never told Uncle -nor Aunt Williamson. But seriously, uncle, I haven't a particle of fear. The -sanitary arrangements in a city like New York are excellent. I love life too well, -and I have too great a work in it to put myself in danger. Besides, I have the -earnest approval of dear Helen. I talked with her more freely than I ever did -with any one, and she, standing on the border land between this life and the -next, with Heaven's own light on her, said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Go on, Marion. -Yours is a blessed work. God will protect you in it.' Oh, how that benediction -has encouraged me!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>What could Mr. Asbury -answer to such pleading?</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And so Marion had gone -on, from step to step, till Mr. Williamson was fain to resign his ward to other -and firmer hands. Her aunt, having exhausted all the adjectives in her -denunciations, and having informed her thousand and one friends that her niece -was a bigoted fanatic, who, if permitted, would convert their house into an -asylum for paupers, coolly turned her back upon her, entirely ignoring her existence.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In consequence of all -this, Marion's twenty-first birthday found her in apartments of her own, with -Hepsey for her confidential adviser; not satisfied, as her aunt explained, with -a life of luxurious refinement, such as befitted her wealth and position in -society, but actually engaged as music teacher in Madame La Vergne's institute.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This last step, -indeed, had been earnestly protested against by her Uncle Asbury, and she was -obliged to bring all her powers of coaxing, arguing, and pleading to bear upon -him before he would yield a reluctant consent.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"These young -girls are just entering life," was her concluding plea, "without -either chart or compass to guide them. They will by and by exert a powerful -influence either for good or evil. In no other way can I so readily gain an -influence over them. If I can win only one of them to higher aims in life, will -it not be worth the effort?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Even Mrs. Asbury -expostulated with her niece. "You are free," she urged, "to go -into any society you please, and you surely can find young ladies quite as much -in need of good influences as those connected with Madame La Vergne's school. -You will, when too late, perhaps, find it very irksome to be confined to -certain hours."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now aunty, dear, -don't you turn against me. I have thought so much of this plan, and my -conscience approves, but I want your approval also. Well, I may as well confess -it; there are certain reasons why I want to influence these particular girls, -two of whom are in danger. They were my pets when I was their schoolmate, and -think I have already gained their confidence."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"After all that -is said," resumed Mr. Asbury "you have power to do as you please. You -are absolutely your own mistress, with an independent fortune, but—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion drew up her -queenly form and for an instant looked seriously displeased, but quickly -recovering herself, said, "I'm sure, uncle, you do not mean to hurt me. -You and aunty are all I have who really and truly love me, so if you positively -refuse your consent to my devoting a few hours in a day to an employment which -is congenial to me, with the hope of being useful to two motherless girls, I -will relinquish my project."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. and Mrs. Asbury -glanced at each other as Marion quietly left the room, when with a laugh the -gentleman said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What a way the -girl has of carrying all before her. She must try her plan, I suppose. I wonder -who those two girls are."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And Marion did try it. -How well she succeeded in her efforts for their good will be revealed in the -pages of our book. Her life was a busy one. Often, when she retired to rest, -both body and brain were weary, and yet she was very happy. In her own home she -tended her flowers and fed her birds with a song on her lips. She met her friends -with a smile so sweet, joyous, and free from care that they envied her. -Naturally, she was overflowing with fun; indeed, her vivacity, her quickness at -repartee, made her the life of any circle, and her company, while she resided -with her uncle, was sought by the young of both sexes.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was not her -intention to exclude herself wholly from society, but she was resolute in her -determination not to become a slave to fashion, the degrading effects of such -slavery having, even at her age, been forced on her notice.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I never saw any -one who enjoyed life more than Miss Howard," was the remark of an old -gentleman, after watching her at a musical party. She was surrounded by a group -of young people to whom she was relating a story, the arch expression on her -face bringing into play all her dimples. Gradually one and another, some -advanced in life, drew nearer, eager to share in the enjoyment. Perceiving -this, Marion skilfully drew her story to a close, and engaged others in conversation, -asking questions, and showing herself so anxious to please that a half-hour -passed most delightfully.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Singular being," -muttered Mr. Lambert, an irascible old man who had been introduced to her. -"Not a word of scandal, thirty-five minutes, and no gossip. Pshaw! Fact, -no talk about religion either. A strange fanatic that."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Stranger still, -perhaps, that the old man persistently lingered in the neighborhood of Miss -Howard, leaning forward to catch every word, drinking in the musical ripple of -laughter, which Marion's friends used to call one of her greatest charms, -watching the pure, fresh countenance, the merry, earnest eyes, until the ice -about his heart began to thaw. When they parted, to no one's surprise more than -to his own, he extended his hand, and gave hers a warm pressure as he said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am glad that I -have met one who has no trouble."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am an -orphan," responded Marion, tears suddenly dimming her eyes, "but I -have a dear Father who is so very good to me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You do love life -then, even though your parents have left you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There was a touch of -sarcasm in his voice which made her pity him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, yes; I am -very happy to be alive. There is so much to be done. I envy nothing so much as -the leisure hours some do not know what to do with. Yes, it is good to -live."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What can you -find to employ other people's leisure beside your own?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She gave one quick, earnest -glance into his face, paused a moment, and then answered,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I try to make -others happy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She was turning away -when he caught her hand, and with a strange twitching around his mouth, said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You seem to be -in earnest. I, who doubt every one, find it hard to doubt you. If you mean that -you try to help the poor, you will find it a thankless task. It doesn't -pay." There was intense bitterness in his tone.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But, my dear -sir, that is because you go to the wrong paymaster. He has promised that even a -cup of cold water given for His sake shall receive its reward."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Poor man! -Doubting every one, endured only for the sake of your money; how I pity -you," was Marion's reflection, as she drove swiftly with Hepsey beside -her. "I wish I could give you a lesson in true happiness. I'll try!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_7"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER VII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENTS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>ALL this had occurred -long before our first introduction to the young lady. She still continued to -give lessons in music at Madame La Vergne's school, but received no compensation -except in the case of three wealthy pupils. The amount received from these -three just defrayed the expense for tuition, etc., for two misses she was educating. -One of these, Annie Leman, gave promise of great proficiency in music.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion had speedy -occasion to remember her resolution with regard to Mr. Lambert. She was making -some visits in a street crowded with tenement houses, and had for the moment -become separated from Hepsey. With a basket on her arm she was trying to make -her way up a crazy flight of stairs when she heard a quick step behind her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You have caused -me a pretty race," shouted a man's voice, which she instantly recalled as -belonging to her irascible friend. "Good for heart complaint, very!" -putting his hand upon his breast and breathing quickly. Possessing himself of -her basket, he lifted the cover, and said with a sneer, "Just as I -supposed; tea and sugared dainties—ought to be arrested—idiotic—pests to -society—humbug—sentiment and nonsense!" He was muttering away, when he caught -her look of pity, which rendered him furious.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How dare you -come here?" he shouted. "You, who claim to belong to decent society. -You, a chit of a girl, alone and unprotected in such a region of filth and -pollution."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's cheeks -flushed with anger, and she was going to retort in a like strain, but something -in his appearance checked her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He looked so thin and -wan and friendless. Suddenly the anger faded away and with a smile she held out -her hand for the basket, saying playfully,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If you had waited -a minute, you would have seen that I am not alone here; and I have good company -while you are near to protect me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nonsense!" -His mouth twitched and she was sure his eyes twinkled at this unexpected -retort. When finding herself mistress of the situation, she asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How dare you -come here? It is very dangerous," pointing to the staircase, which Hepsey -at this moment was trying to climb.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Saw you—thought -you—danger—better send police—not fit for one of your sex."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He turned off into one -of the filthy rooms, and they heard him scolding the inmates as though he -enjoyed it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What a -brute!" muttered Hepsey; but Marion Only laughed, adding, "I'm not a -bit afraid of him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As they were leaving -the court he came up out of a cellar and joined them.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Delightful -vicinity; very healthy, too!" pointing to a stagnant pool of filth in -which a pig was wallowing. He shrugged his shoulders, chuckling with mirth.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I see you enjoy -it as much as we do, Mr. Lambert. It's so good for the spirits to see people -enjoying themselves." A group of boys were playing marbles on the uneven -pavement, and scarcely moved for them to pass.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Get out of the -path," he shouted, striking his cane right and left. "Don't you see -you're in the way of your betters?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, Mr. -Lambert!" exclaimed Marion, "you have hurt that boy," as one of -the lads put his hand to his head, sending after them a terrible oath.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pshaw! they're -not tender—good for them—business to get out of the way." But when they -were about to turn out of the street and parted company, they saw him hurrying -back to the group, shaking his cane and shouting, "Wait! Wait!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Curious to know what -he would do, Marion went back to the head of the street, and saw the eccentric -old man throw a handful of coins to the boys, as he could not get them to wait -for another beating.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What a -disappointed life he must have had," she said to Hepsey, after walking in -silence for some minutes. "I wonder whether he has any heart left."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not likely, -miss," was the brief reply.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A few weeks later -Marion was having quite a jubilee in her parlors. She had invited all the older -classes in the mission school, and was entertaining them with a play called -"Shadows." At the end of the back parlor was a wide door across which -a white curtain was stretched, and the children sitting in the darkened rooms -saw behind the curtain scenes which made them open both eyes and mouth in -astonishment. A man was sitting in a chair in a doctor's office and the -physician was examining him. First the outside of his head, then the inside, -taking out with pincers, one tooth after another and putting them in again, -taking from the patient's throat tumblers, plates, long-handled kitchen spoons, -a hammer, and at last an umbrella, which had to be pulled and jerked, till the -patient shrieked.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>They were in the midst -of all this when Marion heard a familiar voice muttering,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Fool's -play,—miserable waste—time,—money,—better send them to the penitentiary at -once."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Since their late -interview Marion had thought much of the strange, lonely old man, and had -nearly made up her mind that he only tried to disguise his real feelings by his -outlandish manner. She gave him her hand cordially, as she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I did not invite -you to my party, Mr. Lambert, but I am very glad you came. I was just needing -some help. My doctor in there needs a new patient: come, I will introduce you -to him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Patient, eh! -Well, I need a doctor badly enough. What do you want me to do?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Only to have -your head cut off, sir."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Hem! modest -request,—very civil, must say. My head is as 'valuable to me as—yours, for -instance."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But he followed her to -the hall, from which they could pass to the room in the rear.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Your head will -be restored in as good a condition as it is now," she explained, with an -arch smile.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Presently the children -saw the old gentleman take his seat in the chair, his long beard distinctly -visible through the curtain.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What do you -complain of?" they heard the doctor ask.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Liver!" -shouted the patient. "Haven't slept a wink for ten years."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not liver, but -conscience,—diseased conscience." This was Miss Howard's voice. "It -needs reorganizing, sir. It affects the whole body, sir. I shall begin with the -head and cut away all the diseased part until we come to soundness, sir."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is this the way -you treat your patients? I'll not stand it. Cut off my head, indeed!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Absolute -necessity, sir. If you wish to be cured, there must be no delay."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pretty sight for -the public,—man minus head."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My salve, sir, -my famous Royal Recuperative Salve, known throughout the world, sir, will make -your head grow again in a few hours, sir."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't believe a -word of such humbug; but cut away; something must be done."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The spectators held -their breath as they saw the knife cut deep into the flesh, then heard the saw -cracking the bone, and, presently, after a terrible groan, the head was severed -from the body and thrown to the floor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Just in time, -sir," exclaimed the doctor, cheerfully. "Disease checked in time; -heart and lungs, and liver too, all right. Now for the salve!" They saw -him rub the neck thoroughly with ointment from a box, and then the patient was -carefully moved from the chair.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The children remained -in their seats awestruck, but the gas was relit and Miss Howard came into the -parlor looking particularly smiling. Wonder of wonders. It was scarcely fifteen -minutes before the patient appeared, leaning on the arm of the doctor, his head -erect and firm as ever.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miraculous -cure," he muttered. "Yes, I'll write an account for your advertising -paper. Head all right; little tenderness here, that's all," pointing to -his throat.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Then," said -Dr. James, laughing heartily, as he took off his false mustache, "I will -bid you good day, sir, and wish you joy of your new head."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert threw -himself into a chair and went off into convulsions of laughter.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Outdoes the -theatre by all odds. Hurrah for the Royal Recuperative Salve to cure diseased -consciences! I'll take twenty bottles! Hurrah!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In the mean time -Marion took the children behind the curtain and explained to them the method by -which these wonders were accomplished. She recalled James, to show them that he -only passed his hand down by the side of the throat, when Hepsey, concealed -from view, passed to him tumblers, umbrella, etc., all of which, in the shadow, -seemed to come from the throat.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The decapitated head -was made of pasteboard, cut to resemble an old man with a beard.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The apartments -occupied by Marion were situated in a fashionable part of the city. Wishing to -be entirely independent, and yet desirous of avoiding the publicity of a hotel, -she had persuaded Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, friends of her parents, to hire this -house next to a hotel and allow her the entire use of the second floor. Her -meals being sent in from the table d'hôte, she could indulge her hospitality without -burdening her friends, who were advanced in age. Besides Hepsey, she had a boy -of sixteen years, whom she employed in various ways, accompanying her in stormy -weather in her visits to the poor, going errands, etc. This boy, Jim, or, as -she called him, James Kelly, was one of the first-fruits of her mission work, -and, being an orphan like herself, she was deeply interested in his welfare.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At the death of her parents, -their home in the country was rented, the furniture, with the exception of -certain costly articles, pictures, etc., being allowed to remain in the house. -These had been brought to the city, and now beautified her pleasant home. -Marion had a passion for flowers, and at her own expense had built out from her -parlor a small conservatory, which was filled with her favorite plants. One -seldom saw her without a bud of some kind doing service for a brooch at her -throat; and in her calls upon the sick, a few fresh-cut violets or a sweet -rose-bud proved a great help in gaining the confidence she so earnestly sought.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Believing, as she did, -that our social qualities were given us to be cultivated, our young friend gave -frequent entertainments, always supported by the presence of Mr. and Mrs. -Mitchell. To further her own plans she selected games, encouraged charades, -improvised characters, occasionally taking part herself, on which occasions she -abandoned herself to the enjoyment with the freshness of a child.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I believe," -she responded to a Christian friend, who was taking her to task for encouraging -a taste for the theatrical,—"I believe that I have done more good by my -charades than I could have hoped for in any other way. In one instance I have -in mind, at a critical period for a young favorite, I persuaded her to come to -a charade I got up especially for her; and I am satisfied the result was happy. -She was in danger of giving way to evil influences; her conscience troubled her; -she became very irritable. I had a little talk with her, took her with me to -visit a poor family, who were indeed rich in faith, and then invited her to my -entertainment. She came to me the second day after and, with a burst of joyful -tears, threw herself into my arms, exclaiming,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'I'm so happy: -the struggle is over. Oh, I can never tell you how I thank you!' She had given -up the acquaintance of one who was leading her astray, who would have made her -a wretched husband, who had denounced Christians as gloomy fanatics, who considered -laughing a sin, etc. My party, mirthful and gay as it was, commended itself to her -conscience; even the play itself conveyed to her excited mind a high moral -sentiment, as I had intended. She went home, passed the night pacing the floor, -while she asked help of God to decide aright. She is now an earnest, cheerful, -Christian worker. Unsolicited, she left the fashionable church which she had -been attending, and is my powerful alto singer at our mission."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_8"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER VIII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>PLEASANT PROJECTS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>ON Ethel's fifth -birthday she claimed the promise of her mother,—that she should sit up to -family prayers. Except on Sunday night, when supper was served at an earlier -hour than on other days, it was her habit to eat her simple meal of bread and -milk and be in bed before the ringing of the supper-bell.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Sitting up for prayers -was quite an era in her young life. No sooner was the meal concluded than she -brought her low chair and placed it close to Mr. Angus. It was the custom to -sing a hymn before reading the Scriptures, and the pastor held the book so that -Ethel could look on the page with him. As he named the hymn he merely remarked, -"It is pleasant to have all join in this social worship."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The child, considering -herself included in this invitation, as indeed she was, began in a low timid -tone to sing her own little hymn, but presently, becoming used to the sound of -her voice, sang so loud as almost to drown the tones of the piano, upon which -Annie was playing. Over and over again she repeated the words, "Jesus, -come and make me good, good, Jesus come and make me good."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The tune as well as -the words were improvised for the occasion, and did not in the least chord with -the notes they were singing. Most of those present smiled, Gardner tittered -behind his book and about Mr. Angus's mouth a suspicious twitching was noticed, -but no one interfered with the child's evident enjoyment of the occasion.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm quite -sure," remarked Mr. Angus afterward, as he seated Ethel on his knee, -"that Jesus will hear and answer your prayer. Would you like to learn a -hymn to sing with us? Ask your sister to teach you one, and you can learn the -tune also. You have a very good voice."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A powerful one, -certainly," added her father, laughing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus early formed -the acquaintance of Mary Falkner, the crippled girl. As Marion had told him, -she was truly happy, though at times a great sufferer. In every event of her -life she recognized a Father's loving, protecting hand, and was so truly -thankful for every favor received that it was a privilege to bestow kindness.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On one occasion, when -the pastor was sitting by her bedside, realizing, as afterward he insisted, -that he was receiving rather than giving consolation, the door softly opened -and Marion, unannounced, walked in. Perceiving the visitor, she was retiring -when Mr. Angus rose to leave.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't go, -please," Mary said to Marion, "I was just intending to ask the pastor -to pray." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus gave the -sick girl his hand when his prayer was concluded saying, as he bent over-her, -"Remember your promise to pray for me; pray that, whether led through a -stony or a flowery path, I may have my Father's guidance as you have."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion drew near the -bedside as the pastor left the room, and was not surprised at the enthusiasm -manifested for him by the cripple.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He is such a -kind friend, so humble, so devout. His prayers raise me to heaven; and he is -mindful of my earthly wants too. Look here," taking from an envelope a -piece of silver, "he always leaves a token behind him, laying it on my -pillow without a word,—sometimes a dollar, never less than half a dollar."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was -sure," answered Marion, in a hearty voice, "that he would be a comfort -to you. You like him so much, I have a great mind to ask you a question. Have -you ever noticed any peculiarity in his prayers or in his manner?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Tears gushed to Mary's -eyes which no physical suffering could have forced from them, and, clasping her -hands, she exclaimed, "Oh, how I wish I could comfort him! And he says I -have. He has a deep, abiding sorrow. It is living sorrow, too. It cannot be -grief for the dead. Once he quite forgot that I was present, and he prayed; but -it is too sacred to repeat. Oh, how my heart ached for him!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mary covered her face -and wept.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I wish he would -unburden his heart to you, Mary. I'm sure you could comfort him. He is a puzzle -to me. There is a weight on his spirits. I have seen an expression of agony -come over his face when he thought himself unobserved. Well, we can pray God to -appear for him. I have never spoken of him in this way before."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Grief is too -sacred to meddle with, at least such grief as his, Marion. I have told my -Saviour about it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When the young lady -left the humble roof she repaired to the station near by to get her satchel, -and found Mr. Angus just sending a telegram to the city. He advanced eagerly to -meet her, holding out his hand.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You are the very -one to advise me," he said, his whole face beaming. "I am a poor -physician, but I know something of medicine. I have learned about Mary's case, -and I do not feel hopeless of her recovery. You live in the city of New York, -and have probably heard of the Home for the Sick."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Certainly I -have. I often go there to visit my sick friends."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Then you will -agree with me that, if I can procure a place for her in that Christian home, -she will have a fair chance for recovery."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Strange I never -thought of it before," murmured Marion, as though speaking to herself.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not at all -strange. It did not occur to me till this morning, and I have just written a message -to Dr. B-, the superintendent, asking to have a surgeon sent to examine the -case. I have myself been an inmate of the Home, and have the most entire -confidence in the care and skill she would receive."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will they send -so far, Mr. Angus? I mean, will there not be great expense? Excuse me, but I -would advise another plan. Mary is a great favorite of mine; indeed, I am under -obligations to her. There is an eminent surgeon in the next town, whom I will -take to see her this very day. If he gives us hope, I will go to the hospital -at once on my return to the city. I only wish I had thought of it years -ago."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A curious expression -on Mr. Angus's face startled Marion, with a slight shrug of the shoulders, -which was strangely familiar to her. It was as though he had said,—"You are -taking the matter out of my hands with a vengeance."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion laughed aloud. -"Don't think me officious in meddling with your plan," she urged. -"I'm a teacher, you know, and accustomed to give orders."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I shall at least -claim the pleasure, Miss Howard, of bearing the expense necessary for placing -her in the Home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll see about -that." Marion gave one of those arch glances which brought her dimples -into full play. When she smiled, it was like a child's face, pure and fresh, -and sweet and loving. For one moment, as he gazed, Mr. Angus forgot his burden. -There might yet be something bright for him in life. With a deep sigh he -shouldered his burden again, and this time it seemed weightier than ever -before.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>They walked in silence -for a time, the young lady puzzling herself to account for the strange -associations connected with that peculiar expression on Mr. Angus's face which -had so startled her. Somehow it was connected with the Home for the Sick. -Rousing herself, and forgetting that his thoughts had not followed hers, she -asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is it long since -you were an inmate?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you mean of -the hospital?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is five years -this very month. It was there I was healed not only in the body, but the soul. -Never did any poor mortal need a divine physician more than I did. Words cannot -express my gratitude that a merciful Father directed me to that spot. The -faithful chaplain found me weighed to the ground, and persuaded me to allow an Almighty -Arm to be placed beneath me. Pardon me," he added, suddenly interrupting -himself, "I did not remember that to a stranger this must be a wearisome -story. I am not used to forget myself in this way."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He turned toward her a -face drawn with pain, to meet eyes full of sympathy, and when she murmured -softly the words, "I am not a stranger, I am a friend," his feelings -almost overcame him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you," -he said, extending his hand, but instantly withdrawing it; then, controlling -himself by a visible effort, went on, "I found my Saviour within those -blessed walls, and was encouraged both by the pastor and chaplain to hope that, -by consecrating my life to the service of my divine Master, I might be useful -to some poor soul as burdened as myself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Has not that -hope been fulfilled, Mr. Angus? Has not Jesus Christ kept his gracious promise -to you and given you rest? Pardon me, I am a missionary too. I have thought -much of you, and prayed for you, as I do for all my friends. I have feared -that—that you have not cast all your burden upon Him. You are trying to bear -part of it alone. Sorrow or sin He has atoned for and has promised to take. Oh, -do give it all up to Him! For your own sake, for the sake of those in your charge, -I entreat you, try His love in all its fulness. It cannot, will not, fail you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her voice trembled in -her eagerness. Suddenly catching a glimpse of his pallid countenance, she -stopped short in her walk.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You will -forgive, you will understand me," she pleaded. "I for a moment forgot -that I am too young to advise you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss Howard, -even you will turn from me in despair when I ask, can these hands, which have -shed the blood of a brother, ever be clean? Even you have seen the mark of Cain -on my brow."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Startled as she was, -Marion realized that in order to give comfort to this burdened soul, she must -control herself. With a face blanched, and shaking voice, she repeated the -gracious promise,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Him that cometh -to me I will in no wise cast out.' Such a promise holds good, even to the -shedder of blood."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do not -understand," he exclaimed, in great excitement, "that it was prompted -by malice. It was an accident. I—But the scene is too ghastly to recall. To no -mortal have I ever breathed the words before. Into the ears of a merciful God I -pour my complaint day and night."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Into Marion's eyes -came a strange light. The color surged back into her face. Memories of the -past, forgotten for years, came rushing over her. She was wholly unaware that -she had stopped again, that her eyes were fixed on his, that she was trying to -read his very thoughts. It required a great effort to come back to present realities. -"I must say something," was her reflection. "Oh, that I was -sure! God grant I may be!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Angus," -she began, her face beaming with a strange expression of hope and tenderness, "forgive -me for saying it, you have grown morbid, brooding over your past. With all my -heart I thank you for your confidence, which I consider as sacred as the grave. -Let me say that I look forward confidently to the hour when the sorrow which -has weighed you down to the dust will be driven away like the morning cloud. -Pray for that time as though you believed God has power to help you. Have -entire faith in His promise."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before he could answer -she had turned into side path and was presently lost to view.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_9"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER IX.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE DOCTOR'S DIAGNOSIS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>ON going to dinner, -Marion was not much surprised to hear that the pastor had requested to be -excused from the table on the plea of a headache. Mrs. Asbury was preparing tea -and toast, which the servant stood waiting to take up on a tray. At this moment -Ethel came running up, her face flushed, exclaiming,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mamma, may I -stay with Mr. Angus? He is sitting in the chair with his eyes shut, and he -looks real sick."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll carry the -tray myself," said Mrs. Asbury, glancing at her husband. "No, Ethel, -stay here till I come back."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He is worse than -usual," she explained presently, as she brought back the food untouched. -"Ethel, dear, as soon as you have eaten, you may go to him. Strange what -an influence she has,"—turning to the family. "He asked it as a -favor, if I could spare her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. and Mrs. Asbury -were so occupied with anxiety about Mr. Angus, whose strength seemed always on -the point of giving way, that they did not notice Marion's abstraction. As they -were rising from the silent meal, she asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Can I have the -horse and buggy, uncle? I want to drive to N—. I am going for Dr. Moore to see -Mary Falkner."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why not ask him -to make a professional call on Mr. Angus?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You might -propose it to him, but I doubt whether he would require a surgeon."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That's so; but I -mean to have a serious talk with him as soon as he recovers from this attack. -It is wicked for him to neglect these warnings."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Annie eagerly offered -to accompany Marion to N—; but she only desired to be alone to have time to -recall fleeting memories, to reconcile coincidences, and decide how it was best -for her to make her surmises known to Mr. Angus.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She had driven slowly -over the four miles to N— before her final decision was reached. It would be -cruel to hold out hopes which might prove fallacious. "No, I must go home, -to make sure. Then, if it be as I hope and believe what a joy." Marion -stopped, wholly unable to express in words the deep emotions which agitated -her. All the time she was tying her horse to the post, she was saying to -herself,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Did she mean -murder? An accident is not murder."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was with a real -effort that she roused herself to tell the physician her errand. He had just -returned from a long drive to visit a patient, and told her he would accompany -her at once after eating his dinner, and return in the cars.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On the way Marion -related all that she knew of Mary's case, and then described the arrangements -at the Home for the Sick.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her enthusiasm made -him laugh. "I know all about that," he explained. "I was one of -the staff of house surgeons there at one time, and I can say it is truly a -home. Very few, even of the wealthiest, can command the care and skill which -falls to the lot of the poorest patient there. I remember a wealthy lady coming -with a valuable servant who had fractured her arm. When the patient was -comfortably placed in bed she was leaving the room, when she met Dr. B-, the pastor -and superintendent.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'I want to -recommend to your special attention the woman I have just brought here,' she -began.”</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Certainly, -madam,' was his polite answer as he passed into the ward, 'certainly; all our -patients have special attention. She shall be well cared for.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have taken -many patients there," rejoined Marion, her eye kindling with pleasure. -"I should say that if there were any favorites, they are the very sickest -and poorest, and sometimes the most repulsive. But after all, the care of their -bodies is only one part. They are led to think of the end of life, and in their -enforced seclusion, with the most loving influences about them, they often, -very often, come to better thoughts of their Maker, and go out with new hopes -and new resolutions in regard to life."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Dr. Moore was -introduced to the patient by Marion, who only said that he had called as her -friend, to find out whether she could be relieved by treatment from her spasms -of pain. He made a careful diagnosis of her case, after which he gave her some -powders for temporary relief, bade her take courage, and returned to Marion, who -was waiting in the buggy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have been to -the station, Doctor," she explained "and there is no train to N- for -a couple of hours, so I will take you home. I see by your face that you have -good news for me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nonsense! A -doctor's face goes for nothing. He has to train it to look expressionless, or -he would soon get into trouble."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You can't -deceive me, Doctor. I know you are going to say she can be relieved."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I will say more. -She will always be lame, one limb being shorter than the other, but, with the -help of a thick sole to her shoe, I don't see why she should not walk about -with as little difficulty as you and I do."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion gave a cry of -joy, clasping her hands. "O Doctor!" she exclaimed, "what a -blessed profession yours is! If I were a man I would be a physician before any -other calling. I do thank you so much. How soon may I take her to New -York?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I've been -thinking," he said, gayly, "of indulging myself with a trip to the -city. How would it do for you to see Dr. B— and engage a bed for her, and leave -me to take her there?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you, -Doctor?" She gave him a glance brimful, overflowing with delight, and he -answered,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I will do -all that. I shall be glad of the opportunity to see the Home once more. Now -Marion, I have earned a right to ask you a question. Why don't you get -married?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion threw back her -head and laughed heartily. "Your question is so entirely unexpected, -Doctor, that I shall have to think before I answer. Well, first, I am too busy -to go about the country and select the right man. Second, I have formed such an -elevated idea of the being whom I would be willing to see in that relation, -that in case I had leisure I should be appalled at the difficulties in my path. -Thirdly, I am just as happy now as I can be. I have my good old Hepsey and -James Kelly, and all my poor people to take care of now. I'm sure I can't -imagine what I should do, even with my ideal man." The laugh which -followed was heart whole.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nevertheless," -urged Dr. Moore, "describe this ideal man to me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"His image is -scarcely distinct enough for that. First of all, he must be a man who loves God -and his neighbor as himself, as our Saviour has commanded."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Humph! I don't -know him, but go on."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He must be both -strong and tender, firm and gentle, courageous, kind, and courteous, capable of -sympathy both in joy and grief. He must be humble in his opinion of -himself." Here a sudden reflection checked her, and she added, softly, -"Not too humble," then came to an abrupt pause.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Appearance and -manners," suggested the doctor, without glancing at her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Poor or rich is -of no consequence; but he must have ability. Whatever his calling is, he must -excel in it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Physician -preferred, probably."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Ye-es, or some -kindred profession."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Lawyer, -eh?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No; oh, no, -indeed, not a lawyer!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Minister to a -foreign court, perhaps?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, not -connected with politics in any way."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There is nothing -left but a shoemaker, or a country parson. Merchants of every grade watch the -bills in Congress with eagle eyes. But how does he look?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Like an -athlete." Suddenly catching a twinkle in her companion's eye, Marion's -cheeks and brow became suffused, and she burst out, "How ridiculous I have -made myself! I never thought so much of my husband before in all my life."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm well -acquainted with him," said the doctor, demurely. "He's all right; -even your parents would be satisfied with him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What can you -mean, Doctor?" She was startled now. "Was there ever such a -man?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>They had reached his -home, and he quietly resigned the lines to her hand. Just as he stepped to the -ground, he fixed an earnest eye on her as he said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The portrait is -excellent, even to the too humble."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Doctor! Dr. -Moore!" called out Marion, as with an arch smile he was turning away, -"you haven't given me your bill. I shall go to-morrow to see Dr. B--, and -will write you at once; A friend of Mary's is to bear all expenses of her -recovery; and, Doctor, I haven't told you how very, very grateful I am to -you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"For approving -your choice of a husband?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You know, -Doctor, I was thinking of some thing very remote from an ideal man, whom it is -very unlikely I shall ever see. I may tell Mary now, mayn't I?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Certainly. And -in the pleasure you will have in telling her the good news, you will forgive an -old friend of your father for making a careful diagnosis of your heart."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He gave her another -quizzical glance and turned away.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How absurd he -is!" murmured the young lady. "How could I have been betrayed into -such nonsense? I wonder whether he was in earnest, in saying he knew any one to -whom the description would fit. He would be a wonder of goodness, and I—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Here Marion astonished -the faithful old horse, who was going on in his quiet jog, by a sudden jerk of -the lines and a peremptory order to quicken his pace. On consulting her watch, -she found it nearly five o'clock. She must call at the thread and needle store, -give Mary the joyful hope recovery, and then hasten home.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To one who is always -looking to her Father in heaven for the gifts which flow into her daily life it -is not surprising, but only an increased reason for gratitude, when -unlooked-for mercies are bestowed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>So it was with the -poor cripple. As Marion cautiously conveyed to her the opinion of Dr. Moore -that her suffering might be relieved, and in time perhaps she might be restored -to active life and its duties, the quick gasp, the tightened clasp of her -emaciated hands, the moistened eye raised in silent gratitude to God, were the -only tokens of the fervent thankfulness which almost overcame her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When Marion had -explained the doctor's view of her case, she went on: "You must give your -pastor the credit of the plan. He was just sending a telegram to the Home when -I met him at the station, and—and"—she hesitated, surprised at herself for -her reluctance to talk of Mr. Angus—"he offered to bear all the expense of -having you conveyed to New York. But I speedily convinced him that I had the first -claim to that privilege."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How good God is, -raising up friends for me on every side!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Good by, Mary, -for the present. I shall expect to see you very soon in one of the nice beds at -the Home for the Sick."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_10"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER X.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>A RAY OF HOPE.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE family were all -seated at the tea-table when Mr. Angus came in from the street. He apologized -for being behind time by saying that a parishioner had sent for him, and it was -a longer walk than he expected. His countenance bore marks of excitement, but -he entered into conversation with the others, and seemed desirous of averting attention -from himself.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After family prayer, -which directly followed supper, he rose as though he was going to retire when -Ethel caught his hand, saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My Marion is -going to sing a hymn before I go to bed. Please stay and hear it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion had already -commenced, and, without noticing who was near her, went through the hymn.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We give thee but -thine own,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Whate'er the gift may -be,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>All that we have is -Thine alone,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A trust, O Lord, from -Thee.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"May we Thy -bounties thus</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As stewards true -receive.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And gladly as Thou -blessest us,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To Thee our -first-fruits give.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh hearts are -bruised and dead,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And homes are bare and -cold,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And lambs for whom the -Shepherd bled</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Are straying from the -fold!</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"To comfort and -to bless,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To find a balm for -woe,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To tend the lone and -fatherless,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Is angels' work below.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The captive to -release,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To God the lost to -bring,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To teach the way of -life and peace,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It is a Christ-like -thing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And we believe -Thy word,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Though dim our faith -may be,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Whate'er for Thine we -do, O Lord,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>We do it unto -Thee."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I propose an -amendment, as the congressmen say," she urged, pleasantly, as she saw Mr. -Angus. "Please stay and sing with us, and then I have some pleasant news -for you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He joined her -instantly at the piano, though she saw that he did so reluctantly. She turned -to the all-inspiring words,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"All hail the -power of Jesus' name!</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Let angels prostrate -fall."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>From the tones of his -voice, as one verse followed another, she could detect the change in his feelings. -In the last stanza it was evident his religious fervor had triumphed over his -sadness. The tones, rich and clear, thrilled Marion's heart strangely. -Happening to meet his eye as she was closing the book, she saw there evidence -of an elevation of soul, as though the sentiments of the hymn had roused him -from his gloom.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you," -was his low response.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I expect to -leave early in the morning," she said. "I shall go immediately to see -Dr. B———. Dr. Moore is very hopeful in regard to Mary's cure, though she may -always walk lame. She was very grateful that you had thought of sending her to -the Home for the Sick."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am delighted, -Miss Howard. You have indeed been an angel of mercy to the poor girl. She -speaks of your thoughtful kindness as one of the chief blessings of her -life."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Isn't it -fortunate that Dr. Moore was once house physician there? and he will convey her -to the city himself. No, Mr. Angus," as he held out his purse, "we -cannot permit you to have all the pleasure, though we gladly share with you. -You have done your part in suggesting the possibility of her restoration, and -she has a friend who will defray all expenses. By the way, if you can spare -the time, she would be glad of a call from you before she leaves home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Duties never -conflict, Miss Howard. If you were not so busy among your pupils, etc., I would -express a wish that you would visit a distressed family I saw to-day. They are -in deep waters, and need a kind friend of their own sex."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Who are -they?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mother, daughter, -and grandson,—one of the most beautiful boys I ever saw. The mother is ill, I -fear on the verge of consumption. The daughter, whom I conclude is a widow, is -too young and beautiful to be left to make her own way in the world. The boy, -Eugene, won my heart at once, and under a sudden impulse I asked the mother to -give him to me: I am fond of children."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I can easily -believe that," she said, with one of her smiles, which always made his -heart so warm. "If I were not very good-natured I should reproach you with -winning away Ethel's love from me. Isn't she a darling?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For answer he bent -down and pressed a kiss on the warm, red lips held up so temptingly to his. The -child at this minute had come into the room to bid him and Marion good night; -having done so, she danced away again, hugging Frances, her favorite dolly, in -her arms.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Of such is the -kingdom of heaven,'" murmured the pastor, his eye following her fairy-like -figure; "and we are told that unless we are like them, we cannot be admitted -to that glorious home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After a pause he -added, "Eugene interested me deeply, but not at all in the way Ethel does. -He is as full of mischief as he can hold; nothing ethereal about him. He is -earthly even in his beauty, while Ethel seems just fresh from heaven. Dear -child! I have learned many a lesson from her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You have -interested me deeply in your friends, Mr. Angus. I wish now I could stay -another day at least, but I cannot."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Recalling the business -which sent her home so soon, there was an earnestness in her voice, as she -repeated, "Oh, no, I cannot stay!" that rather surprised her hearer. -Meeting the questioning glance, it was as much as the impulsive girl could do -to check herself from saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I go for your -sake, to give you that which will restore peace to your heart."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But I hope to be -so successful in my business that I can come again soon. I will ask Aunt Asbury -to visit them, if you wish."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is not a case -of poverty,—at least I think not. The mother—she seems very young—needs sympathy -and counsel; she would only take it from one she loved."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He seemed to be urging -a duty upon her, though he did not so intend it; and Marion grew excited, -wondering whether she ought to write Dr. B— about Mary, and postpone her other -business for another day.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I wish I knew -which was my duty: I have set my heart on something. I ought not to have -delayed it so long. I have been forgetful of a sacred charge, and I wish to -atone for it as soon as possible."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She gazed wistfully in -his face, longing to give him a ray of the hope she felt almost sure was in -store for him,—almost, not quite. "If, after all, I am wrong, and he is -not the one, it would be inexcusable in me to excite hopes only to crush -them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss -Howard," he began, unable to endure the sight of her distress, which by -turns suffused her cheeks and blanched them, "can you not trust me to -decide for you?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"In almost any -other case but this, I could. It would be cruel to tell you now." She -stood one moment, her hands tightly clasped, her eyes fixed on the carpet; -then, with a sudden change, she looked smiling in his face as she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Give me the -exact direction to your protégé's, and I'll go to-morrow morning. I can write -this evening to Dr. B—."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Uncle -Asbury," inquired Marion later in the evening, and when no one but her -uncle and aunt were present, "have you ever mentioned before Mr. Angus -that I have any other income than what I earn from teaching?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not a word. He -considers you suffering from extreme poverty, and quite worries himself over -the time you lose during your visits to us. If you press me to tell you the -whole truth, he is anxious lest your love for dress and jewels should involve -you in serious pecuniary embarrassment. He considers that rich silk and -point-lace collar, though extremely becoming, quite beyond your means."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nonsense! Now do -be serious. I don't want anybody to know, and especially strangers like Mr. -Angus, that—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You can, if you -choose buy up half our congregation, to say nothing of the poor minister. No, -I won't tell him that."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't tease the -child, pa," put in Mrs. Asbury, though laughing herself.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is from the -clergyman especially you wish this important information kept," questioned -the gentleman, his eye twinkling.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion looked really -annoyed. "I see I must explain," she began. "There are some poor -people I am going to help. He offered, from his salary, I suppose, to pay -Mary's expenses to the city, etc. I told him a friend would supply the means, -and I don't wish him to think I am the one."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"On the principle -of the left hand hiding from the right, I suppose. Yes, I see." With a -mischievous glance, he turned to his newspaper, and Marion, informing her aunt -that she intended to make a call on a sick lady in the morning, and had postponed -her return till afternoon, bade them good-night and retired to her chamber.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Passing Ethel's room, -she found to her surprise that the child was still awake.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Please come in a -minute, Marion: I must get up again. I can't remember whether I have said my -prayers. I feel prayers in here," putting her hand to her breast, -"and I can't go to sleep."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, darling, -get up, and I'll kneel with you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Ethel began with—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now I lay me -down to sleep,"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>followed with the -Lord's Prayer, then began her own simple petitions.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Bless me, dear -God, and make me as good as Jesus wants me to be. Bless papa and mamma and Mr. -Angus, and all those I love, and keep them all from sin and from crying. I -thank you for giving me such a kind papa and mamma. I thank you for sparing -them to me so long. I hope you will spare them as long as you think it is safe, -but if you don't think it safe to-morrow or next day, thy will be done."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The little head was -scarcely on the pillow, when Marion, much amused by the child's mode of expressing -her submission, ran back to the parlor to repeat it. As she entered she heard -Mr. Angus's voice asking permission to use the buggy at an early hour to go to -a distant part of the town. Seeing her, he explained that, as she had been kind -enough to delay her return to New York in order to visit this distressed -family, he wished to make arrangements to take her there.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is in a part -of the town with which I am least familiar," he added, "and I should -find difficult to direct any one."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am -sorry," said Marion, frankly. "I know your rule about your morning -hours for study. I would delay my return longer, but it is impossible."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And it had seemed -impossible ever since she had agreed to make the morning visit to his protégés.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If he only -knew," she said to herself again and again, "how much depends on my -going home. I am confident that package is somewhere among my papers; and yet -it is so strange that I have not seen it for years. I had forgotten entirely -that I had it in possession. I did sympathize deeply with that poor, friendless -girl, an orphan, as I had so lately become; but, with so many different -protégés on hand,—so many orphans and others whom I have taken to that blessed -Home,—she had passed entirely out of mind, until that peculiar smile of Mr. -Angus and the expressive shrug of his shoulders brought her up before me. Let -me think. When I left Uncle Williamson's, my letters, papers, etc., were all -packed up and sent to my present home. Strange I haven't seen them. No, some -were sent here."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She gave a scream of -joy, and, running to the kitchen for a hand-lamp, called a servant to go with -her to the attic, where a box marked with her name was stored.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At the breakfast-table, -when Mrs. Asbury remonstrated against her niece's plans, while she looked so -pale and haggard, no one present, and least of all the pastor, suspected that -it was interest in his future which had kept her till midnight searching among -her papers for what she could not find, that disappointment and bitter regret that -she had not more carefully guarded so sacred a trust had caused her many tears.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To add to her -embarrassment, Mr. Asbury, just as he rose from the table, approached her and -said, "Marion, I fear it is your pecuniary situation which troubles you. -Promise me that you will apply to me in any need."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, pa!" -began Annie in surprise; but she never finished her sentence. Marion, noticing -that Mr. Angus was within hearing, gave her cousin a warning glance, coolly -said to her uncle, "I promise," and then walked away.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_11"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XI.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>AN APPEAL FOR SYMPATHY.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE family to whom Mr. -Angus wished to introduce Miss Howard lived in a small cottage in the outskirts -of the town of N-.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On their way thither -he repeated the impression they had made upon him,—that they had seen better -days.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have been -enough among the poor in New York," he said, warming, with the subject, -"to be sure that these are not of the kind who would ask for assistance, -even though they were suffering. I am eager to know how they will impress -you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He turned to look in -her face, which seemed to be unusually thoughtful, but with a bright smile, she -explained,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was trying to -reconcile irreconcilable facts. For instance, I know a gentleman in New York -who has more leisure and money than he knows what to do with, and I was -wondering why I should be so very busy and have so little time for work that I -like best."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have solved -worse puzzles than that, Miss Howard. Can you not imbue your friend with love -for your favorite work? Gentlemen with too much leisure are not to be classed -with the most favored beings." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He is one of the -most wretched men I know, sarcastic and cynical to such a degree that his -society is shunned by every one; and yet I can't help pitying him. I believe -that he has a passion for making himself appear worse than he is. I have taken -a fancy," she added, with a hearty laugh, "to try some experiments on -him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Of what -nature?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, I have been -told again and again that he has no heart. I am applying tests to find out the -fact for myself; so far, that important organ seems to be in a state of -ossification; but I am not discouraged."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If I were your -uncle, I should warn you that ossified hearts, when wakened from their torpor, -sometimes become dangerously active,—I mean dangerous for their own happiness."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's eyes twinkled -with mirth. "I do not fear too much activity, I fear too little. But is -not that the house?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus had told her -the child was beautiful; but this had by no means prepared her for the lovely, -enchanting face which burst upon her as, advancing into the room, a boy of -three or four years sprang out from an inner apartment.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, you darling -little fellow!" she cried, catching him in her arms, and bestowing kiss -after kiss upon him. So absorbed was Marion in delight and wonder that she did -not notice the entrance of a young lady from a door in the opposite direction, -until the voice of Mr. Angus saying, "Miss Howard, Mrs. Cheriton," -roused her to present realities.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Excuse me," -she began, cheeks and chin dimpling with amusement. "I forgot that I was a -stranger,—everything in my admiration for—." She interrupted herself to -place the child on the floor; but he had no idea of being abandoned so -suddenly. He clung tightly around her neck, his face sparkling with mischief.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Genie, don't -tease the lady." The mother's voice was soft, and she spoke with a pretty -accent; but the boy paid not the slightest attention to his mother's mild -suggestion. He clung to his new friend, occasionally holding himself off far -enough to look in her face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Catching a glimpse of -Mr. Angus's tall form standing over near the door, his hat in his hand, keen -appreciation of the scene stamped on every feature, Marion's color surged to -her very brow. She whispered, "Go to the gentleman now, Genie," and -put the boy to the floor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you take a -drive with me, Eugene?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This being soon -arranged, Mr. Angus carried the child to the buggy, merely saying to Marion,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I will be back -in half an hour."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Cheriton looked -so very youthful that it was hard for Marion to believe she could be the mother -of Eugene. She was very beautiful, of the Southern type of beauty,—large, -liquid eyes, regular features, abundant tresses of blue-black hair, which on -the present occasion were wound gracefully around her head, arched eyebrows, and -a pleasant smile when she addressed you. This tout ensemble the visitor took in -at a glance, and all the time she was asking herself, "Shall I like -her?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After speaking for a -moment of Eugene, Marion said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Angus tells -me your mother is very ill."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes; and she has -heard your voice. Will you go to her?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Gladly."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On the bed, but raised -almost to a sitting posture, lay a lady. One glance proved her to be such. -There was an air of refinement and culture about her which proved her to belong -to the best-educated class of society.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She met Marion's -sympathetic glance with an earnest gaze, as though she would read what manner -of spirit she was of; then a beaming smile lighted her whole face, as she said -softly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You are very -welcome, my dear."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I felt -then," said Marion afterwards to her aunt, "as though I could take -her right into my heart of hearts." What she did at the moment to show -what she felt was to bend over and press her lips to the pale cheek of the -sufferer.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A few words of -explanation as to her present visit,—of sorrow that it must be a hurried -one,—and then Marion said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am sure you -will not consider my question prompted by curiosity, if I ask, why are you here -in this out-of-the-way part of the town?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Necessity -compels it, my dear. I need perfect quiet."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Would you prefer -the city?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Greatly, in many -respects, if I were well."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You could have a -physician near you there."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No physician can -avail me now,—at least such is my belief."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Except the great -Physician."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>An expression of -heavenly peace stole over the wan face. She held Marion's hand in a closer -grasp, as she said fervently,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God be praised! -He has applied healing balm. My sins, which were many, are forgiven. Oh, if you -knew all, you would not wonder that I look forward with longing to the hour -when he will call me home!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You would feel -like a poor sailor I found just redeemed from the very depths of woe. He was -singing from morning to night,"—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Love I much, I'm much -forgiven; I'm a miracle of grace.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's clear voice -as she sang the lines rang through the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you sing a -hymn for me, Miss Howard?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Without a moment's -hesitation the young began one which was a favorite with herself.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whate'er my God -ordains is right;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His will is ever just;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Howe'er he orders now -my cause,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I will be still and -trust.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He is my God:</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Though dark my road,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He holds me that I shall -not fall,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Wherefore to him I -leave it all.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whate'er my God -ordains is right;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He never will deceive.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He leads me by the -proper path,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And so to him I -cleave,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And take content</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>What he hath sen</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His hand can turn my -griefs away,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And patiently I wait his -day.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whate'er my God -ordains is right;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Though I the cup must -drink,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>That bitter seems to -my faint heart,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I will not fear nor -shrink.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Tears pass away</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With dawn of day;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Sweet comfort yet -shall fill my heart,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And pain and sorrow -all depart.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whate'er my God -ordains is right;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>My Light, my Life is -he,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Who cannot will me -aught but good,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I trust him utterly;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For well I know,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In joy or woe,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>We soon shall see, as -sunlight clear,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>How faithful was our -Guardian here.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whate'er my God -ordains is right;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Here will I take my -stand,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Though sorrow, need, -or death make earth</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For me a desert land.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>My Father's care</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Is round me there;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He holds me, that I -shall not fall,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And so to him I leave -it all."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before she had ended, -the door softly opened and was left ajar.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion started at the -sound of wheels. "There is Mr. Angus!" she exclaimed; "but I -cannot go yet. I feel as though I had known you all my life. I have to go to -New York to-day. I want you to go to the city. Why will you not come to me? I -have room for all of you. Yes, that will be best. It will be next to having my -mother with me. I can insure you a quiet room. Will you come?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglas closed -her eyes; tears called forth by such kindness from a stranger, trickled through -the eyelids. Striving for self-control she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Angus told -me you were an angel of mercy. Never did any strangers in a strange land need -friends more than we do. I have prayed night and day that my heavenly Father -would raise up for my poor Juliette and Eugene Christian friends. He has -answered my prayers. I will consider your proposal to go to New York, where -board within our means can perhaps be obtained near you. For Juliette's sake I -would be glad to be there."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I regret so much -that business of importance calls me home to-day, but I will find a place at -once, if you will not accept my invitation. I am sure I can promise for Mr. -Angus that he will be a good friend to you and attend to your removal."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mamma, I'm going -home with Mr. Angus," shouted Genie, bursting into the outer room. -"I'm tired of staying here."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss -Howard,"—the voice was so full of solemnity that Marion bent over the bed -again to listen, her breath coming quickly,—"you do not seem like a -stranger. Mr. Angus told me I might confide in you. If I had time and strength -I would tell you the sad story of my past life. I was gay and thoughtless, -living for this world alone. I have been justly punished. Some time, if God -gives me strength, I would like to tell you my sad story. If, after you know -all, you are willing to be a friend to the dear ones I leave behind, the only burden -left me will be removed."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I will gladly -listen."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With moistened eyes -she had just answered, when Mrs. Cheriton opened the bedroom door, saying, -"Your husband has returned, madam, and asks whether you are ready."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion bent over the -bed and kissed the sick lady, glad to hide her blushing cheeks caused by Mrs. -Cheriton's blunder. Then saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Please explain -that Mr. Angus is only my friend. I shall see you again before long," hastened -to the door.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Eugene was still in -the arms of the clergyman and it required much persuasion on the part of his -mother to coax him to remain with her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_12"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>MARION'S SICKNESS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE drive back to town -was a silent one, and not until they were within a short distance from home was -a word spoken. Mr. Angus seemed absorbed in thought, and his companion, with -the added care of the friends she had just left, was little inclined for -conversation. A sigh from her at last caused the gentleman to ask,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Have I done -wrong in bringing to your notice these strangers?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, sir. No, -indeed. What a dear old lady she is! And not very old either. Sorrow, I -imagine, more than time, has aged her. Eugene is a perfect dream of boyish -beauty."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What of the -young mother?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion sighed again. -"I don't know. I have been trying to decide. I have seen somebody whom -she resembles. She does not attract me as her mother does."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Eugene scarcely -has a feature like hers."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, he is more -like you than like her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She had entirely -forgotten her high praise of the boy's beauty; but a little twitching about the -muscles of his mouth proved that he remembered and was far from displeased.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you -know," she asked quickly, as they drew up to the door of her uncle's -house, "that I am going to take your new parishioners to New York? For -some reason, Madam Douglass prefers being there, and I have promised for you -that you will aid them in their removal."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pecuniarily, do -you mean?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Certainly not. -Only as a friend, in getting to the right train, etc.; but even that is not -necessary: Uncle Asbury will attend to it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Just as you -please, Miss Howard."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She sprang from the -carriage without giving him an opportunity to help her, and ran into the house. -His voice, so sad and cold, had hurt her. Seeing no one in the hall, she went -in haste to her own room, to pack her satchel for her journey home, saying to -herself meanwhile,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If he knew all -that I do, and all that I can guess about his sad past, and how shamefully I -have neglected my promise to that poor, dying girl, he would be justified in -never speaking to me at all."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At the dinner-table -Marion gave a description of Madam Douglass and Eugene, merely mentioning Mrs. -Cheriton as the boy's mother; and easily won a promise from her aunt to go and -see them. "I wish, aunty," she added, after the conversation had -turned to another subject, "that you would notice whether Mrs. Cheriton -resembles any one you know. Her eyes haunt me. I have tried in vain to account for -the resemblance."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Once on the train, -Marion acknowledged to herself the need of rest. With one hand to her throbbing -temples, she took memorandum book and pencil from her pocket. Two visits to -some very destitute families ought to be paid, and Hepsey must take her place -for this time. She noted down the following words: "Board for three, not -too far away. Home for the Sick. Letter to Dr. Moore. Search for lost package."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The carriage, with -James on the box with the driver, met her at the station, as she had -telegraphed him to do. Seizing a letter from Dr. B-, she read hastily, and, -finding that Mary could be received at once on the recommendation of Dr. Moore, -countermanded her order to be driven to the hospital, and said -"Home." Here she only remained long enough to dash off a letter to -Dr. Moore, enclosing the one from the superintendent, and then went to Mrs. -Mitchell for advice about a boarding-place. Four or five were advertised as -desirable situations; and Marion, putting by her anxiety to begin her search -for the package, hurried off in the carriage to examine for herself. Two or three -hours were consumed in going from one house to another, finding each that she -visited more unsuitable than the one before it, and at last only engaged rooms -conditionally, in a private family, recommended to her by a friend, whom she -met near the door. Enclosing the street and number to her aunt, she requested -that Madam Douglass might be informed of the place and price, and an answer -returned at once.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Hepsey was just about -starting on her mission when she caught a glimpse of her young mistress, and -exclaimed, in great excitement,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You are ill, and -have not told me. I must see you in bed before I go out."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was indeed true -that a terrible lassitude had been stealing over her ever since the excitement -of the morning. For two nights she had scarcely slept, and since breakfast she -had barely tasted food.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A cup of tea -will revive me," she said, trying with a smile to allay Hepsey's too -evident anxiety.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Then feeling herself -grow more languid, she said, aloud,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I can't give up -now. I must find that package, I must, if I search all night."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The tea was brought -and eagerly swallowed, but the temples still throbbed, and at last the young -girl reluctantly acknowledged that she felt ill and must rest for a few hours.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Hepsey quietly laid -off her bonnet and shawl, called James, and gave him the address of the poor -she was going to visit, with directions as to procuring them food, etc., and -then devoted herself to her young mistress.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>An hour later Marion -woke from the heavy sleep into which she had fallen with a shriek of distress. -Her eyes were wide open, but she did not recognize the faithful nurse who was -bending over her. A physician was instantly summoned, who found her in a high -state of mental excitement.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How long has -this been coming on? I ought to have been called earlier," he said, in -some irritation.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She only returned from -the country this afternoon," explained Hepsey.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He went back to the bedside, -re-examined the pulse of his patient, listened to her incoherent mutterings, -and then said gravely, "She has symptoms of a contagious fever. I have had -a few cases already among the poor."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"James has just -returned from an errand to one of her protégés, a mission boy. He had just been -buried, and a flag was hung from the window to prevent people from -entering."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, if people -will go round to these filthy haunts, they,—but it's no use to think of that -now. I'll do my best to save her. I'll have a flag out here, unless you will -promise that no one shall come in: perfect quiet is a necessity."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Hepsey promised, but -the next morning, after a short absence from the room, she found a young lady -sitting by the bed, bathing the hot temples of the sufferer.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have come to -stay," she said softly, as she rose and beckoned Hepsey into the hall. -"Mrs. Mitchell told me last night how ill she is, and I have come prepared -to act as nurse. You will let me help you"; and the young girl gazed -wistfully in Hepsey's face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was Annie Leman, a -favorite protégé of Marion, whom she was educating for a music teacher, and, -looking in her earnest face, Hepsey had not the heart to deny her request.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We'll see what -the doctor will say," she murmured, and then they both returned to the -room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>What the doctor said -at first sight of this girlish figure was, "I won't have her here." -What he said after the second day was, "What could we do without -her?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And so the sun rose -and set while in that quiet room the fever raged, for Marion had been in the -full vigor of health, and the heated blood rushed rampant through her body. -Sometimes she tried to spring from the bed, calling out,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I must find -it," or "Here it is," and laughed aloud for joy. At other times -she lay for hours in a heavy stupor, while rich and poor besieged the door with -inquiries concerning her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Among others who came -was Dr. Moore. He had safely conveyed Mary Falkner to the Home for the Sick, -where he learned from Dr. B— that Miss Howard was dangerously ill, and went at -once to her house to learn who was her physician, when they came together to -see her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion woke suddenly, -to find her old friend from N— bending over her. A momentary consciousness -caused her to call him by name, and then, associating him at once with her -friends in Grantbury, she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Tell him there -is hope," then fell back into heavy sleep. Every morning came a bunch of -cut flowers of the choicest varieties from Mr. Lambert, with a request to Mrs. -Mitchell to be informed whether "any change had taken place in Miss -Howard."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Day after day as it -passed proved to all Marion's friends that the young girl who glided so -noiselessly around the bed was possessed of a native skill just fitting her to -take a part in the struggle between life and death going on in that chamber. -She was never seen to sleep, and yet she never seemed weary. Not a movement of -that prone figure escaped her notice, not an order or prescription of the physician -was forgotten. When the doctor asked in wonder,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What sustains -you?" her brief answer was, "Love, sir. Love and gratitude. She -deserves from me all that I can give her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Hepsey told Mrs. -Asbury, who came from Grantbury to see her niece,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We have all -cause to thank God for sending Miss Annie here. The doctor says, if our dear -Marion lives through this dreadful time, it will be the loving care, which, -with the blessing of God, has brought her through."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>If Mr. Lambert -believed what he was so fond of affirming, that the poor are a thankless set, -who will steal your purse the minute your back is turned, his faith in this -assurance might have been shaken by the genuine sorrow manifested during Miss -Howard's illness.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One instance of -affection and gratitude he was himself a witness of. He was approaching Miss -Howard's door early one morning with a bunch of exquisite blossoms in his hand, -carefully shielded from sun and wind by the tissue paper covering, when he saw -a little girl approaching from the opposite direction. She had on a thin shawl, -which she held out from her person as though shielding something precious. -Curiosity prompted the gentleman to watch and see what she was going to do. He -held back till she ran down the basement steps and timidly rang the bell of the -lower door of Mr. Mitchell's house.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Cautiously he stepped -forward, and saw her hold out one little pink.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you please -give the kind lady this?" she asked, in a pleading tone. "When I was -down with fever, she brought me a beautiful bush all covered with flowers, and -she told me how to water it, and put it in the sun. This flower came out last -night. There are no more, or I would have brought them. She's been ever so good -to mammy and me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There were tears in -her voice as she spoke, and the listener, grumbling under his breath at his own -folly, put up his finger to prevent a tear from falling from his own eye.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What's your -name?" asked the woman at the door.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nanny -Morse,—she'll know."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, I'll see -that she has it,—if it's only to hold in her poor, unconscious fingers," -she added, as the child, after an earnest "Thank you, ma'am," turned -away.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert afterwards -confessed that he felt like throwing his costly flowers into the street. He did -not, however; he rang the bell, delivered them to James, the servant in -waiting, received the sadly spoken message, "No change, sir," and -then hurried away, muttering,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"World upside -down; just my luck; only girl in all the crowd worth that," snapping his -finger; "and she going—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He stopped suddenly at -sight of the little flower-girl again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She was talking to a -disreputably dressed lad, who, with a rimless cap stuck on one side of his -head, was evidently annoyed at the detention.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't go, Jack. -'T would grieve her, even in heaven, if she knew you'd turn back to the bad -after all she's done for yer."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm hungry, and -if I go home mammy'll beat me, sure."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, she won't, -Jack,—not when I tell her about the kind lady. Come, go with me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Take this and -buy a cake," exclaimed Mr. Lambert, thrusting some silver pieces into -Nanny's hand.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Not waiting for any -thanks, he strode off in the opposite direction, muttering, "Old fool! -Just like you! Meddling, always meddling."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After using his -handkerchief vigorously, he went on: "What business is it of mine, if she -dies to-day? I don't care. Yes, that's a lie: you do care, you old sinner! You -only say that because you're so hateful,—you know you care. You'll never see -another like her. There!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_13"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XIII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>ANNIE'S LETTER.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE third week of -Marion's sickness there came a crisis and hope. Yes, it was evident to all -there was hope now, where fear had prevailed. The doctor's mouth, which had -been so firm and rigid, relaxed; and there was a suspicion of a smile. -Hepsey's eyes were less watery, James opened and shut the outer door in a -jubilant manner, proud of being the one to say to the anxious inquirers,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The doctor -begins to hope."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On Annie Leman's pale -face had come beams of light, which made her beautiful. Scarcely conscious of -her own action, she went forward to the physician, caught his hand and pressed -it in both hers.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How can I thank -you sir," she said, softly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pshaw, Miss -Annie! She owes more to you than to me. We can both thank God. She has been so -close to the open gates, I think she can tell us something of what is -inside."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One Thursday morning, -twenty-six days from the time she left Grantbury, Marion opened her eyes and -the light of consciousness dawned in them.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For one instant there -was a bewildered expression as she gazed at her faithful watcher, who sat by -her side; then she smiled, and said faintly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's -Annie."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, dear."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How came I in -bed? I remember I felt ill in the cars."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You have been -sick, but you are much better now. Take a spoonful of this, dear, and go to -sleep again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Lie down by me, -Annie, and I'll try to sleep. You look pale and tired."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Annie smoothed the -pillow, changed Marion's position, and then lay down on the outside of the bed, -as she had done so many times during the last weary weeks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss Howard's -excellent constitution is doing wonders for her," remarked Dr. Ross, as, -after the crisis, she seemed to make a leap into the arms of health. "No -more drugs: Nature will do her own work now."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This was Marion's -first experience of severe illness, and it was difficult to make her understand -that for a time she must be economical of her newly gained energies.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I feel so -strong," she insisted, "that I ought to be waiting on Annie, instead -of her waiting on me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Speaking of Miss -Annie," said the doctor, "I have two little girls old enough to learn -music. By-and-by, when you are well, I shall ask her to take them into her -care."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How do you know -she is competent, Doctor? You ought to consult me," urged Marion, with her -old beaming smile, as she saw that her favorite pupil had difficulty in -controlling her gratitude at this unexpected offer. </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll test her -capabilities now. Come, Miss Annie, into the parlor, and give me a piece -offhand."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With many blushes she -obeyed, and, seating herself at the piano, played from memory an accompaniment -to a simple ballad, which she sang with so much sweetness that the physician -was delighted.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Teach my girls -to play and sing like that," he exclaimed, "and your fortune is made. -Teach them another accomplishment, too,—to play when they are asked, without -excuses, as you did. I more than half expected you would say, 'I'm all out of -practice, Doctor'; or, 'I'm far from strong.' Teach them all that, and you'll -win the gratitude of one father."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before Marion was able -to drive out herself, she insisted that Annie should spend several hours every -day in the open air. Indeed, she contrived so many errands which it was -imperative must be attended to immediately that the young girl could not -refuse.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She early learned that -Mary Falkner came to the city soon after the place in the Home for the Sick had -been secured for her, that Dr. Moore had seen her safely in the bed in her -ward, and had afterward had a consultation visit on her own case with Dr. Ross.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She seemed to have -forgotten all about her new protégés, Mrs. Douglass and Mrs. Cheriton; but one -day, on looking over the cards left during her sickness, she found one which -brought the crimson tide back to her pale cheeks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was a card with the -name in print,—Harold Angus; and underneath, in a fine hand, was written Juliette -Cheriton, with the street and number of her boarding-place.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, how much I -have to do!" Marion said. "I forgot this lady entirely."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Annie wondered what -caused the pained voice and firmly set lips of her friend, but she only said -soothingly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't worry, -dear. Tell me if there is any thing I can do to help you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion put her hand -wearily to her head, and in answer to Annie's earnest remonstrance, pleading -that she would think of nothing about business now, she only asked,—"How -soon will the doctor be here?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not for some -hours yet. You will have time for a good nap."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Please give me -my pen and paper: I must write a few words, then I will try to rest; and, Annie -dear, will you leave me alone a few minutes?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The table was drawn -nearer, materials for writing placed within reach, and Annie, after a wistful -glance at her friend, left the chamber. If she could have looked back and seen -the weary, tired, pained expression which came over her friend's face as she -seized the pen, she might have doubted whether she was acting wisely to leave her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The note was quickly -written, indeed the words were dashed off with a fierce energy, as though she -doubted her ability to finish, unless at once. It read thus:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Mr. Harold Angus:—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Life is uncertain. -I hope to live to restore to you a packet from one</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>whom I strongly -suspect was dear to you. To find this package drove</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>me home from -Grantbury, where I first heard that which connected you</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>in my thoughts with -a young girl called Stella. I am not aware of its</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>contents, and can -only say now that Stella died of consumption at the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Home for the Sick, -loving and forgiving and blessing all those who</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>had been dear to -her.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>MARION HOWARD.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Having sealed this, -and written the address, she added this direction: "If I should die, -please deliver this at once;" then, enclosing the whole in a blank -envelope, she touched her hand-bell and requested Annie to place it in her -desk.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I must rest my -head now," she said; "but first, I want you to promise me that, in case -anything should happen to me, you will forward any letters you may find in my -desk. Don't look so frightened, dear. I shall try to get well, for I have a -great deal to do, and life is so pleasant; but there are duties which I dared not -defer."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At this moment James -knocked at the door, and passed in a letter just delivered by the postman.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is Annie -Asbury's handwriting," explained Marion, in a glad voice. "It will -soothe me to sleep, perhaps. Annie is a dear child."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The letter read thus:-</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>DEAR MARION,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Imagine me sitting -by the east window, where I can</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>look out on the -great elm-tree, and hear the robin-redbreasts as they</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>are calling their -mates to join them in a morning song. I wish you</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>could see the -grass. It looks greener than green, now that the sun</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>is touching it. I guess somebody else is feasting his eyes on the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>emerald greensward -(that's quoted), for I hear a curtain rolled up</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and window-sash -raised, so I am going to quit this highfalutin style,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and let my pen run -on as it will; but, before I forget it, I must</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>tell you that ever -since Mr. Angus ran up to town the day he called</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to inquire for you -there has been a change in him. Before that he had</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>one of his worst -attacks of depression, or dyspepsia, as Aunt</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Thankful calls -them; but now he seems to have made up his mind not</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to give way. I -don't mean that he is cheerful, and I don't know as</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I can explain what -I do mean. You must see him, before you will</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>understand. Last -night, after prayers, ma must have noticed something</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>different in him, -for she went to him and held out her hand in that</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>kind way of hers.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I thank you -for your prayer," she said: "it has done me good."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>All the answer he -made was to repeat these words,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"God is my -refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>As he stood with -his eyes fixed full on hers, I saw a new light</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>in them, as though -he had said to himself, "I'm going to take courage</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and go ahead."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>If he had seen you, -and you had talked to him as you did to pa and ma</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>after dear Helen -died, I should have expected to see just such a</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>look.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I suppose you know, -dear, that those foreign people went away the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>week after you did. -Ma went with Mr. Angus and brought Eugene here.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>He is so beautiful -he almost took my breath away; but I am sorry</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to say he is so far -from good in Ethel's meaning of the word that she</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>considers it -necessary to pray for him very often. Not a soul would</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>he obey but Mr. -Angus. I laughed so much I had to go out of the room:</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>there was that boy -with eyes flashing, defying everybody to make him</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>stop teasing the -cat, and holding her up by the tail; and there was</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Ethel perfectly -dumb with astonishment, eyes wide open, pale cheeks,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and that little -quiver of her lips she has when grieved. Mr. Angus</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>took in the -situation at once and said,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Come to me, -Eugene."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>The boy did not -stir.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>If I were an artist -I would try to sketch Mr. Angus's eyes, as he</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>fixed them on the -defiant little fellow. There was power in them.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I think Ethel would -be frightened into fits if he looked at her in</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>that way. Eugene -endured it a minute and then ran, throwing his arms</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>around the neck of -the conqueror, who looked lovingly enough then.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I only waited to -see whether Ethel would be jealous; but the precious</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>child went up and -held up her sweet lips to kiss Eugene and show him</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>she forgave him; -then I ran to my room and had a hearty laugh all to</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>myself.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus told ma -that Eugene was a Spanish Creole, and that it is</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>natural for him to -be hot-blooded.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Ma said you wanted -me to write a whole letter about Ethel,—all her</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>funny sayings and -doings. I'm sorry now I didn't begin with these,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>for I fear my -letter will be too long.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>First, she is a -darling. Yesterday she came running in from the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>garden, her hair -all in a friz about her forehead, her cheeks of a</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>brilliant color.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Oh, my!" -she cried, throwing off her hat. "I'm all in a</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>sweatperation."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"A what?" -repeated Gardner, trying not to laugh.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"A -sweatperation. Isn't that right?" she asked quickly, as he burst</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>out laughing.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"It's -perspiration, dear," I explained. She was a little mortified.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>She has begun to -learn the Commandments, and applies them to herself</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and her dolls on -all occasions.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Do you remember -that habit she used to have of twirling a piece of</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>her dress or apron -when she was talking? She made a clean dress look</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>so mussed, ma told -her she mustn't do it.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>A few days ago I -heard her talking to her favorite doll, Frances.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"You have been -a very naughty girl: you have broken the Commandments.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Don't deny it, -Frances. I saw you do it."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"What has poor -Frances done?" I asked.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Mussed her -nice dress all up, so she can't go to the party."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"It wasn't -pretty for her to do it; but I don't think it was breaking</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>the Commandments, -dear."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Why, yes, it -is, Annie, because I forbid her to do it."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Oh! it comes -under obedience, then."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Yes, she is -very naughty."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Two weeks ago Mr. -Angus asked ma to let Ethel and I go on the lake</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>with him. Ma is -afraid of the water, you know, and so she asked,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>anxiously,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Are you used -to rowing?"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>He seemed very much -amused as he said, "Yes, Mrs. Asbury."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Pa laughed as he -explained, "Our pastor is a regular sailor, ma:</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I'll trust -him."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>When we were -getting into the boat I was a little afraid myself,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>it tipped so; and -there stood dear little Ethel shaking from head</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to foot.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Will it tip -over?" she asked, as Mr. Angus lifted her carefully in.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"No, dear. I -think God will take care of us." He looked very lovingly</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>at her as he put -her down on the cross seat in the centre, while I</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>sat at one end and -he at the other. There was not a sign of fear</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>after that. She sat -up straight, looking at him, but not saying a</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>word till he -asked,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Do you like -it, Ethel?"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Yes, sir."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>The next day she -was in his room, and he saw her take her five</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>dollies out of the -locker and make them all kneel down by her doll's</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>bedstead. She was -just going to kneel too, when he asked,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"What are you -doing, Ethel?"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>She came right up -to him and said, "Ma is going to take me to</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>New York when my -Marion is well enough, and I'm going to ask God</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to make the boat go -softly."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"That's -right," he told her; and then he heard her whisper a little</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>prayer.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>He told ma that she -seemed perfectly sure after this that the boat</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>would go softly, as -she said. He often says, "She is a blessed</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>child." He -never praises her, as so many do; but I know he thinks her</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>beautiful, from the -way he spoke one day when a lady was comparing</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>her with another -child. He said, "There can be no comparison.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>For purity and -sweetness of expression, she is beyond any child</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I ever saw."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I must tell you one -thing more about our pet, and then I think you</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>will credit me with -four letters of common length.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>You know we have -always wondered that Ethel should remember so much</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>about her nurse -Bridget, who died a year ago. She always seemed</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>troubled about her, -and used to look up and say, "Can't you speak</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to me out of -heaven? Can't you just whisper a little?"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>A few days ago she -went into the kitchen and sat down very soberly.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"It's very -bad," she began, "to have naughty legs go into heaven.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Naughty legs had -better be cut off than to try to get into heaven."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Cook told ma, and -we all thought she had heard somebody read about;</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"If thy right -hand offend thee," etc.; but she came to ma the same</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>day, sat down, and -began to sigh.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>She looked -anxiously in ma's face as she said,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I suppose -Bridget has told God by this time that I kicked her."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Ma says she was very -much surprised, as she never knew Ethel to kick</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>any one; but she -answered calmly,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"If Bridget -told God, she told him also that you didn't mean to."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"But I did -mean to." She held her finger up to emphasize it, and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>repeated, "I -did mean to."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Well, then, -dear, she told him that you were sorry."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Yes," -sighing. "I'm sorry now. I wasn't sorry then, when she went</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>away."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I'll tell -you, darling, what you can do,"—ma saw she was really</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>troubled and -conscience-stricken,—"you can kneel down and tell God</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>yourself that you -are sorry. He will forgive you."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>She knelt for some -time by her little chair, whispering her prayer in</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>God's ear. Since -that she has never mentioned Bridget's name.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>She must have -suffered all that time from the pricks of her tender</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>conscience. I'm -sure I saw tears in Mr. Angus's eyes when ma told him</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>about it.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Good-by, dear -Marion. The breakfast-bell is ringing, and I'm sure</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Gardner is doing -it, for it is done with a will. He's hungry,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I suppose. From</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>COUSIN ANNIE.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_14"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XIV.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE LOST PACKAGE.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"DON'T wake her; -I'll call again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I think, Doctor, -she wished to see you specially."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I do," -called out Marion, awaking from a refreshing nap, with Annie's letter still in -her hand. "Doctor, I'm almost well."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Decidedly. Are -you dismissing me?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, indeed; but -I want to ask you something."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She waited a moment, -as though uncertain how to state her business. "Doctor, I have something -on my mind that troubles me. I feel sure I should be well at once if it were -decided."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is it a case of -blasted affections, or—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't joke, -Doctor: it's a serious affair. It's a breach of trust on my part, and I can't -rest until I have done all in my power to remedy the injury."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why do you tell -me this?" he asked, evidently startled. "Go to your lawyer, -or—perhaps your clergymen would do better."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Because you were -my father's friend, and you are my friend. I only tell you now to get your -consent to my doing what my conscience tells me is my duty."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I can't give -advice on such general information. I must know particulars."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I will state a -case. Suppose a very sick and dying girl confided to your care a letter or -letters containing her last words to a dear friend, name unknown. Suppose that -years passed and you never thought of the trust, and at last, when you had -reason to suspect you had found the right person, the letters were lost. Suppose -that this person was a dreadful sufferer for want of the words which are probably -in those lost letters. What would you do, Dr. Ross?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am very sorry -for you, my dear child, if you are in such trouble as that. Can't you inform -the person of the contents of the letters?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If I only knew -what the contents are, and that he is the right one to receive them. Years had -passed since she had heard from her friend, and she often said it would be a -relief to know that he had repented and died. I inferred that he had done her -some great wrong, and she had told him she never would forgive him. Before she -died she did forgive him with all her heart, and with almost her last breath left -him her love and her blessing."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Tell the person -that."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How can I be -sure he is the one, without the packet? It is enclosed in a business envelope, -directed to me. It is very aggravating that I cannot recollect her name—but -that I could find at the Home for the Sick. I knew her as Stella."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Have you made a -thorough search?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, no! I have -not thought of it for years. Just before I was taken sick, something occurred -of a confidential nature, which led to a suspicion that he is the one I ought -to give it to. I began to search at once for it among papers I sent to the -country when I left Uncle Williamson's. I have not looked for it here. I -cannot recollect seeing it for years. Now I want you to consent that I go to -work in earnest. If I don't find it," sighing heavily, "what shall I -do?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Let me think a -minute." He rose and paced the floor, while she gazed at his knitted -brows, clenching her hands in impatience for him to speak.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He came back to his -seat, and counted her pulse.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well," he -said, with a grave smile, as he glanced into her eager, wistful face, "if -you feel pretty sure you have a clew to the right individual, ask him some -leading questions. Has he ever heard of such a lady, naming her? If he is -ignorant, or pretends to be, you are relieved from that responsibility. If he -should prove to have known her, you can state the circumstance: of her sickness -and death, and the messages she left for a dear friend."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But, -Doctor—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I know; and -I am trying to choose between two evils. You are recovering from a dangerous -illness, and are not fit for any excitement. On the other hand, it is possible -that the worry of mind, while waiting for strength, will do you equal harm; so -I will make a compromise. Your pulse is pretty steady. You may have as many -papers as you please brought here, where Miss Annie can help you search, if you -will promise to stop at once if you feel tired, take one of those sweet-tasting -pills, and go to bed."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you, -Doctor. I promise. Will you please ring the bell?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He laughed as he -complied. Then saying, "I wish you great success," left the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In ten minutes Marion -was dressed and seated in an old-fashioned armchair, while within her reach was -a drawer of papers, pamphlets, etc., etc. Annie Leman sat on a cricket near by, -while James was bringing drawers and boxes from the storeroom.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Having explained what -she wanted to find, the work proceeded in silence, occasional sighs from Marion -being the only interruption. In less than two hours every paper had been -handled and thrown back.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Are you sure, -James, that you have brought all?" The tone was sharp and decided.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, miss. Mrs. -Mitchell came to the attic and told me which to take, and she says there are no -more in the house."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Take them all -away, again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She sank back and -covered her face with her hands, but starting presently, she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am not keeping -my promise to the doctor, Annie. I must take one of those horrid pills, and go -to bed. I want to sleep and forget everything."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The next day was so -pleasant that Mrs. Mitchell proposed she should take a drive; but Marion had no -heart for anything, unless, indeed, "I could go to the Home for the Sick -and see Mary Falkner,—and I don't believe the doctor would let me do that. I -could ask Dr. B— to examine the record too. If Stella's name was Angus, -I—" she stopped suddenly on hearing the doctor's step.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He came in while they -were discussing the subject, and ended it by saying she was to go and drive -around the park for an hour.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He contrived to send -every one from the room, and then asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What -success?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"None at all. I -have no hope, now, and have made up my mind to be as patient as I can till I am -well enough to see the one to whom I referred, and tell him what I know. I -think he will forgive me, but I can never forgive myself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After this, she went -out every pleasant day for a week, and gained strength rapidly, notwithstanding -her abiding regret in regard to the lost packet. Then came a few days of wet -weather, when she was obliged to keep in-doors. She sent for her pupils, gave -them lessons, and heard them sing and play. She sent for new music for Annie, -and tried to interest herself in it. She purchased flowers and sent them to -Mrs. Douglass, who, under the care of an experienced physician, was gaining -strength daily. The first pleasant day she resolved to go to Grantbury, taking -James with her. Annie Leman had returned to her aunt, and was giving lessons to -her first pupils.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One morning she stood -watching the cloud, which seemed to be blowing over, and said to herself, -"To-morrow, if it clears up, I shall be off. What a relief it will be to -tell him, and be forgiven for my neglect of so sacred a trust!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She heard the bell -ring, and then James's voice asking whether she would see Mr. Belknap.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Certainly; ask -him up at once." She advanced eagerly to the door to meet her father's -aged friend, and her own legal adviser.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's manner was -always charming in its heartiness, but towards her aged friends there was almost -a filial warmth, which made them feel that they were special favorites. She -seated the white-haired old man in her most comfortable chair, putting an -ottoman near him, where she could sit and look in his face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You have been -near death, I hear," he said tenderly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, sir; but -all that time was lost to me. I was not conscious of danger."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God has been -good to you, my child. He has raised you up to new duties. You must be thankful -for all His mercies."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I must, indeed. -I want to be better for this sickness, more helpful of others not so favored as -I am, more humble and charitable."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That's right, -dear child. Ask for grace to improve each day's joys and sorrows, and you will -get it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He then talked to -Marion of business, saying, "There are some papers which it will be -necessary for you to sign."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He had made a long -call, when the doctor came in, and, seeing Mr. Belknap, telegraphed to Marion -to speak to him in the hall. When there he only said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Tell your story -to him: he's a good friend to you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And she did tell him, -relating the death scene in the hospital more in detail than she had done -before. She told him also that she had accidentally met a person who was -burdened with a heavy grief, whose name, as nearly as she could recollect, was -the same. She had always called her friend by her first name, and the belief -grew stronger and stronger in her mind that he was the one to whom her dying -friend referred. An expression on the gentleman's face had first startled her -and carried her back in mind to her friend, and the recollection of the letters -left in her care.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He listened -attentively, not saying a word till she had finished the recital.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You say she died -in the Home, in the year 18—."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, sir."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And that he also -was in the same Home for months,—that he told the chaplain his story, as she -had told hers, probably."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, sir; but I -didn't think"—she stopped abruptly, staring in his face, and then -exclaimed, "Oh, if I could find that packet of letters! I begin to think -he cannot be the one after all. Perhaps her friend has long been dead."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Where did you -keep the packet?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I must have put -it where I considered it safe at the time; but her story was so vague,—and she -never mentioned the relation in which this person stood to her. I fancied he -might have been her lover. I was young, and thought I was to keep it till -called for. I remember thinking as she was a foreigner it was not likely it -would ever be delivered to any one. When I left Uncle Williamson's, I kept some -papers here and sent the rest to Grantbury."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Except the green -box of deeds, etc., etc., we keep in our safe."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion started to her -feet, exclaiming, "It is there! It is there! Let us go and get it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She rang the bell, -told James to have the carriage round as quickly as possible, hurried on her -hat and sacque, looking so eager and hopeful that her old friend said, -cautiously,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't be too -sure, my child."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She turned to him, her -whole face dimpled with smiles.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm almost as -sure," she said, "as though I had it in my hand."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In a few minutes she -stood at the lawyer's table, while a clerk was sent for the green box. One -minute more, papers tied with red tape, worth thousands of dollars, and nicely -filed receipts were scattered over the table. Near the bottom lay the missing -packet, which, with a scream of joy,—"That's it,"—she caught and held -to her breast.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I can't sign -anything to-day," she answered, as the younger partner requested her to -wait a few minutes. "If you will send the papers round, I'll do it: I'm too -excited now."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She ran down the -stairs, whispering over and over,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God has been -very good to me"; then to the coachman,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<h1><img width="556" height="875" id="Picture_8" src="images/image003.jpg" alt="Page 169" name="Picture_8"/></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c2'>[Illustration: SHE -FELL ON HER KNEES. Page 169.]</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Home as quickly -as possible."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Once in her own -chamber, she locked the door and, not waiting to remove her hat, tore off the -envelope; and there, written in a feeble hand, was the address,—"Harold -Angus, formerly of Doncaster, Yorkshire, England."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She fell on her knees, -and thanked God. A strange calm stole over her, as she began to realize that it -was her privilege to lift the heavy burden from one whom she so greatly -respected, so admired for his many noble qualities.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She summoned James, -and sent him off to the telegraph office with this message:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>REV. HAROLD ANGUS, -Grantbury, Conn.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Please take the -afternoon train, 2:50, for this city. A carriage</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>will meet you at -the station.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>MARION HOWARD.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_15"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XV.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>A SAD STORY.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To describe the scene -which followed, I will quote from the words of an eminent author.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Have you ever -watched the sun rise upon a landscape that has been, but a few moments before, -a world of gray and black shadows? Have you seen the rosy flush of dawn -creeping in lines of tender light across the hills, and shining down into the -valleys?" If you have seen this beauteous birth of day, and felt its full -significance of life renewed, then your imagination can fancy the dawn of the -new and perfect joy with which the young pastor received the intelligence contained -in the letters.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have come at -your call," he had said, as he entered her parlor, where she met him with -outstretched hands. Looking full into his face she saw there the change of -which Annie had written. His eyes shone with a quiet courage, more touching -than the wildest despair. It was as though he had said, "My Father has -sent me a cross. I will bear it manfully, looking to Him for strength."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion had been for -hours planning how she would break the news to the pastor. All was forgotten -now. Her voice rang with joy, as she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have news for -you,—good news. I knew your Stella. She gave me this for you. Only this morning -I first knew the address."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She put the precious -parcel in his hands, adding, "When you have read it, I will come back and -tell you of her happy death. Please touch the bell when you are ready."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was more than an -hour before the signal was given. When she re-entered the parlor his face bore -the marks of deep emotion; but the new light I have described at the beginning -of my chapter was shining from it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Have you read -this?" he asked, leading her to a seat, and taking one beside -her,—"No, I do not mean that,—did she tell you?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"When I first -found her, she talked of one who had blighted her life. She never named you. I -had no idea she alluded to a brother. After she went to the Home she became a -humble Christian, loving and tender to every one."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He was struggling hard -to control his emotion, but presently said: "How wonderful that, when you -were tending her and ministering to her wants like a sister, I was within a hundred -feet of her, crying and praying God so to soften her heart that she might -accept His forgiving love! How wonderful that my Father, in His wisdom, has -withheld this," holding up the letters, "till by His grace He enabled -me to say from the heart, 'Thy will be done'!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And gave me the -privilege of restoring to you the last token of her affection."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As she spoke, Marion's -tears flowed fast. "Will you thank Him for me?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As they knelt, he -poured from a full heart words of praise and thanksgiving. He consecrated his -life and all its powers anew to the service of the Saviour. He asked that -through these events, so mysterious, bringing to him, after the lapse of so -many years, the knowledge of his sister's acceptance of Christ as her Saviour, they -might both be more trustful, resting all their cares upon Him who had done all -things well.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Again and again Mr. -Angus asked for reminiscences of his sister. Again and again Marion related in -detail the account of their first meeting,—Stella's despair when first told she -could not live, her removal to the blessed Home, the sermon on forgiveness from -the chaplain, the arrow of the Spirit which sent it home to her heart, the -sweet and abiding peace which followed when she gave up her burden of sin and -sorrow to Christ.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Where is her -grave?" he asked, concealing his face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"In Greenwood. I -will take you there in the morning, and you will want to see Dr. B- at the -Home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"In what words -can I thank you, Miss Howard? You not only befriended a poor orphan while -living, but provided a place for her in that lovely home for the dead."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It was a -precious privilege, Mr. Angus."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Seizing her hand for a -moment, he dropped it suddenly and walked away to the window.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Tea is -served," announced James, opening the door.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"One word, Miss -Howard. Will you listen to my story? I want you to read my sister's letters. If -you will listen to me first, you will then understand the cause she had to -consider me her enemy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I should -consider it a sacred privilege."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My good Hepsey, -Miss Prime, Mr. Angus," she added, advancing to the table, where Hepsey -sat. "Mr. Angus is my Grantbury pastor, Ethel's friend," she -explained, as they took their seats.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After grace had been -said, the conversation turned naturally to the family of Mr. Asbury, and -especially to Ethel.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After a while Mr. -Angus asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Have you heard -from Mrs. Douglass of late?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, she has -revived in a wonderful manner. I intend to visit her as soon as my doctor -removes the embargo he has placed on me. He has the lowest opinion of my -prudence, and imagines me incapable of caution."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And he is -right," insisted Hepsey, laughing. "Once you begin your visits, there -is no knowing when they will end, until you are brought up again by some other -contagious disease."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am engaged -this evening, James, if any one calls," remarked Marion, as they rose from -the table and returned to the parlor. "Now, Mr. Angus I want to introduce -you to my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, who have kindly made a home for -me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The conversation for a -few moments was of a general character, and then Mrs. Mitchell said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We should be -happy to entertain you to-night, Mr. Angus. James will show you to your room, -when you wish to retire. I will not say good-by, as I shall see you at the -breakfast-table."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was evidently a -relief that the restraint of others' presence was removed. The pastor wanted -time to realize his new situation,—freed from the harrowing reminiscences which -had so long oppressed him,—and especially he wanted to narrate to the dear -friend who had done so much for him and his sister the actual experiences she -now only surmised. He sat quietly following with his eyes her movements as she placed -a screen on the gas-shade, moved a vase of flowers to the table, folded a -newspaper, and performed those little acts of womanly refinement which make the -delight and comfort of a home.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"May I tell you -now," he said, softly, as she seated herself opposite him; "and will -you be charitable toward the faults of a wayward youth, as you have been to the -failings of the man?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her bright smile -encouraged him, and he dashed into his story at once.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was born in -Doncaster, Yorkshire, twenty-nine years ago. Two years later I had a sister -Stella. When I was ten and Stella eight, my mother died, leaving behind her an -infant boy, whom father named Wilson, for his maternal grandfather. A sister of -my father came to keep house, and care for the baby. I might have helped her, but -I fear I made her hard task harder. Stella was naturally wilful, strong in her -likes and dislikes, capable of the warmest affections. She took little Will, as -we always called him, to her heart, and made an idol of him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Father never -seemed the same after mother's death. I can remember him sitting, his arms -folded, lost in his own thoughts and memories of the past.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I grew up with -little restraint. To do myself justice, I pitied father so much that I often -went away and wept. I loved Will too; but Stella was jealous if I separated him -from her, and I gradually let him alone, except as I wanted to tease her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Occasionally, -when I was too abusive, she appealed to father; otherwise she took Will and -shut herself in a room with him, where I could not get at her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"In my thirteenth -year father woke to the face that I needed a master. He sent me to a military -school, and promised that if I would do my best he would purchase a commission -for me in the army. I did fairly well in my studies, and went home in my -uniform, carrying a prize for good conduct. As I recall my actions at that time, -I must have been a great nuisance. Stella told me frankly that she wished I -would go back to school and never return. Aunt Sarah was almost beside herself, -settling disputes between us. Poor little Will used to scream and run away when -I went near him, at which I did not wonder, for he was taught to consider me an -enemy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Father was more -feeble than ever, and passed much of his time in his chamber. I might have been -a comfort to him, but I was not.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It was nearly -three years before I was allowed to go home again. Aunt Sarah told me that -Stella persuaded father to keep me away. I had grown in that time from a boy to -a man. My military drill had made me strong and vigorous. I was fond of -athletic games, and my companions thought I excelled in them. I could hunt and -row all day long without fatigue, and was never so happy as when excited by competition -in study or in athletic exercise.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But there were -hours when I longed for home, for a mother's unexacting affection. I -accompanied my classmates to their homes and witnessed the mother's pride in -her boy, her lavish affection poured out on him, notwithstanding his faults. I -realized that I should be better with the incentive of a mother's approbation -to spur me on.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was fond of -children too, and in my long, enforced absence, I came to idealize my little -brother. I planned how I would win his confidence, and help him to a happier -life than I had had.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was summoned -home to father's death-bed. Dear father! When it was too late, he realized that -he had allowed his grief to swallow up every other feeling. He—asked my -forgiveness,—dear father!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His choking voice -interrupted the story for a few moments, and Marion's moistened eye; showed -that her interest was intense. After pause, he went on,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Father had -settled his worldly affairs before my return. His property was not large. It -was equally divided between my sister, my brother and myself. Part of mine was -to be spent in the purchase of a soldier's commission. He lived two days after -I reached home. I am glad to remember that he forgave me all my waywardness and -folly, commending me at the last to the care of my mother's God.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This affliction -drew Stella and myself together and for a few weeks we lived more peaceably -than we ever had done; but she was still jealous of any interference with Will, -so that my dreams of winning his love ended suddenly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I had my gun at -home, and Will used to beg Stella to let him go with me. He was continually -saying that he would be a soldier when he was a man. He used to look after me -as I went out with my gun over my shoulder. I gratified him a few times firing -at a mark, and then I allowed him from the window to see me load my gun.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"One morning,—oh, -how vividly every circumstance comes back to my mind! even the fragrance of the -white rose-bushes, and the pretty hedge all in bloom,—I was unusually -aggravated by poor Stella's unreasoning jealousy, and I answered with some hard -words. I reproached her with having made my life miserable. I told her I came -home resolved to be loving and patient. I reminded her that we were orphans, -and ought to love each other; and then, as she called me some undeserved names, -I retorted angrily that I was the eldest, the proper guardian of the family, -and that I would use my authority to take Will from her to prevent his being -ruined.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will stood by -me, and listened to all the talk. Then, as I angrily left the house, he ran -after me and had to be carried back by force. I was frightened at the violence -of his temper, and, to soothe him, said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'If you'll go -back, you may play soldier with my gun.' I had fired it off in the early -morning, and left it standing behind the door.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I soon repented -of my anger, and was ready as usual to blame myself. I will be more patient, I -said, over and over again. I had always trusted in my own strength, and of -course had failed. I turned back and entered the house. Will was alone. Stella, -not expecting me, had left him by himself, for a punishment. He looked guiltily -in my face, and I said, Come, let's make up and be friends. I'll teach you to -be a soldier.'</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I took the gun -and playfully aimed it at him, knowing it was not loaded. Alas! alas! There was -a loud report, and Will, my poor little Will, fell to the floor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My aunt and -Stella rushed to the room and found me with the gun in my hand, dumb and -immovable with horror. With a shriek I shall never forget, Stella caught Will -in her arms; but when I approached she waved me off, calling me a murderer, and -shouting again and again, 'I will never forgive you,—never! Never!'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Aunt Sarah -helped move Will to a bed, sent for the doctor, and then, beckoning me into -another room, shut the door, and said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Harold, tell me -truly. How did it happen?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Somebody loaded -the gun after I went out. I thought it was empty. I wish it had killed me, -instead of my brother.' Six feet tall as I was, I laid my head on the table and -sobbed like a child.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'You must get away -from here,' Aunt Sarah said, putting her hand softly on my head,—the first -caress I had had for years. 'Stella is wild with anger. Will is dyin and she -will say you murdered him.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Where shall I -go?' I cried. 'I'm an outcast, like Cain; and yet the moment it happened loved -my brother better than I ever did in my life.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was delirious -with grief and remorse. I went from the house, and passed the night on mother's -grave. I can recall little after that time, till found myself on board a vessel -bound for the United States. Stella's letter will tell you what happened in the -interim. What comfort the knowledge of those weeks would have been to me all these -years, you can scarcely imagine. Will died of the wound inflicted by my hand, -but not until he had confessed that he had loaded the gun while left alone. He -called for me continually but poor Stella was, as she expresses it, possessed -of a devil, and would not send for me. She continually denounced me as a -murderer, and Aunt Sarah had to explain again and again how it had happened.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I resolved then -and there to leave the money father left me for her use. I was reckless, and -did not desire to live.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"As you will read in -her letter, Stella says that she saw me at the funeral, and almost repented -when she perceived how changed I was. I have not the slightest recollection of -being there.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I landed in -Charleston, S. C., and made my way to Philadelphia, where I found the means of -living while I pursued my studies. I gave up military life, and thought I should -be content if I could fit myself for an editor of a paper. I was in an editor's -office in New York, when I was seized with fever and carried to the Home for the -Sick. I came away with new aims, and only longed to benefit some poor afflicted -ones as I had been benefited there. You know the rest. I studied three years at -the seminary, working among the poor meanwhile, and had just begun to preach -when I was requested to supply the pulpit for a pastor who had been my most -faithful adviser. I was called to Grantbury, and accepted the call. How nearly I -retracted my acceptance, weighed down with a sense of my unfitness for the -work, how I besought God with strong crying and tears to appear for me and let -me know His will, no one but He knows.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There are poor -Stella's letters. I have blamed her, but not half so much as she blames -herself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion covered her -face with her handkerchief. The story was sad indeed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Perhaps I have -done wrong to tell you all this," he urged, rising and walking the room. -"You are the only confident I ever had."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, no, not -wrong. I thank you. If deal Stella could only have lived to tell you herself -how fully she forgave you, how earnestly she longed for your forgiveness!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"At first," -added Mr. Angus, "I used to pity myself; but when I had received -forgiveness of my heavenly Father, my pity was for her. I remembered that the -unforgiving cannot receive forgiveness of God. I felt that my life was rendered -desolate, but I was willing to receive that as a chastisement. My prayer was, -'Lord, let her forgive that she may be forgiven.' The idea of her suffering -from poverty never occurred to me. Of late, when I have witnessed the happiness -of home life,—fathers and mothers with their children growing up around them,—I -have thought that, had my life been different, I might have been blessed with a -paradise of a home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"All the sadness -is over now," murmured Marion, softly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you think a -man with such a past as mine has a right to ask any one to share his -future?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>What Marion might have -answered had there not been a knock at the door, I cannot tell. James entered, -and carried to his mistress a note on a salver.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I told you I -could see no one to-night."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, miss, but -the messenger persists. He's from the Home for the Sick."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_16"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XVI.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>STELLA'S CONFESSION.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>MRS. ASBURY was -sitting at work in her room when she heard the outer door open and a quick step -on the stairs.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Who can that -be?" she asked, somewhat surprised.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No one but Mr. -Angus has a key, ma."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He never steps -like that, Annie. Open the door and see."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before she could do -so, the step came down again and Mr. Angus came into the sitting-room holding -out his hand as he greeted them.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Both mother and -daughter started up to meet him, and Ethel, hearing his voice, came running in, -and stood for a moment gazing in wonder. In her childish way she gave -expression to their thoughts.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's a new Mr. -Angus."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, it is, -darling," he said, catching her in his arms. "That other Mr. Angus -has gone away, and I hope never to see him any more."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Turning to Mrs. -Asbury, he said, "God has been very good to me, and sent me the best of -news from an absent friend. I have long mourned her as dead; now I learn that -she died in faith, trusting in the blood of Christ to wash away all her -sins."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am truly glad -for you," was her earnest reply.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The intelligence -I have received renders it necessary for me to go to England for a short time. -I want to ask your husband's advice concerning arrangements for my pulpit -during my absence."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How long shall -you be away?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Probably three -months."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You have six -weeks' vacation. Why not include those, and get a supply for the rest?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you for -the suggestion. It is my wish to leave as soon as possible."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This was all the -explanation he gave as to the change in his conduct, a change recognized by -every one in the parish. His voice, his step, his manner, were cheerful even to -buoyancy. His smile was more frequent, and had lost forever the sadness which -formerly often accompanied it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The very boys in the -street watched and wondered. Formerly, when he passed the play-ground, he gazed -at them, but in so serious a manner that they felt almost guilty; now it was -very different. He stood one day at the entrance to a large field, given up to -the use of the boys for base-ball, watching the game with great interest.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, that is not -the way," he shouted at last, leaping at one bound over the high fence. -"This was the way when I was a boy." He gave the ball a kick, which -sent it to the farther corner of the field, and stood laughing at the loud -cheers which rent the air, then saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Play fair, boys; -cheating don't pay," he gave another leap and passed on, taking off his -hat and waving it high in the air as they cheered again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A supply for the -pulpit was readily obtained from a theological school, and passage engaged in a -Cunarder; but, as the reader may not understand the necessity which called him -to leave Grantbury, I will take the liberty to insert here extracts from the -letters in the recovered package.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>These were now in the -hands of Marion, and he was to receive them when he went to New York to take -the steamer. It is unnecessary to say that the young lady, having listened to -the story of the brother, devoted her first leisure to reading the confession -of the sister.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The very first lines -deeply moved her, recalling, as she did, Stella bolstered up in her bed at the -Home as she wrote, her curtain drawn closely to shut out the sight of her -companions.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The letter began:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>If I have a -brother, and these words ever meet his eyes, let him read</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>them as coming from -one who has deeply sinned against him, but who</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>has also deeply repented.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Judge her as -charitably as you can, my brother, even as I trust God</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>will judge me; and -remember that my prayers have gone up to God</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>continually for -you, and my loving thoughts reach far away across the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>waters, where, if -still among the living, I suppose you are now.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"How -strange!" reflected Marion, "that when she wrote that her</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>brother was in an -adjoining ward, and that one minute's walk would</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>have taken him to -her side."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Later.—I had to lay -aside my pen and rest, and now my hands tremble</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>with weakness; but -justice to one who has never received justice at</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>my hands urges me -to make my confession. Harold, I cannot remember</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>the time when I did -not feel jealous of you. As a child, you were</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>loving in nature, -winning your way without effort to every heart.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>You were mother's -pet and pride. Father could scarcely see a fault</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>in his big, brave, -and beautiful boy. When Aunt Sarah came, all that</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I could say to -prejudice her against you had no effect. She loved and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>trusted you. She -said you would love me if I would let you. She said</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>few had so -forgiving a nature. She tried to persuade me to be at</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>peace and allow -Will, my idol, to love you. I will say that when we</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>used to walk into -church, I was proud of you. All my companions</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>envied me and my -brother. This made me hate you more than ever.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>If you had been -plain and unattractive, I think it would have been</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>different with -me,—but perhaps not, for my heart was full of envy</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and jealousy. Now -you know the secret of all my conduct. I was</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>possessed with a -devil and, instead of trying to cast him out,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I cherished him.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Harold, before you -reached home to see father die he begged me</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to love you as I -loved Will. He gave Will into your special care.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>He wrote you a -loving letter, telling you his plans and wishes</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>for your future, -that he left the care of Will's education and his</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>little property to -you. If he died, it was to be yours. If you died,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Will was to inherit -what you left. How I hated him for this! I had</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>a legacy from Aunt -Mary which, with my share, would be enough for me,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>he said. How I -hated him for writing this! The breath had scarcely</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>left his body -before I tore the paper to pieces. Will you forgive</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>me, brother?</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Later.—I must -hasten on, for my life is fast drawing to a close,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and I have that to -tell you which will relieve you of a great sorrow,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>—I mean in regard -to the last dreadful scene at home. Tears stream</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>from my eyes as I -remember your patience with me, your efforts to win</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>my sisterly love. -Oh how one expression of yours has rung in my</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>memory!</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Sister -Stella, why won't you let me love you? I will try to please</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>you, and we might -be so happy?" Oh, why! why!</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>You asked Will to -go to walk. He started, and I ran and forced him</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>back. To punish -him, I shut him up in the room, forgetting that you</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>had placed your gun -behind the door. In my insane terror I charged</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>you with murdering -him, Harold. Before he died he confessed that he</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>had loaded it,—put -in the very bullet that was to end his life.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Harold, can you -forgive me when I say that I knew this when I saw you</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>at his funeral, and -did not tell you? Yes, when I saw you so changed</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>that I scarcely -recognized you, I kept his dying messages, which</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>would have relieved -your sorrow. I charged you with being his</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>murderer, but no -one believed me. Aunt Sarah did you justice. She</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>told every one you -loved the boy, and that he loved you,—that it</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>was an accident. -After Will confessed that he loaded the gun,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>she repeated this -to every one. You were pitied, and I, who so</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>idolized the boy, -was looked on with suspicion. Even Aunt Sarah told</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>me that I had -ruined Will by indulgence, or he would never have</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>touched the gun -contrary to your orders. I hated her for saying it,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>but I knew that -what she said was true.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Later.—I am already -relieved by my confession, and, as I feel</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>stronger this -morning, I will write while I can. I shall commit this</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to the care of a -dear friend, who first led me to hope for pardon</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>through Christ. I -can never tell any one how much she has been to me.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Beautiful, -accomplished, and rich, she devotes herself and all she</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>has to the divine -work of winning others to her Saviour.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Dear brother, I -wish you could meet such a friend. If you have never</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>sought Christ let a -sister's dying words prevail. His love is more</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>precious than all -the world beside. If I, with all my load of guilt</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>can receive -forgiveness, no one need despair. I told you I would</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>never forgive you. -One day I heard a sermon from the young chaplain</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>of the Home, where -I was staying. He repeated the words of our</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Saviour, "If -ye forgive not men their trespasses," etc., and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>explained the -wretched, despairing condition of those who cherish</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>a spirit of -unforgiveness.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Every word applied -to my case. The gracious spirit of God carried</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>home the truth to -my heart, and helped me to accept his conditions</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>of mercy. The whole -room seemed filled with light. Never had I</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>conceived such joy, -such peace, as flowed in upon my soul.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>From trying to -invent excuses for my own base conduct, I saw myself</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>the vilest of the -vile. I realize now that murder had been in my</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>heart,—murder of a -brother. I love you now. I wonder at your</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>forbearance when I -reproached you. How pityingly you used to gaze</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>on me! I seem to -see your eyes now,—eyes like our mother's,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>so sweet, so -sad,—looking into mine as though you would say,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Stella, I -want to love you. Why can't we be at peace?" O Harold,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>my brother, would -that I could see you once more and ask your</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>forgiveness! Aunt -Sarah often said that I had driven you from home</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and friends. It is -true. I grieve over it, and have asked God</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to forgive me. I -pray that we may meet in heaven: you will forgive me</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>there.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Before I close, I -must tell you that immediately after Will's death</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I went home with -Aunt Sarah, and remained till she died. In the bank</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>where father left -your money, you will find my share and Will's.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I have never drawn -one pound. I could not, as I had made it over</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to you. My legacy -has sufficed. I want you to accept mine (Will's is</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>yours by right) -from a sister who has learned not only to love but to</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>admire you. I found -letters from your teachers in the military school</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to father. They -wrote of you in the highest terms. Father used to</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>read them over and -over. I did not see them till after his death.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>One favor I would like -to ask. If you ever receive this, will you</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>repay the faithful -friend I have mentioned the amount she has</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>expended for my lot -in Greenwood,—she has promised to follow me</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>there,—and any -other expense incurred for my sickness beyond the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>$60 I leave in my -purse?</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Later.—The end is -drawing near. I am not afraid: Christian friends</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>are about me. My -own loved Marion will be here presently, and will</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>not leave me till -Jesus, my Saviour calls me home. I have an</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>assurance this -morning that my prayers for you will be answered.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>We shall meet -father and mother and all our loved ones in heaven.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Farewell, dear -Harold, farewell!</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Afternoon.—God has -seen fit to keep me here a little longer. I have</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>not told you that I -came to America two years ago,—after Aunt</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Sarah's death. I -was in a boarding house with an acquaintance from</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>home, and taught -music when a sudden cold settled on my lungs.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Miss Howard heard -me sing once at a party given by one of my pupils</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and afterward -called when she learned I was sick. She is a great</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>lover of music. She -has been such a friend to me as I cannot</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>describe. This Home -for the Sick has proved a paradise to many.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Thank God, who sent -me here. Once more, brother, farewell! Meet me</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>in heaven.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>STELLA ANGUS</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_17"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XVII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE CRIPPLED BOY.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>DURING Marion's call -at the Home for the Sick in company with the pastor, they examined the record -of patients, etc., and related to Dr. B— the singular circumstance of the -brother and sister, natives of another country, being there at the same time, -each longing to find the other, and remaining unknown. There were the names and -dates fully recorded:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Men's Medical -Ward, Harold Angus, New York, aged twenty-four. Disease, typhoid fever. Entered -March 7, 18—. Discharged cured June 20, 18—. Address of friends, Mr. James -Whitney, New York City."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Women's Medical -Ward, Stella Angus, Doncaster, England, aged twenty-two. Second admittance. -Disease, consumption. Entered May 2, 18—. Died June 4, 18—. Place of burial, -Greenwood. Address of friends, Miss Mary Angus, Leyden, England."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I recollect -perfectly," remarked Dr. B—, "that Stella, as we called her,—from -Miss Howard introducing her by that name,—often spoke to the chaplain and to -the nurses of one whom she had injured, and that she wished to atone for it. I -never heard, Mr. Angus, that you mentioned her name."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I never did. I -supposed her to be in England. I can only believe that God, for His own wise -purpose, kept the knowledge of her triumphant death from me till I could say, -in regard to all His dealings, 'Thy will be done.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>From the Home they -drove at once to Greenwood. The lot was small and inexpensive, but it had been -well cared for, and the grave, covered with myrtle, was green and beautiful.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion led the way to -the spot and then retired to a distance, leaving the mourner alone with his -sorrow. Not yet did she know how deeply Stella had injured her brother, and so -she could not appreciate, as she did afterward, the abandonment of his grief as -he fell on the grave, saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My sister! My -sister! Is it thus we meet?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Still, as she walked -away, with bent head and fast-falling tears, she repeated to herself the -familiar quotation,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"To err is human, -to forgive, divine."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At the head of the -grave Marion had caused a simple stone to be erected, with merely these words,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>STELLA.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>ASLEEP IN JESUS.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As they were turning -to leave the sacred spot, he pointed to it, and tried to utter the words,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you," -but his voice choked.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Now, he in whom she -had taken so deep an interest, whose happiness had for a time been so -intimately interwoven with her own, had sailed for England. He had made a hasty -call, on his return from Grantbury, and received from her the precious letters -assuring him of his sister's affection. He had seemed ill at ease when she thanked -him for allowing her to peruse them, pressed her hand warmly as he bade her -farewell, took his hat from the table in the hall then suddenly threw it down -again, exclaiming,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I cannot leave -you without saying, if we never meet again, I shall die blessing you for your -goodness to Stella and to me. Miss Howard, you have opened a new future before -me. You—but I cannot,—I ought not to say more. Will you add one favor to the -many I have received at your hands? Will you answer a letter from me? May I -tell you of my visit to my native land, to the graves of my parents?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He fixed his eyes full -on hers, which at last fell before the ardor of his gaze, while she answered -frankly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Angus, for -Stella's sake and for your own, I shall be very glad to hear from you. My time -will be spent among my poor. If I find anything to interest you, I will -certainly write in answer to yours."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion was practical -rather than sentimental, and she plunged into the business of life as though -nothing more than usual had occurred.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In one day, she -visited Mary Falkner at the Home, gave music lessons to four pupils, went with -Hepsey nearly a mile to inquire for one of her mission boys, and brought home -for evening work one of the rolls from the mission chapel, in order to stencil -an additional hymn upon it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Still, wherever she -went, however employed her thoughts were with a lonely traveller whom the waves -were every hour carrying farther and farther away. While driving, with Hepsey -by her side, through the thronged thoroughfares, or sitting at her own -well-spread board, the question constantly recurred: "Why did he say, 'if -we never meet again'? Does he not expect to return?" Then her pulse beat -more warmly as she recalled the expression of his eye, and added, "I know he -hoped we should meet again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In the morning Mr. -Lambert called, and found her leaning over the large table in the dining room, -printing with the stencil plate the hymn, work which company had obliged her to -postpone the previous evening.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He had scarcely taken -his seat before he began to scold her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You ought to -have a guardian," he began, in loud voice. "Pale as ashes,—taking -work out of the printer's hands, too. Well, they may starve for all I care. -World upside down, as usual."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you please -help me roll this?" asked Marion, turning an arch, smiling face full upon -him. "It must be held very tight, or it will wrinkle. Mr. Lambert, why -don't you help me in my mission school?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Help—mission -school—insane idea—couldn't get any scholars—pretty teacher, indeed!" He -grumbled away for some time to himself, and finally ended with a fit of -laughter. "All nonsense,—throwing away money on bummers, stuff and -nonsense—embryo thieves and murderers." He walked to the window, pretended -to be examining the flowers in the conservatory, pulled out his purse and -quickly concealed a bill in his hand just as Marion, who had finished her work, -said, pleasantly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You needn't try -to deceive me with your grumbling: I found you out long ago. You would go a -mile any time to carry food to the hungry, only you would want the privilege of -scolding them afterwards."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The eccentric old -gentleman hung his head, too much confused even to grumble at her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How guilty you -look!" laughed Marion. "You took me in, once upon a time."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Aye! aye! -Frightened you well, that's some comfort."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't think I -was much frightened, though I confess I considered your manner rather rough. I -recollect well that I pitied you for being so suspicious of everybody."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He sprang from the -floor, shouting,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Suspicious, eh? -Suspicious, is it? Pitied me, did you? If any one else had dared,—well, I'm an -old fool, anyway."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He sat down and wiped -the perspiration from his forehead, looking so pale and hurt that Marion pitied -him more than ever. She drew a chair close to his side and said, soothingly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now that we -understand each other, I want to tell you a story,—a true one. You know Hepsey -and I go out sometimes to see our friends in the back alleys."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Humph! Yes,—and -bring home fevers, and all that."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"One day I heard -a woman crying,—and true enough she had cause. Her boy had been crushed by a -wheel which ran over his legs; and there he lay on a pile of straw, in a -fainting fit. I tried to bring him to while Hepsey went for an ambulance, and -we soon had him in the care of the doctor, on his way to the hospital. Hepsey -and I followed with the mother. To make a long story short, the injury was so -great that Neddy—that's his name—had both his legs amputated just above the -knees, and he is well again. Now the question is, What can he do to earn his -living? He's a dear, patient little fellow, and he has made friends of -everybody at the hospital. One of the doctors has given me five dollars -for—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert threw down -his cane, and pulled out his purse again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, I don't want -money now, I want advice. He can't earn his living yet awhile; but what can he -be fitted for?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll get him a -place in a printing-office." In his excitement, Mr. Lambert forgot to -grumble. His voice was natural and agreeable.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Just the thing! -But isn't he too young,—he's only nine?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That's a fault -easily cured. He must be put into the Five Points Mission School till he's -twelve,—learn to read and spell, and all that sort of thing. Where is he?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"In the hospital. -Will you go with me to see him?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Certainly not. -Why should I go? I've nothing to do with it, any way. You wanted advice and I -gave it,—that's all. Don't be nonsensical now," putting another bill -stealthily on the table. "What did you say the fellow's name is?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Neddy Carter. He -isn't strong enough to be carried to that old, tumble-down attic, and so I have -engaged a friend to take him home with her till he can have his artificial legs -made. That's what the doctor subscribed five dollars for."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Wooden legs, eh! -That's the plan, is it? Five dollars! Tell this doctor to mind his own -business. I know a man—that is, he owes me—that is, he will owe me—a bill, and -I'll get the legs out of him—see if I don't. I'll"—grumbling. "Well, -I'm going. I don't find your story very entertaining. It's lucky I'm forgetful: -shan't know anything about it to-morrow. Good-day, Miss Howard. Don't make a -fool of yourself more than you can help."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He caught his cane and -was crossing the room when he saw the bill he had first taken from his pocket -and forgotten lying on the floor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pretty way to -use good money," he said, with a sneer, pointing to it. "With all -your teaching business, you'll never get rich that way, Miss Howard."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<h1><img width="566" height="886" id="Picture_10" src="images/image004.jpg" alt="Page 207" name="Picture_10"/></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c2'>[Illustration: MARION -AND THE CRIPPLED BOY. Page 207]</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I saw that bill -drop from your hand, sir." Marion laughed till all her dimples came into -play. "But you can't have it," she insisted, as she saw his look of -disappointment at being found out. "You've forfeited the right to it, and -I shall add it to my fund for Neddy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Pretty sharp -practice that," he grumbled, looking intensely relieved. "Well, -good-day to you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The next time Marion -went to the hospital a singular circumstance occurred,—a circumstance which -unravelled for her quite a mystery.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She inquired for Neddy -Carter, and was allowed to proceed at once to the convalescent ward. The boy -was sitting in a low chair, which he had learned to wheel about with great -rapidity. As soon as he saw her, his face brightened, and before he could reach -her side he shouted,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss Howard! -Miss Howard! Mr. Regy's been here!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And he's such a -funny man," said one of the older boys.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I wish I had -seen him," was Marion's answer. "What did he come for?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"To see me. He -was awful cross at first, and scolded me for getting under the wheel like -sixty; but I know him, and he's real good for all that; and I like him; and -when I told him I didn't get under the wheel on purpose he gave me this," -pulling a silver dollar from his pocket. "Will you please take it to help -buy my wooden legs?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, indeed; -those will be ready when the doctor says you can wear them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Regy says -I'm to be a printer," continued the boy, fixing his large brown eyes on -hers; "and I'm to go to school at the Five Points, and learn to read and -spell, and by-and-by, he says, there's no knowing but I may be a great man, and -print newspapers."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion started. This -was Mr. Lambert's plan. Had he told Mr. Regy of it?</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How does Mr. -Regy look?" This inquiry was addressed to one of the nurses, who was -passing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Very -oddly," she replied, laughing. "He's about fifty or sixty years old, -very gray hair, which he wears long, floating over his shoulders."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion laughed too as -she said, "I've often heard of him, but I never saw him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert was over -sixty; but his hair, naturally light, had not turned gray, and was cut short to -his head.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He stoops a -little," added the nurse, "and makes frightful faces. Some of the -little ones were afraid of him, but before he went away he coaxed them to sit -in his lap and put their hands in his pockets, where they found nuts and -raisins and candy in abundance. A lady came in to see a little cripple, and as -she passed him surrounded by a group of them, Neddy's chair rolled as close as -he could get it, she remarked, smiling, 'It's a blessed work, sir.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Regy had not -seen her before, and he started to his feet, looking very angry.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Troublesome -little brats!' he shouted, pushing them away."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Just like Mr. -Lambert," was Marion's reflection. "How very strange there should be -two such men!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Just then she noticed -that several of the boys were putting their heads together, whispering and -gesturing as they looked toward her. Presently one came forward, and asked, -timidly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you please -sing us a tune, Miss Howard?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How do you know -I can sing?" she asked, with one of her brightest smiles.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I heard you at -the mission Sunday school. I'm Maurice Long, what used to be sent to the back -seat for being allus in mischief."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Maurice looked -anything but humble, as he confessed his faults.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, -Maurice!" exclaimed Marion, holding out her hand. "You have grown so -much I did not know you,—and you are so pale, too."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, miss. Me -and another boy got into a fight, and I had my head smashed in, and the p'lice -brought me here. I'm going out next week."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"O Maurice!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion was interrupted -by several voices shouting, "He'd fight agin, ma'am. He'd oughter. It was -ter save a feller littler than him. Hurrah for Maurice!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How was it, -Nurse? I want to hear the story."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Maurice had a -chance to earn a dime carrying a bundle for a gentleman from the cars. A little -fellow came along, leading a poor, half-starved dog of which he seemed very -fond. Just then a big bully of a boy met them, and began to tease the dog. When -his owner timidly begged to be let alone, the bully flew at him, and then -Maurice thought it time to interfere. He caught the bully by the hair, and would -not let go till he was terribly bruised. A policeman came up and arrested both -the boys, just as Maurice fainted from loss of blood. The gentleman had seen -the whole fight from beginning to end, and he followed the bully to the -court-room and gave his testimony, and called Maurice a hero."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And a good -fighter, too," added Maurice, who had stood by, listening to all with a -kind of proud humility.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am glad you -were not fighting to defend your own rights," said Marion, approvingly. -"But who was the gentleman?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He gave his name -as Lambert," said the nurse. "There is a very curious sequel to the -story," she added, in a low tone, as they turned away.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Lambert came -here twice before Maurice was well enough to know him, and showed a good deal -of anxiety till he was out of danger, growling to himself that he ought to have -stopped the fight earlier. He gave the doctor some money for Maurice when he -goes away; but the boy knows nothing of that yet. When Mr. Lambert saw Maurice he -scolded him well; said a street fighter was a mean fellow and ought to be -arrested, and hoped he should never hear of his street brawls again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"His voice was so -loud that some of the little ones began to cry, but Maurice spoke up rather -saucily,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'd fight for -you, sir, to-morrow, if you was hit. I know you're jolly, for all your -scolding.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well," said -Marion, laughing heartily, "what did Mr. Lambert say to that?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not a word that -we could understand. He went away with his handkerchief to his face, but when -he reached the street he shook all over with laughter."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Shall I sing for -the children now?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"They will be -delighted to hear you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Standing in the midst -of the ward, with the little ones pressing to her side, Marion sang the sweet -melody set to the words,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you come -where the sweet-briar grows,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Where the heath flower -blossoms around? </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Will you come where -the hyacinth blows,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And the daisy just -peeps from the ground? </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There's a bower by the -side of yon lake,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>'Tis the chosen abode -of the rose;</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Where the wings of the -linnet awake</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The leaves from their -calm repose."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Every word was -distinctly enunciated, and the children, with bated breath and sparkling eyes, -proved their appreciation by calling out, "More! Please, Miss Howard, sing -more." Smiling, she gave them the mocking-bird, which was followed by -shouts of applause.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_18"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XVIII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>A MYSTERY SOLVED.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>MISS HOWARD was -leaving the hospital when she met the doctor in charge, who invited her to his -private parlor, as he wished to consult her in regard to her protégé Neddy -Carter.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I suppose you -are acquainted with Mr. Regy,' he said. "He knew your wishes about the -boy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I know him well -by report," she answered, "but I have never seen him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Indeed! He is -certainly the most eccentric individual I ever met. Benevolent and -tender-hearted to an extreme, he seems to me like a man who has learned to -mistrust humanity so generally that he hides every evidence of weakness as carefully -as though it were a crime. Why, the good deeds that man does almost defy -belief."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I can easily -credit your statement, doctor. In my visits to my poor friends, I am constantly -hearing of him. I have known of his paying rent for a widow who had a sick -daughter, month after month, and at the same time providing her with medicines -and food. Yet he would talk to her about her untidyness till he made her cry; -and then he would go away grumbling that all he could say did no good."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I heard some -facts concerning his eccentricities from a gentleman who owns the place next -his in the country," continued the doctor, "which, if they had not -come to me from the best authority I would not credit; but my friend vouches -for the facts.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Near them lives -a woman whose husband was killed on the railroad. She has two young children, -is pleasing in appearance, but wanting in force. They had always lived in -comfort, on the wages her husband earned. When he was killed, she seemed -crushed with grief. The neighbors made up a purse for her, and Mr. Regy, who -had given generously, was requested to carry it to her. He learned that she owned -her small cottage, to which a barn was attached, but had no money. He found she -had no idea of earning her own living, but when he proposed that the children -be sent to the asylum, and she go out to work in a mill or family, she cried -herself into hysterics, calling him a cruel, hard-hearted brute for proposing -it, wished he would go away and never come again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This is all my -friend learned from Mr. Regy, who denounced her as ungrateful, unnatural as a -mother, a pest to society. Her neighbors supposed, of course, he gave her up; -but he never did, for a day. He went and berated her till he quite roused her -into action; and finally she said she had been brought up on a farm, and knew -how to make butter and cheese.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'What good will -that do you?' he asked her, with a sneer. 'Where are your cows, to make -butter from?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It was some time -before she learned what a true friend he was; but two excellent milkers found -their way to her barn, and, in time, pans and a churn. Then she complained that -she was sure she never could sell her butter and pot-cheese and cried a whole -day at the scolding he gave her. To make a long story short, he sold all her butter -and cheese for her at the highest price, taking the basket on his own arm, and -carrying it to the houses of the regular customers. A lady on Forty-Second -Street told my friend that he brought butter there regularly every week for -more than a year. She supposed it was from his own farm; and she has a pile of -his receipts signed M. Regy. Once she remonstrated in person with him for his -high prices, when he flew into such a rage that she never dared approach the -subject again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Very, very strange," -remarked Marion. "I have a friend who is extremely odd and uncouth in -manner, but is always doing kindnesses for the poor. His name is Lambert. In -many respects your description of Mr. Regy would answer for both."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you refer to -Mr. M. R. Lambert, a rich old bachelor? Why, I always thought him the most -sarcastic, sour, crusty, old man in my acquaintance."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Only in manner, -doctor. He possesses the milk of human kindness in an uncommon degree. He is a -second Mr. Regy. I am confident that any sum of money I would consent to ask -him for in behalf of my protégés would not be refused; and all the time he -would be grumbling that it was good money thrown away on a thankless class of -vagrants."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What is Mr. -Lambert's full address," inquired the doctor, rising in an excited manner.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"M. R. Lambert -are his initials. I have scores of his cards."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Regy is, I -believe, his middle name, and he uses it for a nom de plume. It can scarcely be -credited that there would be two so similar in their eccentricities. I am -almost sure of it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Then he must -disguise himself: Mr. Lambert's hair is short, and only beginning to turn -gray."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A gray wig is -easy to procure. What can be his motive?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is difficult -to conceive, Doctor. I have sometimes imagined that Mr. Lambert had a motive in -so constantly visiting the poorer classes; but it is only a suspicion. I feel -sure, if it were true, it would do honor to the kindness of the man. I told him -the story of Neddy Carter's injury. He entered into it with great interest,-said -he would get him a place in a printing-office and was almost angry that any one -else had thought of purchasing artificial legs for the boy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Just what I -wished to tell you from Mr. Regy. They are one and the same. Mr. Regy I shall -continue to call him. See, here is the address he gave me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"M. REGY, P.O. BOX -1009."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On her way home, -Marion's thoughts were absorbed in trying to solve the motives which could -govern such a man as Mr. Lambert, and induce him to figure in so many different -characters; for the more she reflected the more she felt assured that he and -Mr. Regy were the same. It might be that some early disappointment had thus -twisted and gnarled a naturally lovely character. It might be that some one he -had once loved and trusted had betrayed his confidence, and thus rendered him -suspicious of all mankind. She resolved to watch him closely, and to endeavor -to lighten his burden, whatever it might be.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Approaching her own -door, she perceived a carriage standing there. With her thoughts still on the -discovery she had made, she ran up the steps and encountered Eugene Cheriton -struggling in the arms of James, who had been told to take him back to his -mother in the parlor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The boy readily -yielded to her wish, and went upstairs with her, where she was both surprised -and pleased to find not only Mrs. Cheriton but Mrs. Douglass awaiting her -arrival.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The latter lady seemed -to have taken out a new lease of life, since her return to the city. She -acknowledged that she liked New York, and should leave it with reluctance.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I hope you do -not intend to leave it," urged Marion.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The lady glanced -anxiously at her daughter before she answered. "Necessity may compel us to -do so."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Cheriton's -countenance had no reflection of her mother's anxiety. She sat as usual, with -her handsome head thrown a little back, her large, black eyes lustrous as ever, -her lips wreathed in the same set smile; but there seemed no soul in her face. She -appeared to have wrapped herself in a veil, which, in Marion's presence, had -never been lifted for one instant.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Eugene, beautiful and -restless as ever, ran here and there unrestrained, demanding the reason for -this or that, preventing so effectually any attempt at conversation that -Marion, who wished for an opportunity to talk with Mrs. Douglass, at last -persuaded her to remain for the day, insisting that she herself had no -engagements which would interfere with the pleasure of such a visit.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"While you are -taking your siesta," she urged, "I can go to my pupils; and then we -will have quiet chat, or drive in the park, as you prefer."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This is just the -opportunity I have long desired," remarked Mrs. Douglass, as after an -hour's rest she had partaken of a nice lunch, and was seated in Marion's most -comfortable chair. "I want to tell you some facts in my early life which -will account for my being here in America."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I shall feel -honored by your confidence," returned Marion, gazing with affection into -the still beautiful face, so like and yet unlike her daughter's. "Let me -bring my crocheting, and we can be as cosey as we please."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I told Mr. Angus -some things about our history. He may have repeated them to you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not a word, dear -lady," bending over her work to conceal the rosy hue which colored her -cheeks at the mention of his name.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I told him, -that, although Juliette and myself are living alone, we are neither of us -widows,—at least we are not knowingly such,—but let me go back to early days.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My father was an -Englishman, and in his thirty-first year was sent to Spain as minister from the -court of England. He was stationed at Madrid, where he met my mother, daughter -of a nobleman in that city. The liking between them was mutual, and ended in -marriage after an acquaintance of a few months. I have heard it said that -seldom had a couple so distinguished for beauty, and every charm which makes life -desirable, been witnessed in our proud old city.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A year after -their marriage a son was born, who was named Henreich, for my maternal -grandfather. Three years later I appeared on the scene. As no other children -followed, and we were the only grandchildren on the mother's side, you can -easily imagine that our wishes, whims, and caprices ruled the entire household.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Henreich, beautiful, -bold, wilful, and unrestrained, became at last a terror to both parents and -servants. To me only was he loving and gentle; but even when in a fury of rage, -he would yield to my entreaties and tears. I need not say that he was my idol. -I loved him as sister never loved brother before. What I suffered when, unable longer -to endure the anxieties and terror which his bold daring continually occasioned -my parents, he was sent to England to be educated, I have no words to describe.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It could -scarcely be expected that a high-spirited lad, accustomed to have his own way, -would yield at once to authority; at least Henreich did not, and soon fell into -such disgrace that he was expelled from the school. My uncle, to whose care he -had been committed, wrote, resigning the charge. He reproached my father in the -most unmeasured terms for neglecting to restrain the boy's temper, which had -led him in an ungovernable fit of fury to attempt the life of one of his -teachers, after which he fled, and nothing could be heard from him. Father went -to England at once. I never knew what occurred there, but when he came home he -said Henreich was dead to us, and forbade that his name ever be mentioned.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You will see -later why I dwell so long on these sad events. I mourned over my brother, and, -not being allowed to speak of him, I brooded over his troubles until at last I -forgot that he had been to blame for them. I even came to regard him as a hero, -who had been unjustly treated.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"All the fond -pride which would have been cherished for both of us was now lavished on me. I scarcely -had a wish but it was gratified. With the exception of my trouble at the -separation from my brother, I scarcely knew the meaning of the word, till in my -fourteenth year I accompanied my parents to England, and they left me to finish -my education.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was now in the -same country where Henreich had been, but I never, except on one occasion, -heard his name mentioned. I asked my uncle Douglass if he knew where my brother -was, and was answered, with a terrible frown,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'No, I do not. -He may be dead, for all I care.'</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I never inquired -again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was in England -two years, and returned to Spain 'finished,' as my graduation from school with -high honors was called. It was then I entered on a course of gayety, such as I -had never even imagined. Though very young, my hand was asked frequently in -marriage; but my heart was never touched till one evening, at a gay assembly, I -met a young American, with whom I danced nearly all night. Only the third time -we met he told me he loved me, and asked me to be his wife. I confessed that I -returned his affection, and sent him to my father.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But now, for the -first time in my life, I met opposition. My father and mother, foolishly fond -and proud of their only child, considered it quite beneath me to marry an -untitled foreigner. They talked as though royalty itself might be honored by an -alliance with me. This opposition naturally fixed my determination to marry the -man of my choice, notwithstanding all obstacles. I instantly invested him with -the whole catalogue of virtues and when, added to these, sadness on his part -proved his undying attachment, I made a martyr of him,—a martyr dying for my -love.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Under these -circumstances I gave my parents no rest. My lover offered letters to prove that -he was worthy; and at length, worn out by my entreaties and my evident loss of -bloom, father did secretly write to a friend in London, requesting him to -ascertain from Mr. Post, banker in that city, in regard to his position and prospects.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This it was easy -to do through correspondents from the London Banking House, and the result was -so satisfactory, both as to character and wealth, that my friend was allowed to -renew his visits, which speedily terminated in my betrothal. I have often -thought since, that, had my parents allowed the acquaintance to proceed at first -without opposition, all would have ended differently; for as the intimacy -advanced, even before our marriage, I discovered certain traits which greatly -annoyed me.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I had been -accustomed to the expression of admiration, and enjoyed it; but I was faithful -and true to my lover. He considered the looks and tones of flattery an insult -both to me and to him. He constantly urged our immediate union; but to this my -parents would not consent, except on one condition. Until I was twenty-one, my -home must be with them. On my eighteenth birthday, with the reluctant consent -of all my relatives, I became a wife. For a month or two I was very happy. I -found my husband intelligent, with a cultivated mind, and a kind heart. We were -alone in a villa belonging to my grandfather, and proved so sufficient for -mutual happiness that I returned home with great regret. Oh, that we had never -returned!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion had been so -absorbed in the recital that she had failed to notice the increasing pallor of -the narrator. Struck with the intense sadness of the last tone, she started to -find her visitor sinking back in her chair, her lips blanched, her hands -trembling.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Throwing aside her -work, she ran to her chamber for cologne, with which she bathed the forehead -and hands of the lady, then rang for James to bring her a cup of fresh coffee.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She insisted that Mrs. -Douglass should rest before she continued her interesting story; but the lady, -with a sigh, urged,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I may never have -so favorable an opportunity to finish. My sad tale is nearly ended, and I shall -be greatly relieved when I have told my only American friend my folly and my -punishment; so resume your work, and let me end the recital as briefly as -possible."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_19"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XIX.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>TEARS OF REPENTANCE.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I HAD only been in -Madrid a few weeks before I found that my husband was jealous, unreasonably -jealous. He was so exacting that he demanded all my attention. If I conversed -with my old acquaintances, young or old, of either sex, he made a scene. My father -remonstrated, and they came to open fight, my husband declaring that he would -have no interference with his wife. To avoid quarrelling I gave up society, and -even at my father's table became constrained in manner, scarcely daring to -speak lest I should meet the reproachful eyes of my husband fixed upon me. -Finding that even this reticence did not satisfy him, I went to the other -extreme, talked and laughed—yes, and flirted too,—with any one. This went on -for more than a year. I need not say that we were both wretched; for, strange -as it was, I still loved my husband, in memory of the few weeks of unalloyed happiness -after our marriage. I think he loved me, too, though he had greatly -changed,—grown cold and sarcastic.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was driving -out one afternoon in company with a servant, when I met a traveller, alone and -on foot, who started at my approach, gazed fixedly in my face as we slowly -passed, and then ran after the carriage. I was in delicate health, and his -sudden reappearance greatly startled me. In his excitement he did not notice my -fright; but, speaking a few words in English, he forced me to alight and join him -at a distance. It was Henreich, my brother, my long-lost idol, shattered and -destroyed. The fiercest passions lighted his magnificent eyes. He asked for -father, and cursed both him and his own bad luck that our parents still lived. -When I hurriedly told him I was married, he was so angry he would have struck -me. He asked for money, saying, repeatedly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'I must have -money. I will have my portion of the estate. By fair means or foul, I will have -what I want.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I could not get -away from him till I had given him my purse and every jewel I had about me, and -had promised to meet him at night in a retired part of our grounds,—I thought I -could steal away unobserved.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Perhaps I could -have done so but for the servant, who was afterwards discovered to be a spy my -husband had set upon me, who told him of the strange meeting as soon as we -returned home. He had never heard my brother's name, and must have wondered at -my conduct.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I went instantly -to my chamber, where Mr.— soon joined me, coming to the couch where I lay, and -gazing in my face with such marks of agony as I could not account for.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"At that moment -my love came upon me with all its fervor. I put up my arms and drew him down to -me, and wept on his shoulder. I kissed him repeatedly, and did not notice at -the time that my caresses were not returned. I was so exhausted by what had -passed that I fell asleep. I woke, shouting,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Henreich! O -Henreich, go away! Why did you come back?'</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Who is -Henreich?' My husband's voice was so stern, so unnatural, that it frightened -me. In one instant I realized that if I said, 'He is my brother,' he would not -believe in the existence of one of whom he had never heard. Indeed, my father -often spoke of me as his only child. If he did believe me, Henreich would be -discovered, and my father's name disgraced; for, from what I had seen, I was -sure his life had become wholly corrupt. These thoughts flashed through my mind, -as my husband stood with blanched face and eyes protruding looking into mine. -Would that I had explained all to him! I am sure love for me was struggling in -his breast with the contempt he imagined I deserved; but I did not explain. I -resolved that I would give all the money I could raise to my brother, and send -him away; that when he was out of reach I would tell my husband the whole story, -under a promise from him of secrecy.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass hid her -face in her hands, unable to proceed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Tears were trickling -down Marion's cheeks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Perhaps I am -doing wrong to tell you all this, Miss Howard. You blame me for my want of -frankness, but not half so much as I deserve, and you will see that I have -been terribly punished. I stole from the house at the hour I had promised to -meet my brother, with a large sum of money in my hand, and a letter in which I -told him it was the last time I would help him. I begged him to go away, and -begin a life of honesty and virtue I signed myself your affectionate sister.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My husband was -watching, and saw me go out. He followed, heard the sound of excited voices, -saw Henreich take me in his arms, and, as he thought, strain me to his breast. -Alas! it was a ruffian who held me, while he tried to force me to yield to him -my betrothal ring, a superb diamond. He succeeded in wrenching it from my -finger. How I regained the house I never knew. I found myself in my own room on -a couch, with my maid bending over me. I was told afterward that one swoon had -succeeded another, physicians had been summoned, and remedies administered. At -the sound of my voice mother came forward with our attending physician. Another -spasm came on. Two days later I lay hovering between life and death, and my -little babe lay beside me, the very image of Henreich as he was when I first -remembered him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I was too sick -at first to notice the absence of my husband. I learned later that he saw me -fall in trying to reach the house, caught me in his arms, and laid me on the -couch. He summoned my own maid, who saw him seize a few papers from the drawer -and go out into the darkness. From that day to this I have never seen him. All -these years, if he has lived through them, he has believed me to be a guilty -thing, not worthy even of his contempt. All these years his child has never -heard her father's name, and he whose heart was always touched with the sorrows -of a child has never heard the sacred name of father from his child's lips. Too -late I learned to love him with an intense affection, which, if it had been -cherished earlier, would have led me to overlook faults of manner and roughness -of speech which, perhaps, after all, were put on to disguise deep feeling.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Only once in all -these long, weary years have I heard from him. Our beautiful babe was two -months old when my father received a letter, stating that a sum of money had -been placed in the hands of trustees, who were named, for the benefit of my -child, if living. He said that he considered the marriage tie broken, and that -he should never trouble me again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He was right: -believing of me what he did, he could not do otherwise. I honor him for it,—but -I must hurry to a close.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Henreich did not -succeed in escaping the vigilance of persons who were in search of him. He had -hoped to secure enough from me to reach a foreign land and chide justice. When -his arrest was made public, the servant who had been with me on my first -meeting Henreich confessed, with bitter tears, that she had told my husband -that which caused him to watch me on that dreadful night. She said his agony of -grief at what he called the certainty of my unfaithfulness frightened her, and -she ran away, repenting that she had told him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Henreich's -arrest and death, though under an assumed name, threw my mother into a fever, from -which she never recovered. Two years later, father married a Spanish widow, -with several sons and daughters. The eldest son was ten years older than -Juliette, and was being educated in France and Germany. He returned to his home -when she was only a few months over fourteen, became enamoured of her beauty, -and a secret engagement took place. When I learned of it I refused my consent; -but the infatuated child followed the example of her mother, and would not -yield her own wishes. His mother agreed with me; but my father said there was -no blood relation between them, and if they would wait till she was of proper -age there was no objection.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This -half-consent was enough for Arthur Cheriton. He took Juliette out for a drive -one day. When they returned they were man and wife. After living together a -year, he found her unformed in mind and wilful in temper. He went to England on -the plea that after obtaining a situation he would send for her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Eugene was just -one month old when his father left home. We have never seen him since. A small -fortune from my father at his death, together with the income from the sum my -husband settled on us, has sufficed for our maintenance. It will support -Juliette and her boy in comfort; but it is for her I fear. She has many of poor -Henreich's traits, and her beauty attracts many admirers. My prayer is that -the heavy afflictions which have separated us from those we love may wean her -from earth as they have the mother; that she may find in the exercise of the -duties of a Christian life the solace nothing else can give.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"One word more -and I have done. Once a year we have heard from Arthur, whom I have always kept -advised of our place of residence. I have reason to suppose he is in America, -perhaps in New York. This was what led me to say that we might be compelled to -leave the city. Juliette has lost all her love for him, and insists that she will -never recognize the tie which binds them together. As long as I live, I shall -go with her where she goes; but I know death may claim me at any time,—and then -what will become of my child?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Was your -husband's name Douglass, too?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I took my -father's name when he cast me off."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_1_Chapter_20"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XX.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>LETTERS FROM THE PASTOR.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"HOW true it -is," said Marion, as, after she had taken Mrs. Douglass to her home, she -was seated in her own parlor,—"how true that the sins of the parents are -visited on the children! God's threatenings are as faithful as his promises. I -cannot be thankful enough that I have had a pious ancestry, and that their -prayers may be answered in blessings on their descendants. How little that -father realized that, in allowing his son and daughter the indulgence of every caprice, -they were sowing seed which would spring up to their own sorrow and shame! How -little even Mrs. Cheriton realizes that she is pursuing the same evil course -with her boy, and that from being her idol he will become her tyrant! I -promised Mrs. Douglass that I would be a friend to the youthful mother; indeed -she urged that Mr. Angus had advised her to confide her story to me, and had -been confident that I would not forsake her. I will try to keep my -promise."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus sailed early -in June, and, except a notice in the papers of the safe arrival of the -steamship in Liverpool, no news from him had been received. Mrs. Asbury wrote -Marion that her long-promised visit would be paid the last week in the month, -and that she expected her niece to return with her to Grantbury. At the close -was the following hurried postscript:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have opened my -letter to add that Mr. Asbury has just received a brief communication from our -dear pastor. He is well, preached on Sunday in London, both morning and -afternoon, sent affectionate regards to all friends including you and Ethel, of -course."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion read the -message with a heightened color. Her heart rebelled against being remembered in -this general way; then, reading again, was pleased to see that this was only -her aunt's rendering of his message. She fell into a revery concerning the -absent one. "He told me I was the only confidant he ever had. In aunty's -last letter she narrated exactly what he told her in regard to the triumphant -death of a friend. She has no idea that I knew his sister, nor of the painful -events of his early life. I will not betray his confidence; and yet it will be -a trial to me to keep anything of interest to myself from my dear, kind aunty. -I wonder whether he will write me, and when."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She was interrupted by -James, who brought the morning paper.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nothing -else?" she asked, in a tone of disappointment.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Nothing at -all."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Looking at her watch, -she saw there would not be time to read the news before the carriage was due. -She folded it in an abstract manner, walked to the rack to put it in, when she -saw the end of a letter protruding from a newspaper inside. As this was not the -place for letters, she took it out, and found to her surprise it was unsealed, -and—"Yes, it is," she said aloud, "it is postmarked -London."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus began by -asking,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Am I intruding too -much on your kindness by sending you a few lines</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>at so early a date? -If so, forgive me, and remember that though I am</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>in my native land, -standing on the spot where my fathers stood, yet I</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>am a stranger. I -feel lonely to-night, and would gladly transport</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>myself back to my -adopted country. We had a prosperous voyage,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>prosperous so far -as it could be to one who was being removed farther</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and farther from -home and home friends. How much would I give to have</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>my little Ethel in -my arms, and hear her sweet voice whispering in</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>my ear, "I -love you!"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>You will turn from -my page, I fear, disgusted with my home-sickness,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and I will tell you -of other things.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I have been -occupied with business in London, but start to-morrow</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>for Doncaster, and -from that place shall proceed to Leyden. There is</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>a post-office in -Leyden. If I should find there a letter directed to</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>me, it would make -me very happy.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I write Mr. Asbury -by this same steamer, and shall send my messages</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>direct to them.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>May God bless you, -my dear Miss Howard, and reward you for all your</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>kindness to me and -mine, is the sincere prayer of your friend,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>HAROLD ANGUS.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There was one person -only to whom Marion spoke of the relief which had come to the Grantbury pastor, -and this was to Mary Falkner. This young girl, in the midst of her own -suffering, never forgot to pray that God would lead him into the light. It was -Marion's precious privilege to change these prayers to praise for mercies -already bestowed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was during a visit -made to the Home, and when the conversation had reverted to friends in -Grantbury, that Mary inquired who was preaching there. "Mother goes every -Sunday to church," she went on, "and says she enjoys it. She told me -word had come across the water from the pastor, that he was safe on land the -other side."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion laughed at the -curious phraseology of the widow, and then said, "Your prayers for him -have been answered, Mary. He is no longer weighed down by sad memories. I will -report to you what he told Aunt Asbury."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The cripple clasped -her hands, while a fervent expression of joy stole over her face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God be -praised!" she ejaculated. "He will be far more useful in his work -now. He can 'rejoice with those who do rejoice, as well as weep with those who -weep.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><span class='c6'>PART II.</span></h1> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_1"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER I.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>GRANTBURY AND THE FIRST CHURCH.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>GRANTBURY is a -manufacturing town. It has six churches, of the different denominations. The -largest and most flourishing church was the one over which Mr. Angus was -settled as pastor. A branch of this church had gone off some years before and -had built a chapel near one of the factories, hoping to bring in many of the -employés, who were neglectful of public worship. This had not been as successful -as had been hoped; the clergyman was so poorly supported that he left, and of -late the effort of the Christian workers had been concentrated on the Sunday -school. The usual attendance here was about one hundred.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Two years before the -commencement of our story, an unusual excitement prevailed in the town, caused -by the proposition of a few speculators to build a new railroad direct to the -principal cities east and west of them, thus connecting them with the great -thoroughfares. The capitalists who owned most of the stock in the branch -railroad which connected them three times in a day with the next town at first opposed -the new project; but Mr. Asbury, with a wider and more far-reaching view of the -results, advocated it both by public speeches and offers of money.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As he was a large -land-owner, and the railroad would have to pass through one of his most -valuable farms, it was argued by those wishing the new road, that he must be -advocating it for the good of the public against his private interests. So, -indeed, he was. The new road was chartered, and in time in working order. A -compromise to purchase from the owners of the branch road twelve miles which -came in their direct route satisfied all parties; so that, when, the new, -tasteful depot with the long baggage-room replaced the forlorn little station -with shed attached, there was a general burst of enthusiasm.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The two years -following this made a marvelous change in the old, quiet village. Mr. Asbury -had given a beautiful site for the new depot, on conditions which had been -complied with. The grass land belonging to his largest farm had been laid out -in squares, with a park in the centre, and sold for house lots. The buildings -put up there according to the terms of sale, must not be less than a stipulated -cost; and thus a pretty village was growing up in this part of the town.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus's church was -half a mile from the station, and quite near Mr. Asbury's dwelling house. The -stimulus in all branches of business had been so great since the new railroad -had been built that the main street had been widened, and set out with shade -trees at the border of the flagged sidewalks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Nor was the prosperity -confined to the vicinity of the depot. The increased demand for vegetables, -milk, etc., from the new-comers made the land too valuable for the farmers to -cultivate grass and corn for their own use. Large fields with southern -exposures were planted with early and late vegetables and small fruits, which -found a ready sale at their own new market.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This was the condition -of the town when Mr. Angus became the pastor of the First Church. During the -nine months following his ordination, the church building had become so crowded -that a suggestion of enlarging by transepts had been made. It was an -old-fashioned edifice, with unnecessarily roomy slips, white walls, high -pulpit, and poor ventilation. Mr. Asbury was opposed to enlarging, but did not -consider it time to give his reasons.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At a meeting of the -trustees directly after Mr. Angus went abroad, it was proposed that the work of -enlarging be entered upon immediately, and finished by the time of the pastor's -return. Some money was subscribed; but when the paper was passed to Mr. Asbury, -he refused to sign any thing. As a large subscription had been hoped for, this -refusal threw a damper on the undertaking; but a committee was appointed to -report in one week, and the meeting adjourned.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During this very week -a fire broke out in carpenter's shop filled with combustible matter. The flames -carried sparks and half-burned sticks to several houses in the vicinity, and -among them to the building belonging to the First Church. The committee met, -and all the male members with them, not to report on the cost of the proposed alterations, -but to consult what was to be done in this sudden and terrible emergency.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The old sturdy farmers -were near despair, but supposed they must do something to repair the temple of -the Lord, and were thankful that the walls, being of brick, were still -standing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Others had a plan that -a new town hall, just finished, should be hired, and public worship held there -till such time as they were able to recover from the effects of the terrible -calamity which had overtaken them.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Asbury and a few -friends belonging to the wealthy portion of the church remained silent -listeners to the views of the older brethren. At length, after an hour spent in -lamentations over the calamity, and propositions which were considered -impracticable, the moderator of the meeting remarked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We have talked -an hour to no purpose. Will some one make a proposition as to a place of -worship for us next Sunday?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After a momentary -pause, Mr. Asbury quietly rose from his seat with an open paper in his hand. -There was not the least trace of excitement in his manner, as he said, "I -have here a letter, which I will read. It is from the trustees of the Methodist -Episcopal Church in our town, and is addressed to me.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"MR. EDWARD -ASBURY:</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Dear Sir,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"At a meeting of -our board of trustees the day following</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>the burning of your -church edifice, a resolve was unanimously voted</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>that we deeply -sympathize in your loss of your house of worship, and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>that we tender to -you the free use of our church building till such</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>time as you may -repair your edifice or otherwise provide for</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>yourselves.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"With -fraternal love and good-will,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Very -respectfully</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"MOSES HUNT.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"By order of -trustees of Methodist Episcopal Church, Grantbury."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A motion to accept -this friendly offer was at once passed, and then Mr. Asbury rose again and -said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have a -proposition to make; but, first, I ask you to listen to a few facts. I have -made a careful investigation into the state of our church building, the walls -of which are still standing. It is fifty-eight years old; the beams are rotten. -It ought to be a source of gratitude that we have escaped a greater calamity by -reason of the falling in of the walls, from the cellar being unventilated. It -cannot be repaired. This is the opinion of the best experts I have been able to -obtain. I propose, then, that we sell it as it stands, to some gentlemen who -offer five thousand dollars for the site. They intend, if they obtain it, to -put up a large hotel."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's a good -offer."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Take it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I object."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We must have the -land to build again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We need a hotel -for summer residents."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We can worship -in the town hall."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Or disband -altogether," grumbled a man who never contributed a penny.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Altogether the clamor -following this proposition prevented any further remarks from Mr. Asbury, if he -had wished to make any, and he sat down with a smile on his face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Several groups were at -once formed, and loud, excited voices were heard discussing this unexpected -proposal; some were for accepting, others positively refused to quit the old -spot dedicated by their fathers to the worship of God. At length the moderator, -with a loud rap on the table, called the meeting to order, and inquired whether -any gentleman had anything further to say before the proposal was put to vote.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Asbury rose again, -this time with a little flush on his face, as he remarked, "I am not in -the habit, as you, my friends, are aware, of speaking of myself; but I would -like to say that I have the welfare of this parish greatly at heart. We are -blessed with a good pastor,—a live, working man. I believe he will be more -useful in the future than he has been in the past; that he is a growing man. I -believe that he will return to us with greatly improved health and spirits, and -enter on his work again with new hope and confidence of success. I want to show -him that we appreciate him by building him a new church large enough to -accommodate all the new families who wish to join us. When a proposition was -made at our last meeting to enlarge our old building, I did not subscribe, -because I knew the work would cost more in the end than to begin a new one. I -have had some sad experience, as many of you know" (smiling), "as to -the cost of repairing old buildings. Now that the fire has rendered that undertaking -impracticable, I propose to your board of trustees to accept a lot of land on -the rising ground, half-way between this and the new depot, which I freely -tender to them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Shouts of -"Yes," "We will," etc., were checked by a wave of Mr. -Asbury's hand, as he added,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Wait a little: I -have not done yet; there are conditions. I wish to say that a subscription -paper has already been started for a new edifice costing not less than twenty -thousand dollars, and the sum of fourteen thousand eight hundred dollars, -including five thousand for our old church building, already subscribed, on -condition that the whole amount be raised, and no mortgage ever be allowed upon -it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Profound silence -followed this speech, which was like a bombshell thrown into an unprotected -house; then a few whispers were heard,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Five thousand -and more to raise. Where will it come from?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'T would have -cost ten to repair, and 't would have been an old building after all."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At last, Mr. Rand, an -aged, white-haired farmer, stood up.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm an old -man," he said, "and not long for this world; but I hope to live to -see the new church built on that 'ere spot yonder, which, in my opinion, is the -pootiest place for a church in the hull town,—yes, and to worship God in it, -too. I'm not rich, and I'm not poor. I've got nigh upon two thousand dollars in -the savings bank, laid up for a wet day. My children are all married and -settled on farms of their own; so I sha'n't do any of 'em wrong if I add my -name to Mr. Asbury's paper," holding out his hand for it. -"There," he said, deliberately taking off the glasses he had put on -to write,—"there's fifteen thousand three hundred subscribed on the -above-named conditions. If necessary, I'll add another five hundred; and I'm -sure my old woman will say so, too."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"After this noble -example," rejoined the moderator, more moved by the old man's words than -he liked to show, "I'll put down my name for the same sum as he did."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Smaller sums were at -once added, so that when the meeting adjourned, after the appointment of a -building committee, only one thousand more was necessary to make up the entire -amount. This was to be obtained by personal solicitation from the families of -those not represented at the meeting, and a committee of ladies was requested -to take this work in hand.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_2"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER II.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>VISIT TO INGLESIDE.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE architect employed -by the building committee had submitted a plan for the new church,—Gothic, high -spire, and stained-glass windows. It was accepted, the foundation laid, the -walls, which were to be of native stone, raised to the height of seven feet, -when a letter was received from Mr. Angus, enclosing a slip cut from a London newspaper.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A very -innocent-looking paragraph," exclaimed Mr. Asbury to his wife. "But -what a stir it will make in the parish!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was the -announcement of an urgent call given to the Rev. Harold Angus, of New York -City, United States of America, to settle over the —Church, —Street, London, at -a salary of one thousand pounds.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In addition to the -printed paragraph, Mr. Angus had written,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>DEAR FRIENDS,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Mail going out. -Only time to say that the call alluded to, and the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>enclosed slip, in -which it was announced, came to hand by</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>the same mail, and -was wholly unexpected. Fearing you might see it</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>copied into a New -York paper, I forward it, and will write more at</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>length by next -steamer.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>H. ANGUS.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before the close of -the day in which the letter was received, few belonging to the First Church -were ignorant of its contents. Mr. Asbury was right. The news created a great -excitement, not only in their own parish, but throughout the town. A meeting of -the voters in the First Church was called to express their opinions in regard -to the subject of the paragraph.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After the opening -exercises, Mr. Asbury stated the object of the meeting. Mr. Rand then started -to his feet, and with a quick glance around the room, said, in a loud voice,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm as deaf as a -post, from a cold I got down on my medder, and I can't hear a word you say; but -my wife, she's heerd that some folks 't other side of the water are trying to -get our pastor away from us, and she told me to come here and vote it right down. -It's a shame, anyway, for Christians to be a-pulling and a-tearing of one -another. We've got the first right to Mr. Angus, and I vote that we hold on to -him, and let them get a minister nearer home. That's all I've got to say. If -it's more salary than we pay him, I guess I can help make up the difference -between what they'll give and what we do."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A hearty laugh -followed this speech, and, as Mr. Rand had expressed in brief the wishes of all -present, the meeting soon adjourned, after a unanimous vote "to hold on to -their pastor," and make the question of salary satisfactory to him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One of his neighbors -having screamed this result into Mr. Rand's ear, he mounted his farm-wagon with -a significant nod of his head.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"All right!" -he shouted, at the top of his voice. "I darsn't go home till I knew the -parish would hold on to him. My old woman would—you know." His voice was -lost in the distance.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Perhaps if the good -farmer had known the contents of a letter which at this very hour was being -carried by wind and steam across the Atlantic he would have been still more -jubilant as he sat eating his supper of cold corned beef and greens, and -telling his wife, between the mouthfuls, the news he had learned at the -meeting.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Asbury made her -visit to Marion at the time she had promised, taking Ethel with her. Of course -all the Grantbury news was rehearsed, in the course of which the pastor's name -was frequently mentioned. Ethel, meanwhile, had succeeded in coaxing Gypsy, a -pet spaniel belonging to Mrs. Mitchell, to allow herself to be dressed in one -of her dolly's cloaks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now," she -said, "we are going to sail on a voyage to Europe, to see Mr. Angus. You -must sit very still, doggy, because it's Sunday. I shall teach you a hymn by -and by,"—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'I must not play on -Sunday.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"When we get to -Europe, I shall let you go with me to Ingleside, you know. There is a pretty -garden at Ingleside, with an arbor all covered with grape vines. If you are -good till we get there,—sit still, Gypsy,—oh, how naughty you are to pull off -your nice cloak!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>By this time Gypsy -thought she ought to be released, and jumped from the sofa, where Ethel had -placed her, at which the little girl burst into a merry laugh.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What is she -talking about?" asked Marion, in a low tone.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Where is -Ingleside, Ethel?" inquired her mother.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, don't you -know? It is Mr. Angus's home, where his grandfather used to live. When he was -a little boy, his mamma let him go there sometimes; and he had hens and little -goats to play with. We talk about it when we are taking a walk, you know."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What a pretty -name Ingleside is," remarked Marion, without raising her eyes from her -work. She was making a fine dress for Frances, Ethel's favorite doll, and of -course the excitement of this was what made her cheeks look so rosy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During Ethel's visits -Marion invited Geenie Cheriton to take a drive with them and pass the rest of -the day with the little girl. They all gave a sigh of relief, however, when -James started with him for his home, and Mrs. Asbury said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I wonder how -Mrs. Douglass can endure that child's noise. It is such a pity that he should -be ruined by indulgence."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I wouldn't be -that boy's nurse for a fortune," exclaimed Hepsey, who was putting up the -toys Geenie had pulled about. "They'll have a time with him if he -lives."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert called -during Mrs. Asbury's visit, and was introduced to the guests. He seemed greatly -attracted by Ethel, who fixed her large violet eyes seriously upon him. He -succeeded at last in coaxing her to his side, when they had quite an animated -conversation. Before they parted he gave her a beautiful little charm, whist he -unhooked from his watch-chain.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This was the first -time Marion had seen him since her discovery that Mr. Regy, of whom she had -heard so much, was only the double of her old friend. She longed to ask him -about it, but would not before strangers. She contented herself with inquiries -about Neddy Carter, who was soon to be admitted to the mission school.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Only two days after -Mrs. Asbury's return to Grantbury, Marion received a thick letter with a -foreign postmark,—Leyden, Yorkshire. She retired quickly to her own chamber, -and sat down with blooming cheeks to its perusal.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I have no intention of -copying the letter, but will say that, after giving her an account of his visit -to his home,—a visit which almost overwhelmed him with its painful -memories,—and visiting the graves of father, mother, and brother as they lay -side by side under the old yew-trees, he took the cars for Ingleside, his -father's ancestral home in Leyden. He told her he found only an old servant, a -retainer of the family, who received him as one from the dead. His grandfather -had four children born here,—one son and three daughters. When he died, in -Harold's twelfth year, his property was divided equally between them, except -Ingleside, which was always to be kept in the family, and after the death of -his daughters to revert to his oldest grandson.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Estelle Angus, for -whom Stella was named, made a will and left her namesake her heir. Mary and -Sarah died without making a will, and the property came to Harold, as the -nearest of kin. It was not a great fortune that he found awaiting him, Mr. -Angus told Marion, but, with the money left in the bank by his father, it was -sufficient to enable him to carry out some cherished plans.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One of these plans was -to build a pretty home on a certain knoll in Grantbury (the very one Mr. Asbury -had given to the church), to be called Ingleside; but there was one word from -her which must come before the new Ingleside could be built.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Then followed certain -statements in regard to a diagnosis recently made of his heart, which conveyed -to the young lady a pretty accurate idea of what the word must be, in order -that the English cottage be erected.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>By this time Marion, -by certain unwelcome symptoms, which had forced themselves on her notice was -aware of the strength of her own attachment for her pastor, and, being -naturally frank and outspoken, she wrote the word (a very short one), which, -could he have known it, would have set good Farmer Rand's mind at rest in -regard "to holding on" to his pastor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In a note added to his -letter, immediately following the receipt of the call from the London church, -Mr. Angus added:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I have just -forwarded to Mr. Asbury an invitation to settle in our</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>great metropolis. -Would you prefer to live in England? Of course I</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>could not give the -parish an idea of what my answer will be till</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I hear from you. Am -I presumptuous? You first taught me to be</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>hopeful. Am I too -daring to hope now?"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Early one morning soon -after this, Mrs. Douglass sent Marion a note, requesting her to call at her -earliest convenience.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On entering the house -where Mrs. Douglass had rooms, Marion met in the hall a dashing young man, -dressed in the height of the fashion, with a lighted cigar in his hand. She -would have passed him without notice, but for a bold stare, which sent the -indignant blood to her cheeks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The knock at Mrs. -Douglass's door was for a minute unanswered; then Mrs. Cheriton opened it, her -eyes still flashing defiance, her head thrown back, but looking more -brilliantly beautiful than the visitor had ever seen her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass had -evidently been under some strong excitement: her eyes were red with crying, and -her hands trembled.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Eugene came forward -with a rush to meet the lady. He was dressed for a walk and insisted that -Marion should accompany him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am on my way -to my music scholars," explained the visitor, taking the little fellow in -her arms. "Some time you shall go with me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm going to -walk with you," said his mother haughtily.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How can I aid -you, dear friend?" asked Marion, when the outer door had shut upon the -others.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Did you meet a -gentleman as you came in?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I did. I can guess -that he is Mr. Cheriton."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, no! no! -Would that he were here. Juliette is so young: she does not consider; she is—I -am pained to say so—she is imprudent. Arthur has no right to leave her -unprotected. She wrung her hands in great distress, her eyes full of tears.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Who is he?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"His name is -Alford. Juliette accompanied one of our fellow-boarders to the theatre, and was -introduced to him there. He has been here every day since. She has just -promised, in my presence, and contrary to my wishes, to go to the theatre with -him to-night. I am powerless to prevent it. What must I, what can I do?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Alford," -repeated Marion. "Do you know his Christian name?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There is his -card,—C. W. Alford, New York City."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A very -indefinite address. Will you let me take it? I will make inquiries concerning -his character. I am sorry to say I was not favorably impressed with his -appearance."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But Juliette has -a husband. Whatever his moral character may be, she must not receive attentions -from him. If the poor child has a father living—" A burst of tears -interrupted her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She has a -heavenly Father," urged Marion, deeply moved. "He will never lose -sight of her for a moment. His eye sees her when no earthly eye can follow her, -and His arm can protect her from harm. Dear Mrs. Douglass, don't weep so. Let -us ask His guidance."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Seldom had the young -Christian poured forth such earnest petitions for help as now. Realizing, as -she did, the impulsive passion of the young wife, the excuses she would make to -her conscience,—that her husband had forsaken her,—the impossibility of earthly -effort to restrain her, Marion called upon God to appear for them in their trouble, -to touch the heart of the young mother, to put barriers in her path to ruin, to -fill her soul with purer joys.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Feeling as she did at -that moment, perhaps as never before, how sheltered and protected her own life -had been, how brightly the future was opening before her own path, her tears -gushed forth afresh at the thought of the dangers threatening this beautiful, -unprotected child-wife. She prayed too that the absent husband might be brought -to a sense of his wrong-doing in forsaking her whom he had sworn to cherish, -and return to them with new purposes and new resolves. Nor did she forget the -absent father, so long unknown to those connected with him by the closest ties. -She prayed that if he were still an inhabitant of earth, God, who knew all -things, would lead him back to them, to be their comfort and joy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"O Miss -Howard!" cried the afflicted mother, clasping her hands, "what a -blessing that we can go to our heavenly Father and tell him all our sorrows! I -have an assurance that He will answer; that He will in some way protect my -dear, deluded child. It may be by my death. I would willingly give up my life, -could I be assured of her safety. It may be that He will touch Arthur's heart, -and bring him home to his family. I would submit to any privation, any inconvenience, -to have him, her lawful protector, with her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Or," added -Marion, "He may restore to you the husband you have so long mourned. A -father would be a great blessing to Juliette now."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A Christian -father," murmured the lady, raising her eyes to heaven. "Every day my -prayer for him is, Lord, if he is living, lead him to Thyself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After a short silence, -the lady added, "I thank God I can say with truth that, since the hour my -husband left me, believing I was lost to virtue, I have always maintained the -strictest reserve toward all of the opposite sex. I was young, and often called -handsome. I believe my husband had been proud of my beauty. I could play the piano -and guitar as an accompaniment to my voice; but I only played for my parents -and most intimate friends. I have always tried to impress upon Juliette, both -by example and precept, that a wife so unfortunately situated must be doubly -guarded in her conduct. Character is a plant which must be kept in good soil, -free from blights and mildew. It must be watched and tended with care. It is too -sacred to be trifled with."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass wept as -she talked, and Marion, desirous of soothing her, said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mrs. Cheriton's -love for Eugene is a great preservative."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, that is -true," sighing. "Poor boy! He needs a father's restraining -hand."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We have asked -our heavenly Father to preserve them both from all evil, and I believe He -will," rejoined the visitor, hopefully.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>God did answer the -prayers so earnestly offered, but in a way entirely unlooked for.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_3"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER III.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>WITHOUT CHRIST.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>MRS. CHERITON did not -return from her walk for an hour after Marion left. She came in looking so -brilliantly beautiful that it made her mother's heart ache. Her eyes always -shone like stars, and the rich color crimsoned her cheeks when she was excited -either by joy or anger. Eugene, too, seemed overflowing with spirits. His hands -were full of toys and sweetmeats, given him, he said, by the nice gentleman. -When he threw off his cap, his grandmother noticed that his hair was wet with -perspiration, and told her daughter he ought not to sit in the draught; but she -retorted with some indifferent reply. Finding she could not induce the child to -move, nor to give up the colored candies he was eagerly devouring, with a sigh -the grandmother left the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During the rest of the -day, the young mother went about with a smile on her lips, quite absorbed in -thoughts of a pleasant nature. Toward night her boy coughed two or three times; -but she, usually so ready to take alarm, laughed at her mother's suggestion -that he must have taken cold.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At an early hour Mr. -Alford called to accompany her to the theatre, and poured out such a torrent of -flattery at her beauty as quite turned her head.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Scarcely bidding her -mother good by, she went gayly down the stairs, little imagining what her -return would be.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The clock was just -striking twelve when, in turning the corner of the street, the house she called -home came into view. At this hour it was usually dark. Now the hall and her -mother's room were brilliantly lighted. Just at this moment a carriage dashed -up to the door.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What does it -mean?" she cried, in a startled voice, trying to pull her hand from her -companion's arm.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"When can I see -you again?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The insinuating tone -was lost on her, for with a sudden fear she had released herself and flown -away. Bounding up the stairs, she stopped one instant to gaze into the lighted -room. On her mother's lap lay Geenie, struggling for breath. Before them stood -the doctor, with a spoonful of medicine in his hand,—just brought by his -servant,—which he was vainly trying to force down the child's throat. One of the -servants was bringing through another door a foot-tub filled with boiling -water, while another was pulling the blanket from the bed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>All this the mother -took in at one glance, then sprang forward with a loud shriek and threw herself -on her knees before her boy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mamma, help -Geenie! Make the bad man go away! Geenie can't breathe!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's the -croup," gasped her mother, in reply to her agonized gaze into the child's -face, darkened and convulsed with this struggle for breath.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is a case of -life and death," added the physician, in a solemn voice. "If you -love your brother, persuade him to take this medicine."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My brother! He's -my boy, my own, my precious child!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her voice rose to a -shriek, as she saw that his features became more convulsed. She cried, she -wrung her hands, calling continually, "Eugene, my pet, my darling! I won't -give you up! You sha'n't die!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He will die, and -very soon, if you do not control yourself. You must be calm."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Addressing one of the -servants, who had just returned with the prescription, he ordered Eugene's head -to be held, while he forced down the medicine. Then turning to Mrs. Douglass, -he said, "Madam, will you try to bring your daughter to reason? Every -moment of delay makes the boy's situation more dangerous. With the aid of the servants, -I wish to use the steam."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He really pitied the -child-mother, as he saw her fixed gaze in her son's convulsed face; but he knew -that unless vigorous measures were used, a short time would end the struggle. -Taking Eugene in his own arms, he directed the girl to wrap the boy in the -large blanket and hold him over the boiling water. The other girl was to -furnish a fresh supply.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass tried to -persuade her daughter to leave the room; but she would not. She sank into a -chair and watched every movement which took place. She seemed suddenly to be -turned into an automaton, only that those wondrous eyes flashed so continuously -they seemed to light up the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In half an hour the -medicine began to take effect, the terrible sound, never to be forgotten, grew -less harsh. The doctor, with his coat off, worked like a hero. It was evident -that the steam produced relief in breathing. More and more heavily drooped the -child's head, his eyelids closed, the terrible heaving of his breast was more natural. -The doctor put his hand under the blanket, found the pulse, and nodded -approval. Without awakening the boy, he put a small powder on his tongue and -sat down to watch.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Another hour passed. -Mrs. Douglass had quietly retired to the next room. Eugene slept still. He had -been removed to the sofa. The doctor still waited. The struggle for life had -been so great, he did not like to leave his patient till assured that he would -have no return of the frightful convulsions. He was a father too, and aside -from his desire as a physician to control the disease, he was interested in the -unusual circumstances of the patient. At home, he had a daughter growing up, -now in her seventeenth year, who looked more fit to be a mother than this passionate -girl, who at one moment gave free vent to her frenzied agony, and the next -controlled herself so wonderfully that she had sat for hours scarcely daring to -breathe.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He could not -comprehend, skilled as he was in controlling disease, the torture which that -poor girl was undergoing from an accusing conscience. She saw herself at last -as in a mirror,—wilful, proud of her outward charms, undutiful to her -long-suffering, self-sacrificing mother,—her best friend,—idolizing her boy, but -blind to his faults, and not restraining her own temper that she might teach -him self-control. Then her thoughts reverted to her absent husband, and -conscience, resolved to be heard at last, set before her a catalogue of her -offences toward him,—wilful neglect of his wishes, too evident want of -affection, etc., which had at last weaned him from her and sent him far away. -"Where is he now?" It seemed to her that this question was screamed -in her ears. "You drove him wild with your taunts and neglect."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At length she remembered -the events of the previous night. How long ago that seemed! The whispers of -flattery that had sounded so sweetly in her ears, how she loathed them now! How -she loathed herself, that they could have pleased her! She seemed to herself to -have been suddenly snatched away from the very brink of a precipice, and to be -frantically seizing some sure support which would prevent her from falling back -into the dreadful abyss. Oh, how dark it looked! And yet how eagerly only last -night she had rushed toward it!</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, my boy! my -boy! If you die your mother is justly punished."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Cheriton had not -lived nineteen years with her mother without understanding that this dearest -friend was of late governed by different principles from those which controlled -her in earlier life. She acknowledged in this dark hour that when all other -help had failed, the poor widow, bearing alone her heavy burden of grief and self-reproach, -had found comfort and solace in the truths contained in the sacred book -hitherto so little prized. God was no longer to her an angry judge, but a -tender, loving father, whose heart yearned over her. Jesus Christ was her -sympathizing Saviour, who had voluntarily come to earth, suffered poverty, -temptation, and ignominy, that he might know how to succor his children in like -sorrow. Many, many times Mrs. Douglass had endeavored to impress these blessed -teachings on her daughter; but they only seemed to her like idle tales. Of -late, since her acquaintance with Marion Howard, she had been urged to trust in -the kind care of One whose eye of love was always watching her; but these -faithful words, instead of drawing her heart toward the friend who uttered -them, had led her to treat Marion with cold contempt.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As is frequently the -case with persons in the near prospect of death, the events of the past life -flash like lightning through the mind, so in Juliette's agony, circumstances -connected with her childhood, youth, and brief married life rushed to her -memory with a force and vividness which well nigh overwhelmed her. As she -afterward described it, "I seemed to be living my life over again: I was -wooed and won. I tasted the purest joy of all when my child was placed in my -arms. I sinned and was punished. I went on sinning and repenting. I went headlong -into the arms of a destroyer, when a hand was stretched out and saved me. I can -never make myself believe that all this occurred in only five hours."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At last the physician, -who had for some time been dozing in his chair, rose quietly, and, coming -toward the rigid figure, said, encouragingly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He is sleeping -quietly now. Be careful that he does not get a chill. I will be in again at -nine."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She gazed in his face, -scarcely understanding his words, looking so bewildered that he mechanically -placed his fingers on her pulse. Her hand was like ice.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He, your child, -is better. I am quite hopeful now. You have controlled yourself -admirably."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you mean that -he will not die? That God will not punish me by taking him away?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, my poor -child. I mean that I hope God in mercy intends to spare him to you. He is given -to you afresh, to train up to a good and useful life."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>What a change came -over that young face, on which despair had been stamped! The hard eyes -softened, the lips quivered, the crimson tide came rushing back, painting -cheeks and brow; the whole countenance grew luminous, as with quickened breath -the child-mother clasped her hands, exclaiming,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, how I will -love Him! He is so good, and I have been so bad."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Forgetful of the -physician's presence, or of anything, except that the God, whom she had not -loved, had dealt with her in such infinite mercy, she fell on her knees and -buried her face in her hands.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Lord, help me! -Save me!" she cried. "I have tried living without Thy help. I was all -but lost. Do help, dear Lord."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>These words, so -different from what he expected under the circumstances, seemed too sacred for -a stranger's ears, and the kind physician silently took his leave, wiping his -eyes as he went down the stairs, then walked quickly to his home in the gray -dawn of a new day.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_4"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER IV.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>WITH CHRIST.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>MRS. CHERITON'S trials -had only begun. Eugene's croup was followed by congestion of the lungs, the -attack assuming from the first alarming symptoms. He would not bear his mother -out of his sight for a moment. Indeed the result of her injudicious fondness -showed itself during these sad weeks in a manner which would have been a -warning to any one. Though she deprived herself of sleep, and almost of food, -in order to be always at hand to minister to his wants, he showed no gratitude. -He exacted everything as a right, and, if there was the slightest opposition to -his wishes, he screamed with passion, often exclaiming, "I hate you. Go -away, bad mamma." He would not take medicine from her, shrieking, -"You tell lies. You told me it was good and it wasn't. I'll let Miss -Howard give it to me: she never tells lies."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>From Marion, too, he -would submit to any treatment, even to the blisters upon his chest. "It -will hurt you, Geenie," she said, "but if you don't have it on for a -few minutes that dreadful pain will come back. Be a good boy, and I will tell -you a nice story about Gypsy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you bring -Gypsy to see me?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I -will."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In addition to -Eugene's sickness, the doctor's services were in daily requisition for Mrs. -Douglass, who had never risen from her bed since the night of her grandson's -seizure. The agony of mind she had suffered on account of her daughter, -followed so speedily by Eugene's dangerous illness, proved too much for a frame -enfeebled by disease. Violent pain in the head was succeeded by nervous chills, -until Dr. Danforth became alarmed for her life.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Under these -circumstances Marion proved her real friendship by spending as much time as -possible with the patient sufferer, and thus was at hand when poor Juliette, -driven to her wits' end by the insubordination of her darling, was unable to -control him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As the young mother -had not spoken of the events of that never-to-be-forgotten night, neither Mrs. -Douglass nor Marion could account for the entire change in her manners and -appearance. They supposed her fright at the sudden illness of her boy had for -the time driven all other thoughts from her mind. Indeed, Mrs. Douglass, with -many tears, thanked God that in his wonder-working providence he had taken any -means to prevent a career of gayety which must have ended in her ruin. It would -have been an immense relief to her could she have known that a card with the -name "C. W. Alford" had been sent to her daughter the day following -Eugene's attack, that the question written with pencil underneath his name, -"When can I see you?" had been hastily answered with one word, -"Never."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Yes, her Father in -heaven, more ready to grant our requests than we are to ask them, had indeed -answered the Christian mother's prayers, though as yet she knew it not.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Through all these -anxious, weary days and nights, in the midst of her duties,—and they were -onerous,—Mrs. Cheriton was supported by the thought, "God will help me: he -has promised to help those who ask him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In after-days she used -to say, "I seemed to be living in a dream. Whenever the thought of Mr. -Alford came into my mind, or the recollection of his vague suggestions recurred -to me, I shivered, while my cheeks burned like fire. Then the conduct of -Geenie, ungovernable and unloving, continually reminded me of another precipice -from which I had been drawn back.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"On the other -hand, I wondered at myself, at the sweet peace which at times filled my soul. -How good God has been to me! How kind, how loving, how tender! Sometimes when -Geenie slept I found time to read a few verses in the Bible. I found verses -written expressly for me: 'Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord -pitieth them that fear him.' 'For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we -are dust.' I could scarcely believe that these precious words were in God's own -book. I put in a mark and read them again and again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But it was impossible -for such a radical change to take place in Mrs. Cheriton without the fact -becoming visible to those about her. Even before her mother noticed anything, -the servants talked about it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She must believe -he is going to die," one girl said to another, "else she wouldn't -speak so kindly, and thank me as she does."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The first thing -indicating a change noticed by her mother was one morning, when the -chamber-girl, having put everything in order, had left the room, Juliette came -from the adjoining chamber with a smile on her face. Approaching the bed, she -kissed her mother, saying, softly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Geenie is -asleep. If you like, I'll read to you," laying her hand on the Bible as -she spoke.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you, dear. -That would indeed be a pleasure."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Where shall I -read? But here is your mark in St. John's Gospel."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In a low, and, to her -mother, inexpressibly sweet voice, she read the last words of Christ to his -disciples, frequently pausing as she read, as though applying the precious -words to her own case.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass lay with -her eyes fixed on the pale countenance of the reader, wondering what made her -so beautiful. The rich bloom had gone, the dark eyes no longer flashed; but -never had there been such a serene smile wreathing the lips. It seemed to -indicate an inward peace.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At last, Juliette, -raising her eyes from the book met her mother's gaze fixed intently on her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Can I do -anything more for you, dear?" she said, rising and leaning over the bed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"O Juliette! If -you could, if you would, pray: we need help so much."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There was a momentary -struggle in the breast of the young convert, and then, throwing herself on her -knees by the bed, she hid her face in her hands and poured out from a thankful -heart prayer for Christ's presence, such as he had promised his disciples, and -praise for the blessed hope of acceptance and pardon. With the simplicity of a -child who has scarcely learned the language of prayer, but whose soul is fully -alive to the value of the blessings to be asked for, she plead for wisdom equal -to every emergency, grace for every trial her Father in his love might see fit -to send. She prayed for her dear mother, so weak and suffering, for her boy, -not yet out of danger, that He who loved them better than any earthly love -would do for them according to his will. "But, oh, dear Jesus, who loves little -children," she cried, clasping her hands, "if he must die, and it is Thy -blessed will, prepare my boy, my poor, neglected child, for heaven. Let him not -suffer eternally for his mother's sinful neglect of Thy commands."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Then her sobs became -so violent that she was obliged to rise hastily and leave the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass closed -her eyes, while she murmured the inspired words, "Lord, now let Thy -servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I asked God, and -He has heard my prayers. She has learned to pray. That was not her first -prayer. O my Saviour, help me to thank Thee as I ought."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When Dr. Danforth made -his next visit, he found Mrs. Douglass bolstered up in bed, Hepsey, who had for -a day or two supplied Marion's place, arranging her still abundant hair. They -were engaged in animated conversation when he entered. He had become deeply interested -in the strangers, having never forgotten the scenes of the night of his -introduction to them. To no one had he ever mentioned the young mother's -prayer, the burden of which was help for herself from some great danger, not -for relief and returning health to her child.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You are -better," he said, cheerfully, after having counted her pulse.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, Doctor, I -have had a restorative." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Wine? I wish you -had taken it sooner."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, Doctor. I -have heard my daughter pray." The mother's face beamed with joy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What is so great -a beautifier as happiness?" was the doctor's thought. "She looks ten -years younger." He spoke seriously, but with the greatest tenderness, -saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have heard her -pray, and I think her prayers have been answered. She has borne the trials of -these sad weeks with a sweet submission and patience I have seldom seen -surpassed."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God has given -her grace according to her day."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes. He has -indeed fulfilled His promise to the widow and orphan."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My daughter is -not a widow, Doctor," murmured the patient, her cheeks flushing. "You -have been such a kind friend, I may confide so much of our story to you. -Juliette was married at the early age of fourteen, and her child was born -within the year. Geenie was only a few weeks old when his father left home for -England, ostensibly to obtain a situation where he might support his family in -the luxuries to which they had been accustomed. We hear from him occasionally, -but have never seen him since."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Unnatural -monster!" cried the doctor, indignantly. He thought of his own little -girl, and wondered how she would endure such a living trial,—she to whom the -loss of a pet dog had been the greatest grief she had known.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was a minute or two -before he could rally sufficiently to remark, "Eugene is better too. I am -sorry to say my patient will soon be dismissing me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We have so few -friends in America, we cannot give up your visits without regret, Doctor. But -it is selfish for us to keep you longer than is necessary, when so many need -you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is a physician -to have no friends, then?" queried the doctor, assuming a gruff voice. -"You will find it hard, madam, to get rid of me." Then, with an -emphatic shrug of his shoulders, he went away, and drove nearly a mile out of -his course, while he was wondering what kind of a man Mr. Cheriton could be who -would forsake a wife like Juliette.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In another respect the -young mother showed that she had taken God's word as the rule of her life. This -was in the management of her child. Formerly, when herself provoked at his -rudeness or impatient at his exactions, she had dealt him a sudden blow, which, -however, always seemed to rouse his combativeness to such a degree that it required -much skill to soothe him. She usually had to buy him off from the exhibition of -temper by confectionery or some new toys. Now, feeling her own weakness, she -daily sought strength from God. She had noticed, too, how easily Mr. Angus and -Marion had made him obey, not by blows or threats, but by a firm and gentle -kindness, which won his confidence. It was her aim to imitate this method.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As soon as he was able -to sit up, Eugene felt rather than understood that his mother would no longer -submit to be struck in the face or called "bad mamma" when his wishes -were crossed. She talked to him, explained that he must obey, that Jesus Christ -loved good children, and that she would teach him to pray, and ask this best Friend -to help him be good.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There is a sacredness -in religious teachings which always arrests the attention of a child. No -stories are so much delighted in as the stories of Joseph and Samuel and -Daniel, and particularly the story of our dear Saviour. Over and over again these -stories may be repeated; yet the little one never tires, but will ask new -questions concerning the wonderful characters.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Juliette had thus a -double incentive to read her Bible. She wished to find in the sacred pages -strength for daily duties; and she also read for the instruction of her boy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion came in one day -and found Geenie dressed in a wrapper, sitting in his mother's lap. In her hand -she held the Good Book, and they were talking eagerly of the story she had -read. Marion wrote afterwards, in her letter to Mr. Angus, that she seldom had -seen a prettier picture,—the beauty of both so softened by the subjects on -which they were talking.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion bent over and -pressed her lips to the fair forehead of the young mother, and Eugene made them -laugh by imitating her example.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She's nicer than -she was," he exclaimed, patting her cheek. "She doesn't tell lies any -more. She tells me when the medicine is going to taste badly,—but I take it all -the same."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After talking for a -few minutes with Mrs. Douglass, Marion hurried away, saying to herself,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What a glorious -change! What a purifier and refiner Christianity is! How Mr. Angus will rejoice -that Juliette has accepted her Saviour!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before I close this -chapter I must tell the reader that Marion showed Mr. Alford's card to Mr. -Lambert the very day Mrs. Douglass had given it to her, only asking whether he -knew the man. He did not, but soon found a man of his description was a -frequenter of gambling-saloons and other disreputable places of resort, that -the name Alford was one of several aliases, and that he was a man wholly unfit -to be trusted.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To neither Mrs. -Douglass nor her daughter did she repeat this information, the change in -Juliette rendering it unnecessary.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_5"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER V.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>HOME IN THE STABLE LOFT.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"THIS is only a -stable, Miss Marion." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The place must -be here, Hepsey: the number three hundred and sixty is plainly marked."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The young lady -reverted to her paper again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Esther Cole, -three hundred sixty.' Three hundred fifty-eight, the last house is marked. I -must inquire."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One of the hostlers -came forward to the door of the stable.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you want a -carriage, lady?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am looking for -a number which ought to be here."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is it a tenement -house you're after, ma'am?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, and a -family by the name of Cole."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's aloft their -house is. Walk right through ma'am, to the ladder beyont."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you," -replied Marion, giving him a smile which quite won him. "How very clear -your floor is! I was never in a stable before. Look, Hepsey! See how nicely -the carriages are covered; and really there is quite a pretty parlor,—and such -a row of whips hanging up."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That room is for -ladies and gentlemen to wait while their horses are harnessed, ma'am." The -hostler was doing the honors in his best style. They had now reached the -ladder, as he called it by which they were to ascend to the room -"aloft," and he said, "It's a poor place, ma'am, for a lady the -likes of yees."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's a -heathenish place," retorted Hepsey "Not fit for Christians to live -in. Are you sure, young man, that the steps are safe?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He laughed merrily, -exhibiting a row of even white teeth.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If it's afraid -ye are, ma'am," he explained, looking at Marion, "sure I'll bring 'em -all down to yees,—every mother's son of 'em."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, no, indeed! -We will go up. Many thanks for your courtesy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her face was all -dimpled with smiles as she prepared to mount the steps, while the hostler -walked away, saying to himself,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A rale lady that -is. The man that owns her must be a happy one."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At the top of the -steps a door opened into a large room rudely partitioned off from the hayloft -and smelling strongly of the fumes from the stable below. Seven people called -this room their home,—father, mother, grandmother, and four children of -different ages under eight years. Unlike many who live in more spacious -apartments, their hearts were larger than their home, and they had recently welcomed -a poor waif thrown upon the cold charities of the world.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Esther Sims was an -orphan who had been connected with the mission Sunday and sewing schools in -which Miss Howard was interested. This lady had never considered her very -intelligent, but she had a pretty face, with childish features, and an -appealing glance in her deep, gray eyes which made her many friends. Marion had -lost sight of her for more than a year, and only the day before her visit to -the stable learned her sad story.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Not being very happy -in the family where one of the mission-school teachers had placed her, she was -easily persuaded to leave it for employment in a cigar factory. There she -formed the acquaintance of a young fellow by the name of Cole, and soon after -was married to him. If she had taken to heart the instructions of her faithful teacher, -she would have distrusted the principles of a man whose first act in connection -with her was deceit.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As they were both -infants in the eye of the law, Esther being but sixteen, and her husband to be -but eighteen, the clergyman refused to perform the ceremony unless one of the -parents, was present and wished it. Leaving her sitting on the steps to the -house, he hurried off, and soon returned with a woman who said she was his -mother, and who declared her willingness for her bye to be married.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>They were married, and -young Cole took his wife home to a house where he had lodgings, where they had -many a laugh about the ease with which he had found a mother in his emergency, -he having given the woman twenty-five cents to personate such an individual.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Esther's character was -so yielding that she got along for a few months without much trouble. She never -knew what her husband's business was, and often wondered why it kept him so -long into the night. At last he began to abuse her, and grew so irritable that -she begged to be taken back to her old place in the cigar factory, where, at least, -she had kept herself from starving. Now young Cole had been arrested for -burglary, tried, and sentenced to prison for three years, and Esther, innocent, -ignorant even of his ever having committed crime, was suspected of being -connected with the plot.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Even Hepsey, who tried -to harden her heart against pity, having been so often deceived, was affected -by the utter abandonment to grief of the young girl. She was sitting on a bed -of straw, with a child of her sister-in-law across her lap, her head fallen forward -on her breast, her tears falling on the sleeping babe's face, seemingly unconscious -of the presence of any one.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She's just gone -daft with her trouble, poor thing," explained the woman, as she saw the -eyes of her visitors fastened on the child-wife.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was difficult to -rouse her from her grief. When addressed, she looked up frightened, supposing -officers had come to take her to jail. Then, recognizing Miss Howard's kind -face, she asked, piteously,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will they keep -me in prison long?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Cole took the -babe from her arms, explaining, "I thought maybe 't would divert her -thoughts," and then went on to say that Jo, her husband's brother, had -always been a bad boy. He had no business to deceive a young girl, and get -married when he had no home. That Esther was steady and honest, and was never -up to knowing his wicked goings-on. Then she touched her head and pointed to -the poor girl in a significant manner. "As to the robbery, she's as innocent -of it as a babe unborn."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>No one could doubt it -who witnessed the appealing glance in those wondering eyes; at least Miss -Howard did not, but she could not at once decide what course to pursue to clear -the child from the suspicion of crime. Having ascertained that Mrs. Cole was -willing to keep her for a few days, Miss Howard put a sum of money into her hands, -and, promising to do what she could, took her leave.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She's no more -guilty than I am," exclaimed Hepsey, indignantly. "That woman thinks -she isn't bright, but it's only because she's been cowed down and abused till -she darsn't say her soul is her own. I remember her when she was as tidy and -spry as the best of 'em."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, Hepsey, -where did you ever see her?" </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"At the sewing -school, ma'am, where I used to go in yer place while yer was in Grantbury; and -Esther Sims, as they called her then, was the most respectful and the best -behaved of the whole class."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Hepsey, do you -think she could be trained by kindness to be a good servant?" Marion's -voice was abrupt in her earnestness.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Indeed I do, -ma'am. To be sure, it would take time, but it would be a deed o' mercy, and -like as not be the saving of her soul."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, my dear, -good Hepsey, you have helped me through a great many difficulties. If we can -get the poor child away from her surroundings, you shall have the chance to try -and save her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Hepsey was startled. -This was rather beyond what she had thought of. Presently she asked, abruptly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What will she do -with her thief of a husband?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She must be made -absolutely free from him, of course. I will take advice about it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I suppose you're -thinking of yer own home in the country, ma'am, and that is where I'm to train -her," added Hepsey, with a sly glance into her young mistress's face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A rosy blush was the -only reply.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>While Marion was -hesitating to whom she should apply for advice in regard to poor Esther, Mr. -Mitchell came home. He assured her that by the laws of the State the husband's -incarceration in prison rendered the wife free from the marriage tie. He also -comforted her by saying, that even if Esther were arrested, unless some one appeared -against her, the case could not be carried on. Marion, however, with the -recollection of the child's look of terror at the very thought of being -arrested, was determined to prevent it if possible.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Suddenly recalling to -mind Mr. Lambert's promise to aid her in her works of charity, she sent James -to his house to request him to call at his earliest convenience.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When he came, which -was almost immediately she was struck with a change in his appearance; and -inquired, anxiously,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Are you ill, -sir?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What makes you -ask that? I'm in rollicking health and spirits."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She doubted it, -however, for even while talking with her he seemed to fall into fits of revery.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What a fool she -was to marry so young!' he said, with a sneer; "but, as you say, that -can't be helped now. My advice is, let him go to—anywhere that will keep him -out of her way. But what is to be done with the child?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I think Hepsey -means to take her," replied Marion, showing all her dimples. "I hope -she can be got off without going to court."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Hepsey, hem! -Well, never fear. I'll see the judge and settle that. If he won't believe my -word, I'll make him go to the stable, mount the ladder, and see for -himself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He leaned back in his -chair, laughing heartily but Marion noticed that there was no ring of mirth in -his laugh.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Suddenly she said, -"O Mr. Lambert! Are you acquainted with Mr. Regy? I hear of him everywhere -among the poor, and I long to see him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Better -not," he grumbled. "Take my word for it, he is a good-for-nothing -fellow. I know him well."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You must be -prejudiced, Mr. Lambert. His heart is just as warm as yours; indeed, in many -things he must be like you: he delights to relieve suffering and he delights -to—to—what shall I call it?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Call it abuse; -that's the right name. He's a hard-shelled old sinner. He tries to salve his -conscience by giving away what he don't want. Keep clear of him, as you would -of the plague. Now I must be going, or I sha'n't see that judge."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_6"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER VI.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>THE SIMPLE PRAYER.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE very next day he -called again.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's all -right," he said. "The girl is free to go where she chooses. Now I -want to ask you a question. Where do you go to church?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I attend --Church. Dr. M- is my pastor."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But you're not a -member."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, yes! I have -been for a great many years."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His countenance -expressed real disappointment. "I could have sworn you didn't believe in -such humbug."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"O Mr. Lambert, -don't say so!" Marion'! eyes filled with tears. She had always supposed -that he was a Christian and a member of some church.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I've never seen -any cant about you. In fact, I took it for granted that you were a good, -common-sense girl. Why, all that nonsense about joining a church and taking an -oath that you believe such and such doctrines has exploded long ago!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't you -believe any doctrines?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I believe this: -that it's the life we must look to. Why, I've seen men,—and women too,—who -swallowed the whole creed, covers and all, stiff and straitlaced, thought it a -sin to smile, but who wouldn't give a penny to a poor man to save his soul. I'm -sick of this talk about doctrine. Give me the life,—that's what I look -at."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"But how shall we -know how to live unless we study God's Word? We have exact directions -there,—and these are what I call doctrines. I am sure you believe that Jesus -Christ came to set us an example of a perfect life."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll allow that -for the sake of argument."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Did He ever -sin?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not that I ever -heard of, but I don't know much about it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Can you name any -other man who ever lived without sin?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Perhaps not. I -always said the world was up side down. But what does that prove? I don't know -what you are driving at."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Then the claim -of Jesus Christ himself, that He was the Son of God, in a peculiar sense,—that -no man can come to the Father except through Him,—is a claim we must -acknowledge."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't know -anything about that. You are taking too much for granted."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why, if any other -man should claim to be divine, saying, in plain terms, 'I and my Father are -one,' he would be seized and punished for blasphemy. It would be monstrous, -presumptuous in the last degree. The fact that Jesus Christ claimed that he was -one with the Father, the fact that he was a sinless being, and could not -therefore be such a wicked impostor, that he proved his assertion by his life, his -teachings, and his power to work miracles, is the great central truth on which -Christianity is based. If you read your Bible prayerfully, as I earnestly hope -you do, you must concede so much."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert twirled -his glove, looked grave, and then said, "Well, what of that?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How do you -suppose the world came to be upside down, Mr. Lambert?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Can't say. Can -vouch for the fact, though. Everything and everybody is helter-skelter." </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Including Mr. -Regy, I suppose."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes; he is as -bad as any of them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And needs a -power out of himself to put him right."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That's -true."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"This power we -have in our blessed Saviour. He came to save us from sin and from all its -dismal consequences."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, admit that -too, for the sake of argument."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now, my dear -friend," urged Marion, seizing his arm and gazing wistfully in his face, -"believing so much, as I am sure you do, you have the very root and -foundation of the Christian doctrine. A good life must and will grow out of -such a belief. Jesus Christ, who was rich, became poor for our sakes. He -sacrificed ease, comfort, home on earth, and all that makes life dear. I say -nothing of the glories of heaven, the worship of myriads of holy beings, which -He willingly exchanged for disgrace, ignominy, and death. I am only speaking -now of Him in His human nature. He loved us to that extent He was willing to -do and bear all this for us, to make us happy here and hereafter. We must -acknowledge ourselves degraded indeed, if we are not willing to do something to -show our appreciation of such love. What does He ask of us? Only that we return -His love, and cherish kindly feelings toward each other. Love God, and our -neighbor as ourselves. This is the life you so rightly urge that we must live. It -flows naturally from the doctrine. Any other motives than love to God and to -our fellows fail of power to help us live this life.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You see I have -not said a word about the theories that man, in different stages of the world, -has built on these fundamental truths. There always has been and always will be -different ways of explaining God's truth; but speculation is outside of -fundamental truth. Man a sinner, Christ a Saviour, is enough for me. Any man, -woman, or child, really desirous of showing his love to Christ, can find rules -in God's Word to guide him in every emergency."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"About joining a -certain church, for instance." There was an ill-concealed sneer in Mr. Lambert's -voice.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, we have the -example of companies of disciples gathering themselves together to recount what -God had done for them. Our Saviour himself honored and showed His approbation -of these gatherings by being present with them. The most affecting of all His dying -messages to His disciples was that they should eat bread as a symbol of his -body broken, and drink wine as a symbol of His blood shed for them. This was to -be a continual reminder of what He had done. I can say from my own experience, -that this communing with Christ in His sacrifice brings Him nearer to me not -only as a Saviour but as a friend, or elder brother, than anything else could -do."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't see any -Christianity in one soul de-crying another, and calling each other hard -names."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't see any -Christianity in one man stealing his neighbor's coat, or his property of any -kind. One act is as much Christian as the other. If the disciples of Christ -would only live up to the example He set for us, one man would never decry or -call his neighbor hard names merely because they differ on non-essentials.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"People's likes and -dislikes are as wide apart as their countenances. Because one man has blue -eyes, he needn't decry a man who has black. All that is required of him is that -he shall use aright the eyes God has given him. One man is so constituted that -in his worship of God he prefers liturgy and certain prescribed forms. This -mode, which we call Episcopalian, helps his fervor, and the very forms assist -him to keep his mind from wandering.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Others find -these written prayers, etc., irksome and monotonous: they like more stir and -bustle; such become Methodists. God never expected or intended that we should -all be patterned in the same mould. Social intercourse would be very tame if we -were. Mr. Regy, for instance, has his own method of relieving the poor, and I -have mine," she added, smiling.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Regy is an -old humbug," growled Mr. Lambert. "I'm always ashamed when I've been -in his society. He's the most provoking man I'm acquainted with."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And yet he is in -a fair way to attain a high position: 'He that humbleth himself shall be -exalted.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert's face -crimsoned, and he muttered some unintelligible words. He caught up his hat and -cane in a hurry, when she said, tenderly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"May I say -something to you, my dear friend?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Humph! That's -cool! Here you've been driving into me with hammer and tongs, and now you ask -very meekly, may I say something to you?' Well, say on; a few hits more or less -won't kill me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is only this, -dear sir. When we accept Jesus Christ as our own personal Saviour, He will -flood our souls with such peace and joy as we never before conceived. His love -helps us to bear trials, to meet disappointment with true fortitude, to look -forward without fear to the time when we shall walk through the dark valley. I -shall pray daily that such love as this may fill your soul."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His face became so -convulsed while she made this personal appeal that she was really alarmed. -Putting a violent restraint on himself, he rallied and exclaimed in a light -tone,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You were cut out -for a theological professor I was not aware of this accomplishment." He -would not notice the hand she held out to him, but with a gruff "Good -day," left the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>After his departure, -Marion found herself so shaken that she could scarcely collect her thoughts. -She went to her chamber, and with tears plead for her friend. "O God, show -Thy self to him in the face of thy Son, Jesus Christ." This was the burden -of her petitions.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Fortunately for her, -this was the day of the week when the foreign mail came in. A letter from her -dearest friend would restore her spirits. While she was waiting for it, -thoughts of Mr. Lambert would intrude, and she was surprised that, knowing him -so intimately as she had for some years, she was so little acquainted with his early -life. "I wish I could comfort him as daughter would. Did he really -disbelieve every thing, as he pretended?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She at last put on her -hat and, summoning Hepsey, went to call on Esther. She was recovering from her -fright, and seemed relieved that she was freed from a bond which had proved -such a burden to her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I advise her to -go back to her old name again," explained Mrs. Cole. "Esther Sims she -is to be from this time."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Miss Howard promised -that Hepsey should accompany Esther to a clothing store, where suitable outfit -would be provided for her, which she could pay for with her after-earnings.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Am I to go into -the cigar factory?" inquired Esther, with a shudder.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, no! You are -to live with me. Hepsey has adopted you," laughing. "I can speak for -her that she will be strict, but kind."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Esther looked up -suddenly, as though she scarcely understood, but, seeing the bright smile on -Miss Howard's face, her own grew radiant then, with a quick movement, she threw -herself on her knees before the lady, while tears of joy ran down her cheeks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Poor -child!" murmured Marion. "She has known so little the comfort of a -home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Or having real -friends to care for her," interrupted Hepsey, wiping her own eyes.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was indeed a change -in Esther's life, difficult for her, at least, to comprehend. For days after -she went to live with her kind friends, she seemed to herself to be in a dream. -Nothing made it seem so real as the prayers Mr. Mitchell offered when they all -gathered around the family altar. As she told Hepsey afterward, she would go -without food rather than to lose the opportunity of being present.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you recollect -a little prayer you taught us at the mission school, Miss Howard?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This lady and Esther -were sitting at their sewing when the child timidly asked the question. She was -gradually becoming accustomed to kind words, losing the habit of starting, when -suddenly addressed, as though she feared a blow.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Esther's hands trembled -with eagerness as she asked the question.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you mean the -prayer which begins, 'Help me, dear Lord'?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, -ma'am." The child closed her eyes, bent her head forward just in the old -way she had been taught, and repeated the whole prayer with a solemnity and -fervor which deeply affected the hearer.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Help me, dear -Lord, this day, to be honest, faithful, and true toward my fellows, and above -all to love Thee, blessed Saviour, with all my heart. Help me to remember that -God sees all that I do, and hears all that I say, and that He is able to -protect and guide all those who put their trust in Him. For Jesus Christ's -sake, we ask this. Amen."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With a half-checked -sob the child went on, gradually forgetting her timidity, and giving to her -faithful teacher an insight into her poor, lonely, repressed life which was -never forgotten.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"O Miss Howard! -it frightens me to think how bad I was at the mission school. I used to whisper -and set the girls to laughing, and waste my thread, and do so many naughty things. -Miss Farnum ought to have put me out. But if she had," sighing, "I never -should have learned that good prayer" (speaking with great awe) "and -then what should I have done when I was in such trouble?</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I used to kneel -in the corner and repeat it over and over till it seemed like I heard Jesus' -voice say, 'I will, child.' Once when he"—she always alluded to her -husband as he—"came home drunk, and beat me, I worried 'cause I couldn't -get to my corner and kneel down. I did manage to sit up in bed and put my hands -together as you told us, and I said it over and over in my heart. I thought, -maybe as He knows all about us, He'd know how it hurt me to move, and wouldn't mind -if I did cry and moan, 'cause I couldn't help it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My poor child. I -am very glad you knew where to go for comfort. Did you ever try to form a -prayer for yourself?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, ma'am, not a -prayer. I wasn't fit for it, you know; but when he was swearing and threatening -to kill me,—not him, but rum,—I used to whisper, O God, pity me. Dear Jesus, -take away the bad heart that makes him treat me so. Once after I had asked God -to make him good and help me to be patient, he came and looked at me as I lay -on the straw. He wasn't drunk then, and he said, 'I'm sorry for your sake you -ever saw me, Esther.' His voice was real kind, like as though he pitied me. -When he'd gone, I told Jesus about it. Was it naughty?" as she saw Miss -Howard suddenly put her handkerchief to her eyes, "and I loved Jesus -Christ so much that I forgot all the pain in my head and my side, so I fell -asleep."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_7"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER VII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>ESTHER'S FORGIVENESS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>NO one but a faithful -Christian worker in Christ's vineyard can understand the encouragement such a -revelation as that described in the last chapter is to those who have been for -years sowing good seed and waiting for the harvest.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Esther, for years a -member of the mission Sunday school,—light and frivolous, seemingly almost -incapable of retaining any of the teachings repeated Sunday after Sunday in her -hearing,—had been impressed by something in this simple prayer which the -gracious spirit of God had fixed in her memory. It seemed to have been the "word -in season," which had come back to her in her hours of deepest need, and -proved to her in truth that God was really a loving Father watching over and -pitying His sorrowing children.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion related the -incident which had so deeply affected her to her friend in England adding, -"I suppose I may learn from this a lesson of trust. We have the glorious -privilege of sowing the seed in the hearts of these poor waifs. It is God's -part, which He has promised to do, to help it to sink into the light soil and -spring up to everlasting life.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How many times I -have heard people say, 'Such work does no good. The influences around these -poor creatures are all against them. Once in seven days they repeat the command -not to swear, not to steal, not to lie, and every hour of the other six days -they hear the vilest oaths and are witness to a breach of every other command. If -it were any truths but God's own truths, which He has promised to bless, we -might well be discouraged; but in the case of Esther, when to human appearance -all her surroundings were against her, one little seed of divine truth sank -into her heart and bore such wonderful fruit that I take fresh courage and feel -that I can labor with fresh diligence."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Never in all her -acquaintance with Mrs. Douglass had our young friend enjoyed her visits there -as now. The lady had recovered from her recent illness, and was able to take a -short walk every day, supported by her daughter's arm. In Mrs. Cheriton's -countenance there was an added beauty. Her eyes no longer flashed defiantly, as -of old. Her head seemed to have forgotten its fashion of throwing itself back, -as she haughtily refused any request which crossed her own inclinations. Upon -her brow there was a sweet serenity that spoke to the observer of inward peace.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I have already spoken -of the change in her treatment of her boy. Her resolutions made during that -dreadful night were never forgotten. Conscience, once aroused, did not slumber -again. She prayed earnestly that she might have help to command her own temper, -and thus be able to teach Geenie to conquer his. The resemblance in many of her -traits to her uncle Henreich, which has caused her mother hours of anxious forebodings, -grew less and less every day. She saw that her daughter was making a great -effort to correct her faults, and that in her government of her son she was -kind but firm.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Formerly, as Marion -went into their room, she was aware that her entrance had interrupted some -unpleasant discussion. Mrs. Douglass would either be trembling with agitation -or in tears while Mrs. Cheriton was flushed and defiant.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Now what a pleasing -change! The two ladies sat at their work, regarding each other with the tender -affection natural to the tie between them, while Eugene, sometimes boisterous -indeed, was growing every day more willing to yield to authority.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One morning Marion -called on her way to her pupils, who, by the way, were making their best -efforts to show her they appreciated her self-denying efforts, as she had -informed them she intended to resign her place in the school. She met Eugene, -dressed for a walk, with a young companion from the house; and descending the -stairs, found the ladies improving the time in reading an interesting book.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I want you to -tell Miss Howard about Geenie's prayer," remarked Mrs. Douglass to her -daughter.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I really -hope," began Mrs. Cheriton, "that he understands what I have told -him, that God sees us, though we can't see Him. Yesterday afternoon we were -sitting here with the door open into the next room. I heard a noise like -driving a nail, but supposed he was busy with his toys, and presently I heard -his voice. We both listened and heard him say,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'God, don't look -this way! Turn your eyes the other side. I'm very naughty, God. Don't see me! -Look over there! I'm SO naughty, God, I don't want you to see.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"By this time I -concluded it was best for me to see what the hammering meant. I went in and -found him driving tacks into the trunk. He made no resistance when I took away -the hammer, but looked ashamed when I said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'O Geenie! How -could you do so?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You can imagine -how he would have resisted once," added the boy's grandmother. "He -would have kicked and screamed and tried to bite."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am thankful -those days are past," murmured Marion, noticing the mother's flush of -painful recollection caused by this allusion. "He will reward you for all -the pains you take to control him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He has -already," exclaimed the young mother, clasping her hands in her impulsive -manner. "Geenie was never so affectionate as now. I do believe that he -never loved me so well as when I had to punish him the other day. He hung -around me, kissing me again and again. When he saw tears in my eyes, he took -his own little handkerchief to wipe them away, saying repeatedly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Geenie will be -good all the time, mamma. Geenie won't make mamma cry any more.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion was sometimes -very curious to know whether, with the many obvious changes in Mrs. Cheriton's -character, her feelings of aversion to her husband remained. She was well aware -that many of the former disagreements with the mother arose from the fact that -Mrs. Douglass urged Juliette to write kindly to her husband, from whom they had -heard within a few months. To be sure, he had not sent them any intelligence, -but in a newspaper accidentally falling under their notice, they had seen his -name and knew he was then in New Orleans. If there was any return of affection -on the wife's part, no one knew it, for on this subject she maintained the most -rigid reserve.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Indeed, Mrs. Cheriton -could never be called a frank person. It was only under the influence of very -strong emotion that she gave utterance to her deepest feelings. From the first, -Marion had noticed this trait, and wondered at it in one so young.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With another -child-wife it was exactly the reverse. To her earliest friends—Miss Howard and -Hepsey—Esther laid bare all that was in her childish and grateful heart.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion often came upon -her, singing in a low musical voice, a refrain from the hymn sung at family -prayers, and when spoken to she had a way of looking up with her large, -deep-set eyes, and smiling, as she said softly,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm so happy, -ma'am. Everybody is so kind to me." And this was while the great ridges on -her slender body, caused by her husband's brutal beatings, were still unhealed. -In regard to this husband she did not hesitate to speak, though at first with -tears.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Would it be -wicked, ma'am, to let him think I belong to him now?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She asked this one -morning when she was braiding her young mistress's abundant tresses and could -keep her own face concealed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What do you -mean?" Marion was startled and spoke in a sharp voice.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I mean, ma'am, -he's shut up now and can't get rum; and he was kind, once; and wouldn't he feel -better if he knew that I cared for him a little?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You said you did -not care for him; that you never wanted to see him again. Would you go back to -him? Would you submit to his ill treatment, his profanity and abuse?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Esther was silent, and -glancing in the mirror, her mistress saw that her eyes were full of tears. At -last she said, in a tone of deep sorrow,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm sorry God -heard me say that. I was angry at the bad rum, and I was afraid of being shut -up in a cell with him. I—I asked Jesus to put my naughty feelings away. I—I -found the place in your prayer-book, ma'am,—I mean the marrying place. It's -solemn words, ma'am; I didn't know that marrying was such a solemn thing. I was -too young, and I had no mother, and my mates thought it would be fun to be -married, and I didn't remember that I should have to stay married whether I -liked it or not and so when he praised me and said he loved me best of all the -girls in our court, though they all wanted him, I said I'd go to the parson. I -had no call, ma'am, to let him say that bad woman was my mother. She was old -Nan, the worst woman among them all, but that is over now. I'd die before I'd -do so naughty again, but, ma'am, the minister asked me those solemn words, and -I said yes, so I've been thinking that," sighing heavily, "'for -better for worse, till death us do part,' means that I do belong to him, ma'am -and so I—" Her voice was stopped suddenly for she fell on her knees, and -with her head hidden in her arms, sobbed without restraint.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's own tears -flowed. As she told the story afterward to Mrs. Mitchell and Hepsey, "When -I saw her in a perfect abandonment of grief, sobbing her heart out at the -recollection of the man who had so abused his trust, I resolved that, if the -law could prevent it, she never should live with him again. But at the same moment -I felt for her such an increase of respect that folded her in my arms and -kissed her."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A few days after this -Miss Howard was dressing to go out when Esther came forward, blushing -painfully, and holding out an awkwardly folded paper, asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"May I go out, -ma'am, to put this into the box at the corner?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The lady took the -letter and glanced her eye over the address, "Joseph Cole, Sing-Sing Prison, -Auburn, New York State." The writing was scarcely intelligible, but Marion -was not thinking of that. She could not endure the thought that Esther in her -childish trust might bind herself irrevocably to his future.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"His sister told -me how to write that," murmured Esther, in a hesitating tone. "'T -isn't my place, ma'am, to ask you to give your time to it; but if you'll please -to read it, and say I may send it to him, I shall be very happy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This was what Marion -wished to do. She seated herself instantly and unfolded the paper, not yet -sealed, Esther meanwhile ruffling the edge of her apron as though her life -depended on her doing it quickly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion had never -perused a letter in which all the rules of grammar and spelling were so wholly -set at defiance; but seldom had she read one which touched her heart more. It -was very brief, but to the point, and correcting the spelling, read as -follows:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Dear Jo,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>It's a good while -now since you and me see each other.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I thought, maybe, -you'd like to know that a dear, kind lady, as used</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to teach me in the -Mission, is giving me a home. I'm happy, or I</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>would be if I could -forget where you are. I'm learning to pray, Jo;</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and when I say my -prayers I never forget that God can look right into</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>your cell and see -you, though I can't; so I tell him all about you,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and ask him to make -this the best time in your life, as it may be if</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>you will learn to -love Him. You are not yet twenty years old, and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>when you come out -of prison you will be young enough to begin life</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>again. This is what -I am praying for you all the time.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Your little wife, ESTHER.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If she had left -out the words 'your little wife,'" said Marion to herself, "I would -not have objected to her writing him for once." Then glancing up, she saw -Esther's eyes fixed upon her with a mournfully earnest expression, and without -another word went to her desk, took out an envelope, enclosed the letter in it, -copied the address, and let it go. Afterward she confessed, "I believe at -that moment I felt far more unforgiving toward the prisoner than the innocent -victim of his brutality did."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_8"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER VIII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENTS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>ALL this time the -building committee in Grantbury were pressing on the work most vigorously. The -edifice was unlike any other in the town. It was of Gothic architecture. The -walls were, as I have mentioned of native stone, the windows high, narrow, with -stained glass. "They will have a cross on the spire," said one, -"I'm sure of it, and I'll tell you what it will end in, they'll all go to -Rome together."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The work proceeded so -well, notwithstanding these prophecies, that it was hoped it would be ready for -occupation by Christmas. Mr. Angus's taste was consulted during the entire -progress.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The plan had been -copied and sent to him for approval. All the committee agreed that some -suggestions made by him were a great improvement on the original plan. In his -last letter he had told them he expected to sail for home the 17th of -September, and this the committee said would be in time to decide about frescoing -and other interior decorations. No member of the parish, outside of Mr. -Asbury's family, was aware that a new tie had been formed which would -strengthen his affection to the country and home of his adoption. A few persons -knew that a cellar was being dug on a house-lot not two hundred feet from the -new church, but these few supposed Mr. Asbury was going to erect a house to -rent, as he was often seen directing the workmen. The fact was that "our -church," with its rafters exposed to view, its spire towering every day -nearer to heaven, its ample porch of solid stone, absorbed all the interest of -the congregation.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Every week a letter -came to the church or the Sunday school in which the pastor spoke most -hopefully of what they might together accomplish for the cause of Christ. He -told them what he had seen in England and Scotland, among congregations he had -visited, of united effort. He reminded them, that if they so labored and prayed, -God would surely add His blessing, until there was not one in the limits of the -town who did not love Christ and try to serve Him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>To the Sunday-school -children he wrote of schools in London and Edinburgh, where all were wide awake -with interest to gather in the poor waifs who knew nothing of Jesus except His -name, which they heard mingled with the most dreadful oaths. He spoke of the -reward these workers received in their own hearts, and urged them to follow so -worthy an example. He mentioned at the close of this letter that he had -subscribed for one of the best English Sunday-school papers, and offered it for -a reward to the child who would bring into their own Sunday school the greatest -number of scholars. These must be from families not connected with any other -church.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For the first time in -her life dear little Ethel had a secret, and it was her own Marion who told her -of it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>By and by, when the -new house was done, she knew that her dear Mr. Angus would bring Marion from -the city and go there to live. She knew that a beautiful conservatory was to be -built on the south side of the new house, and that Marion's flowers and birds -would be brought there. She knew that Hepsey and Esther and James would all be in -the pretty home at the new Ingleside, and that she could go to see them as -often as she pleased. She knew why it was that Marion came from New York so -often, and why papa spent so much time talking with her about some large charts -spread out on the dining-room table, about an oriel window here, and a balcony -there, and why they always waited till she was in bed before they walked over -to the spot where the new house was being built.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One thing more -connected with this wonderful secret she had been told later, and this came -near letting the whole thing out, which would indeed have set the congregation -connected with the First Church into a blaze of excitement. Marion had promised -that on a certain occasion, not very far distant, she should go to New York -with her papa and mamma and Annie and Gardner, and stand up with Marion as -bridesmaid, while she promised to love Mr. Angus and take good can of him as -long as she lived.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was something to be -remembered, the wonder and delight of the child as she came to understand all -this. Her eyes grew darker, and her whole face radiant, as she glanced slowly -from one to another, and her mamma added,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, darling, -cousin Marion is going to live in Grantbury and be Mr. Angus's wife."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And I'll be his -wife, too," she exclaimed, with a little hop of delight. "I'll -promise to love him and take care of him. He can be the broom to both of -us."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The broom!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, mamma, you -said that she would be the bride and he the broom."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Groom, you mean, -you precious pet," said Marion, catching the child in her arms and hiding -her burning cheeks in Ethel's neck.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mamma thought this too -good to keep from papa, and even threatened Marion that she would acquaint Mr. -Angus with the double honor that awaited him; but the young lady's entreaties -prevailed, and the letter went off without the joke.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The rise of ground on -which the new church was being built was in a part of the town not yet much -occupied by families. The road from the old church, school-house, etc., to the -depot wound gracefully around the foot of the hill, and had been widened and -improved within a short time. It was about one quarter of a mile to the -railroad station, and an equal distance from the village, which had grown up in -what was once the centre. Prior to the existence of the railroad, it was Mr. -Asbury's most profitable grass land, and he now owned as far as the depot on -one side, and quite down to Shawsheen Lake on the other. The elevated situation -of the land, together with the picturesque views it commanded, rendered it -peculiarly eligible for building lots. Speculators from the city had already -made favorable offers to the owner for the whole field, but, with the exception -of one hundred feet front by one hundred and fifty deep, donated to the church, -and a house-lot nearly four times the size, next adjoining, Mr. Asbury refused -to sell.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus's letters to -Marion kept her informed of his visits to London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, where -he was studying into the best-approved methods of church work in reference to -his own labors among his chosen people. He told her of sewing schools, not only -for children, but for mothers, where they were taught to cut and make garments -for boys and girls, given simple recipes for cooking, and taught in general how -to make home happy. He narrated cases where, in consequence of these teachings, -the husband had been won from the alehouse to the pleasures of his own -fireside, where the savory soups the wives had learned to make had weaned them -from liquor: and made them into peace-abiding citizens.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He wrote of libraries -and reading-rooms established for the poor, and also of societies for social -pleasures, amusement, etc., to which all were invited to contribute their -share.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I accompanied -a friend," he wrote, "to one of these gatherings,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>which reminded me -of a description Annie Asbury gave me of one of</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>yours. The ball -accommodated about five hundred, and was as full</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>as was comfortable. -Fathers and mothers, and not a few grandparents,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>were there, with -youth not under fourteen. Entertainments for the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>little ones are -provided on separate occasions. I cannot describe</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to you vividly -enough the inspiration I derived from the scene,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>the smiling faces, -the merry voices, the ring of real, healthy</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>enjoyment of the -whole company. Surely I thought, to provide</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>healthful and -innocent amusement for young and old is an important</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>part of church -work. To stand still a moment and listen to the hum</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and buzz of -cheerful voices, with now and then a burst of laughter,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>sent a glow of -kindly interest for every one present through my whole</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>being.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"There were -games and puzzles and comic readings with an occasional</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>tragedy, and -singing from boys in chorus, and boys or girls in solos,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and a couple of -street boys with bagpipes, until the allotted hour</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to close arrived. -Then I as a stranger from the far-off America,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>was requested to -make a brief address and close with prayer. When the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>bell calling to -order was rung, I was surprised to see how quickly</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>every one found a -seat, waiting to hear what was said.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I had just -commenced to tell them about my home across the water,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>when a small hand -near me was raised, and a boy asked timidly,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"'Tell us -about the bears and Indians, mister.'"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I had some -difficulty in convincing them that in the United States</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>we had cities and -towns, as they had, and that our bears were kept</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>in cages or pits, -as theirs were. I told them I was very glad to be</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>with them when they -were having such a merry time; and that I wanted</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to join my thanks -with theirs to the kind Christian ladies and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>gentlemen who had -provided such an entertainment for us.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"To the loving -Father who watches over us all, to the sympathizing</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Saviour who endured -temptation and want that He might know how to</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>help us, to the -gracious Spirit, who is ready to lead us into every</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>good way, I then -committed them, and we separated.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I forgot to -tell you that I was persuaded in the course of the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>evening to sing a -comic song, which I learned while in New York.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Of course this -'brought down the house.' How would my dear little</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Ethel have looked -could she have seen me?"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In another letter he -said:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"I have conversed -with many clergymen and other Christians of ripe</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>experience on this -same subject of amusement. All classes of persons,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>with rare exception -of peculiar individuals, agree that some</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>relaxation is -necessary to a healthful state of body and mind. If no</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>innocent and proper -amusements are provided, young and old, rich and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>poor, will seek -entertainments for themselves, and too often these</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>will be the lowest -class of theatres, shows, etc.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Let Christian -parents and teachers make it a part of the business</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>of education to -provide suitably for this want of our nature, and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>these -objectionable, immoral places would have to be closed for want</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>of patronage. In -the neighborhood of the church where was the</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>entertainment I -have described, a low theatre of the worst</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>description had -been abandoned, simply because the ground was</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>occupied in a -worthier way. I am looking forward to inaugurating</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>some plan of this -kind, and I confidently expect help from a merry</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>girl from whom I -purchased my first pair of gloves in Grantbury."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<h1><img width="556" height="875" id="Picture_9" src="images/image005.jpg" alt="Page 349" name="Picture_9" /></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c2'>[Illustration: SHE WAS -FINISHING A LETTER TO SEND BY THE STEAMER, WHEN DR. ROSS WAS ANNOUNCED. Page -349]</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_9"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER IX.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>TRUE FRIENDSHIP.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IT was a sultry August -day. Most of Miss Howard's acquaintances were out of the city. She had just -returned from Grantbury, and was finishing a letter to send by the steamer, -when Dr. Ross was announced.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"One minute, -Doctor," pleaded Marion, sealing her letter and ringing for James to take -it to the post; "now I will have a glass of lemonade for you in a -trice."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I met -Hepsey," he said, "or I should not have known you were at home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Your call is -very opportune, sir," said Marion smiling, as she added, "I want to -ask about Annie Leman. Is she as good a teacher as you expected?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Next to -yourself, Miss Howard," bowing formally, "I do not know her -equal."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Then you will -add your influence to mine to secure for her the position I am about to resign -in Mrs. La Vergne's school?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"With great -pleasure, if you will promise for Miss Leman that she will still teach my -daughters. But why do you resign?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion had more than -once asked herself whether she were treating her father's old friend with -sufficient frankness in not telling him of her engagement to Mr. Angus; and now -his question gave her the opportunity to do so; so with rosy cheeks she said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm going to -leave the city before long."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Not permanently, -I hope?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am going to be -married, Doctor."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Wh-e-e-w-w!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion laughed till -all her dimples came into view.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"To whom, in the -name of wonder?" </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"To a clergyman, -a country parson."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Just like you. I -might have known no other man would have dared aspire. Well, tell me all about -it. You'll ask me to the wedding, of course. Is he presentable, in person, I -mean?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You shall have a -chance to judge for yourself, Doctor. I will tell you one thing about him. He -has recently declined a call to a large church in London, with a generous -salary, preferring to remain with his country flock; and when they offered to -make the support received from them equal to the other rather than to lose him, -he declined that, too, insisting that there would be so many calls for money in -connection with church work that he preferred they would give that way."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The Doctor laughed. -"I see he has found out the method to gain your confidence. Where is the -parish? I shall expect an invitation to visit you and hear your parson -preach."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"When I have a -home of my own, Doctor, you will always be welcome."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Thank you. You -are a good girl; and if you can say my old friend, Dexter Howard, would approve -this new arrangement, I must give my consent. I wish you weren't going out of -the city, though. What will all your poor people do? By the way, I'm -forgetting in my astonishment at the news what I came for. Did you know Mr. -Lambert was sick, confined to his room?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm very sorry -to hear it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That isn't the -worst of it. He charges you with being the cause."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Charges me? What -have I done? I have not even seen him for weeks, and supposed him out of the -city."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He has been in -bed. He is hollow-eyed and nervous to a degree—that is not particularly -agreeable to his household, I imagine. I can't make out whether the man is out -of his mind, or what is the matter with him. When he had berated you as much as -I thought prudent, I apologized in your name; was sure you had no intention, and -so forth; but he only grumbled the worse. He was sure you did mean it; and if -you saw him you would do it again. I couldn't make out what you had done, -except that he said you had hurt his feelings."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, I know -now!" exclaimed Marion, with a breath of relief. "I'm so glad, so -very glad!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Glad? He said -you would be, but I indignantly denied it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"May I go and see -him, Doctor? Please let me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't believe -he would admit you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, he would. I -must go, dear Doctor. So you may as well say yes."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The physician looked -her keenly in the face, as though considering, when she interrupted him by a -burst of feeling, eyes moist, lips tremulous, as she exclaimed,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm so glad! -It's just what I've been praying for."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Hem! Well, I -hope you'll continue to be glad when you see him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, Doctor, -you've lived in New York a long time. Do you know anything about his early -history?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A shake of the head -was the only answer at first, then, after a pause, "He is a native of this -city, I think; and, by the way, one of his most fidgety crotchets now is about -making a will. Shall he make a will? If he does, who shall he leave his money -to? Is there a boy by the name of Carter? Neddy Carter?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, his feet -were crushed and had to be amputated. Mr. Lambert has been a generous friend to -him, but the boy knows him only by the name of Regy."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whew! you don't -say that the eccentric individual known as Regy is Mr. Lambert in disguise. -Why, the manner in which the man abused him this very morning was a -caution."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I feel quite -sure they are the same," replied Marion, laughing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The doctor lay back -his head in perfect amazement. At last he said, "Lambert and old Regy the -same. It's the richest joke of the season. What can be his motive? Did you ever -hear of an adventure in Richmond in which he figures prominently?</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, sir."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He was passing a -few days there, when one morning early he signalled to an omnibus to stop. Two -or three vehicles were in the way, so that when the driver was able to draw up -toward the curbstone Regy stood back twenty feet or so. He came on growling and -stood outside, berating the driver for not attending more promptly to his -signal.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'll have you -dismissed, you rascal,' he shouted, his arm upraised, when he happened to -notice the driver's face. It was drawn with pain. Regy jumped up on the box -without another word, learned that the driver's wife lay dying at home, -dismissed him at once, and drove the omnibus himself all day. Then he found the -house where the driver lived. The wife was dead and the children mourning over -her cold body. Regy went to the office, got the driver off for a week, paid the -funeral expenses, and then secured a place for the man on a farm, his oldest -daughter keeping house.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Those were -exactly the facts, as I was told them by a gentleman from Richmond."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It was just like -him," said Marion, with a merry laugh. "I wonder what his motive is -for disguising his real nature. Now, Doctor, warm as it is, I must go to see -him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was, however, with -a quickened beat of the pulse that, after her ring at the door-bell, she -awaited admittance to the spacious, old fashioned house.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The servant was a man -who had been in Mr. Lambert's employ for many years. He recognized Miss Howard, -but was doubtful whether his master would see any one.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Tell him I have -just heard of his sickness and am very anxious to see him. Stay, wait a -minute!" she cried, with a sudden resolve, "say that I want to tell -him a piece of news personal to myself."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Even when she sat in -the parlor she heard the loud growling of the master as the servant announced a -guest.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was several minutes -before the man came back, with a troubled countenance, to say that Mr. Lambert -would see her. "I told him he'd better not," he explained, "and -that set him that he would. He's very, very bad to-day, miss; perhaps you'd -better say nothing to cross him. I'll be close at hand if you want me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For one instant her -courage failed, then with an earnest lifting up of her heart to God for help -she ascended the stairs and passed into the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert had often -surprised her with his eccentricities, but never so much as now. He was lying -dressed in a suit of white duck, on a luxurious lounge, his face almost as -colorless as his dress, and altogether so changed that she felt a disposition to -scream. He held out his hand, saying in a most polished manner, "You must -excuse me, my friend, for not rising. I am quite reduced by illness."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Trying not to show her -surprise, Marion cordially seized his hand and drew a chair close to his side.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm so sorry I -didn't know it before; I'm a very good nurse, and you must let me try my skill -on you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His chin began to -twitch with his efforts at self-control, so she added at once, hoping to change -the current of his thoughts, "We've been such good friends that I know you -will be glad to hear some news about me from myself. I'm going to change my -name soon." Her cheeks, dyed with blushes, explained her meaning.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is it to that -bow-legged donkey you've pledged yourself," he shouted, starting from his -pillow. "If it is, I protest!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, indeed, it -is not he," she laughed, understanding to whom he referred, as he had -warned her against him. "My friend is a clergyman, a real, working -Christian. I must tell you how I first met him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She related the -incident of selling him the gloves, at which he laughed heartily, and when she -went on to tell what Mr. Angus wished to do for his people, he caught her hand -and gave it a hearty shake, saying, "He's the kind. I'll consent to -that."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You must treat -me as you would a daughter," she said, putting her hand on his forehead, -"and tell me when you're tired of hearing me talk. Don't you like to hear -reading?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Sing," he -said, "sing something lively."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She sang several -secular songs, and then one beginning,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Jesus, Thou art -all compassion,"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>which brought the -tears to his eyes.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Another," -he said, briefly, when her voice ceased.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, Mr. -Lambert, I'll sing a favorite hymn, which I am sure you will like.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Lord, lead the -way the Saviour went</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>By lane and cell -obscure,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And let love's -treasures still be spent,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Like His, upon the -poor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Like Him through -scenes of deep distress,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Who bore the world's -sad weight,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>We, in their crowded -loneliness,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Would seek the -desolate.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'For Thou hast -placed us side by side</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In this wide world of -ill,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And that Thy followers -may be tried,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The poor are with us -still.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mean are all offerings -we can make,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But Thou hast taught -us, Lord,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>If given for the -Saviour's sake,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>They lose not their -reward.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When she sang the last -lines he suddenly covered his face, but while she was hesitating how to begin a -conversation on another subject, he exclaimed, irritably,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's no use -trying to make one's self believe what he knows can't be true."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am sure of -that, dear friend."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You, sure? Then -how am I to blame for not believing?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Suppose I was -stricken down with want. I was dying of hunger. Just before me there is -abundant supply of food, but I can't raise myself to get it; my weakness has -rendered me powerless. You come in, and seeing my condition, point to the -food. I can't see it, or I can't reach it. 'Try,' you say. I try, but fall -back. 'Ask me, and I'll give it to you.' You kindly urge this upon me, but I -refuse. 'No, I don't believe it's for me. That food is for somebody else'; and -so I lie there and die for want of the food, stubbornly resisting every motive -you urge—that it is free to all, the only condition being that I ask for it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That is a very -weak illustration of what we, as sinners before God, do continually. Christ has -provided an abundant feast; we are starving for want of that very food. He -graciously invites us, 'Come without money and without price,' but we persist -in saying, 'I know it can't be true. That food looks inviting, but it is not for -me.' Now comes in the gracious Spirit, with His soft, pleading voice. He repeats -Christ's words, 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.' 'To Him give -all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth on Him -shall receive remission of sins,'—shall be welcomed to the feast; and by it be -restored to life."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One hand covered Mr. -Lambert's face, and through the fingers Marion saw the tears trickling down.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm tired, -perhaps you've stayed long enough," he said softly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She rose at once, -gazed in his face, longing to comfort him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Stop a minute. -Pray for a poor old sinner, who has never before had a daughter to comfort -him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her breath almost -stopped. "Can I pray before him?" But before he noticed her -hesitation she was on her knees at his side. Like a little child, running to -his father whose arms were outstretched to fold her in his embrace, so she ran -to her Heavenly Father, and told Him all her desires for this dear friend. She -asked the Saviour to reveal Himself to the poor, desolate heart, wearied with -carrying its burden alone. She pleaded with the gracious, waiting Spirit to -help him open his heart to this dearest and truest of friends; that the Holy -Spirit would take of the things of Christ, and show them unto him; that, like -the man dying of hunger, he might ask for the food from the abundant supply -before him, and be filled.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Poor Mr. Lambert! He -wholly lost control, and, before she rose from prayer, sobbed without -restraint. As she took his hand to wish him good by, he looked up into her face -with such a pitiful expression that it almost overcame her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh," she -exclaimed, "do trust Him! He is waiting for you to say, 'Lord, I -believe!'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_10"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER X.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>NEDDY CARTER'S MISSION.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>WHEN Neddy Carter was -carried from the hospital, he was at once admitted to one of the mission -schools; but he begged so hard that he might still make his home with his -mother that he was permitted to do so. He said nothing of his motives in -preferring a bed on a pile of straw to a comfortable cot in the mission house, -but he had a strong motive, which soon began to appear.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Unassisted and even -unknown to his best friends, he gathered a few little ones in his mother's -garret, and then repeated to them the instructions he had gained. Perhaps his -pleasant blue eyes, gazing so frankly into theirs, had made him a favorite before; -or it might be that the sight of him, wheeling about in his chair, enduring so bravely -the great trial that had come upon him gave him influence over his companions. -At any rate, he had influence and he used it to win them to better paths.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Miss Howard learned -something of this, and was so rejoiced at it that she resolved to visit him in -his home. She had never been there since the day of Neddy's accident, when, -with Hepsey's help, she had had him conveyed in the ambulance to the hospital.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This visit occurred on -the Sunday afternoon following her call on Mr. Lambert, described in the last -chapter. It so delighted her that she longed for Mr. Lambert to know how the -boy he had befriended was using his influence for Christ.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On Thursday of the -following week she called upon the sick man, and found he was out for a drive. -Sitting in his room, she wrote him a hurried note, asking him to accompany her -to see a mutual friend on Sunday afternoon, enclosing in the note a piece of -poetry she had selected for him. She left the whole with the servant, -requesting an answer to be sent to her house.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Let us look upon Mr. -Lambert as he enters his chamber, leaning upon the arm of his valet. The note -has been placed in plain view from his lounging chair, and he notices it as -soon as he has taken his seat.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Who sent -that?" he asks.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The tone is much -softer than when Marion called last. Perhaps his sickness has weakened him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss Howard -called, sir, and finding you out, wrote her errand."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Glad I was -away." Even while uttering the words he felt that they were untrue.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He took the note in -his hands,—thin, bony hands, showing his sickness. "Get me some -gruel," he said, "I'm tired, and shall try to sleep."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Shall I say you -cannot see any one?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"How many times -must I repeat that I see no one but the doctor?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<h1><img width="559" height="882" id="Picture_11" src="images/image006.jpg" alt="Page 366" name="Picture_11" /></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"></p><h1><span class='c2'>[Illustration: -"WHO SENT THAT?" HE ASKS. Page 366]</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There is an -answer required to the note."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As soon as he was -alone he tore open the envelope, took out the half-sheet on which Marion had -copied a beautiful extract from Schiller, laid it without reading on his knee, -and then, slowly adjusting his glasses on his forehead, began to read.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"After all," -he said to himself, "I needn't have dreaded it so much. I was -unnecessarily alarmed. I thought she meant to bring another sledgehammer to -bear on my conscience. Yes, I'll go and see our mutual friend. I wonder who it -is."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He took up the other -paper and read,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Dear Friend,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I came across these -"words of strength" from our favorite </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Schiller's poems, -and thought of you while reading them.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>That they may prove -real words of strength to you is the earnest</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>prayer of an -attached friend.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>MARION HOWARD.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"There are -three lessons I would write,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Three words as with -a burning pen, </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>In tracings of -eternal light,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Upon the hearts of -men.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Have hope. -Though clouds environ now,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>And gladness hides -her face in scorn,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Put thou the shadow -from thy brow,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>No night but hath -its morn.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Have faith. -Where'er thy bark is driven—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>The calm's disport, -the tempest's mirth—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Know this: God -rules the hosts of heaven,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>The inhabitants of -earth.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Have love. -Not love alone for one,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>But man as man thy -brother call,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>And scatter, like -the circling sun,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Thy charities on -all.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Thus 'grave -these lessons on thy soul,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Hope, Faith, and -Love; and thou shalt find </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Strength when -life's surges rudest roll, </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Light when thou -else were blind."</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Notwithstanding the -twisted and gnarled branches of this old oak, there was a time, years back, -when it was a straight and vigorous young sapling. It was beautiful to behold, -and gave promise of becoming a lofty, stalwart tree, under which many might -find refreshing shelter. On this thrifty sapling grew an ugly wart, called by -some horticulturists jealousy. At first it might have been removed without -injury to the tree, but it was not. It grew and grew, diffusing it: poison -through all the cellular tissues, until it became deformed, disfigured, and -unsightly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Strange, but true, -this process of degeneration had been going on in the character of Mr. Lambert, -until, at the time we first knew him, there was only one trait left of his -original nature. This was a peculiar, unquenchable tenderness of feeling toward -the poor and distressed. Suspicious as he had become of all around him, ever -toward the very ones he was trying to save from their own thriftlessness or -crime, this one trail urged him on to give relief; and in this way kept alive -one of the healthiest avenues to real goodness, even though his charities were -often accompanied by a torrent of reproach.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was this trait, so -congenial to Marion Howard, which drew her to him and led her to suppose he was -actuated by love to his Divine Master. In this she was mistaken. In his inmost -soul Mr. Lambert accused God of having dealt hardly with him, more hardly than -he deserved. He had been wounded in the house of his friends. When his heart -had been most vulnerable, there it had been pierced. He had never forgiven nor -forgotten the blow. Sometimes, when the recollection of all he had been made to -suffer came upon him, he hated himself that he did not revenge himself on all -mankind. "I owe no man anything," was one of his favorite mottoes; -but after he became acquainted with Marion Howard he did not take much comfort from -it. How closely after their first meeting he had watched her! How he longed to -find her halting! But no, her motions were too transparent. She had genuine -love to God as her Father, to Christ as her Saviour, and it was from this love -her kindness to all around her sprang. This he had been forced to acknowledge -when analyzing her character. It unsettled him and made him more irritable. Sometimes, -when he found himself softened under her influence, he would recall all the -injuries heaped on him,—injuries that had blasted his happiness forever.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In his early days he -had been a ripe scholar, a graduate from one of our best colleges. He had read -on many subjects, and among others on the subject of Christianity. He had read -in the Old and New Testaments, but his heart remained cold in the midst of -sacred fire.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At times in his life -he had taken pleasure in railing and ranting against everything sacred. In -connection with the holiest Bible teachings he had used the words -"bigotry" and "humbuggery" and "cant," till he -almost convinced himself that what he said was true. Almost, but not quite. -There was still a spark of truth left in him, if only it could be ignited. He -had been thinking of these questions when he called on Marion and asked whether -she believed in churches, dogmas, etc. Her words, the earnestness, the -assurance she expressed that the Gospel of Christ was indeed good news to men, -that in order to live a good life we must believe on Him and follow His -example, came home to his heart. He could not shake off the fear that he had been -mistaken. He lost his sleep, and at last became so nervous and unsettled, so -irritable and unmanageable, that his valet insisted he should summon a -physician.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This was his state -when Marion came to his bedside. After she left he called for pen and ink, and -wrote out, as well as he could recall it, every word of her prayer. This he put -in his pocketbook and read over many times in a day, never without tears. The -gracious Spirit of God was near, watching, waiting to be gracious.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>How many times in the -course of the few days following he put Marion's character to the severest -test! He applied the touchstones of love, charity, and good-will, and found she -answered to them all. Yes, her life was a good one, even judged from his -standpoint. She did not act from a desire for the praise of men, but from a -genuine love to Christ, and a desire, in her humble manner, to do good to those -around her. Her note found his heart more tender than it had been for years, -more amenable to good influences. He was not likely to refuse any request she -might make, even to the half of his kingdom. He sent her word that he would be -ready to accompany her at the time appointed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On Sunday morning the -weather was so extremely sultry that Marion doubted the expediency of taking an -invalid to a hot, unventilated attic where the air must necessarily be -vitiated. Indeed, she was herself oppressed with such debility and general -lassitude as disinclined her for any exertion. But Sunday was one of her busiest -days. She had a Bible class in the morning with her own servants and those -living with Mrs. Mitchell, church at eleven, and her mission school in the -afternoon, to which she usually devoted two hours. Then church in the evening. -Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell being in the country, she felt that the Bible class was -more than ever important to their servants.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It had been her -intention to call for Mr. Lambert in her carriage on her way home after the -mission school, but, considering the intense heat had just resolved to postpone -her visit to Neddy Carter till another Sunday, when she heard the welcome sound -of distant thunder.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Before it was time to -start for church, the heavy shower had cleared the air and revived her drooping -energies.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Neddy Carter's home -was only a few blocks from the Five Points mission. Miss Howard's carriage was -no novel sight in that vicinity, but, notwithstanding, a group of boys and -girls gathered around, gazing with open mouths as the old gentleman alighted -—and followed the lady slowly up the steps.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Nothing could have -happened more favorably for her project. The room was full, as not only the -little ones, but their fathers and mothers, drawn to the room by the singing, -had crowded in, filling up even the open door. From an adjoining tenement Miss -Howard procured a chair for Mr. Lambert, which she placed in the passage, and an -unpainted stool for herself. An opening hymn had been sung, and then the -children united in repeating with the young teacher the Lord's Prayer.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Peeping through a -space formed by a man's uplifted arm, Mr. Lambert could see the crippled boy -seated in his wheeled chair, in front of group of wondering children. His back -was toward the door, but the spectator could easily imagine the expression of -fervor there would be in his soft brown eyes, the sweet serenity of the brow as -he talked to them on the subjects he held most dear.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You said I might -tell about Jesus being born in a stable to-day," began one little boy, -raising his hand.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You may tell it -now," Neddy said, in a cheerful voice.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Questions and answers -followed, showing that many present had been told of the love of Jesus Christ, -even for the most sinful; and then the little missionary, wholly unconscious -that others beside the inmates of the neighboring tenement houses were present, -with a little wave of the hand to command silence, began,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm going to -tell you the story our teacher told us at the mission school to-day, and then -we will sing our favorite hymn.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"A great many -years ago there was a rich man. He had two sons. One was good and one was bad. -I guess it was the youngest that was bad. He didn't like to work. The other -helped his father on the big farm. Teacher said he thought the good one went -around and told the servants what to do, and was not afraid to work himself. -They had cows and calves and sheep, and all kinds of animals, I guess.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"By and by the -lazy one said he was tired of staying at home. He wanted to travel, and he -asked his father to give him his part of the money and let him go. His father -said yes. So the father and the good son went on together for a great many -years. They were pretty happy, but not very. Can you guess why?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Maybe the father -was a sorrering for the boy who had quit his home," murmured a mother in -the farthest corner of the room.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That's a good -guess. Yes, that was the reason he wasn't happy. He loved his boy and he -didn't like to have him away."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why didn't he -get a letter writ?" questioned a man who was holding a child on each knee.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't -know," answered Neddy. "I'm sorry I didn't ask teacher that. P'r'aps -he didn't know where to send the letter. But now I'm going to tell you about -the bad son. He had a whole bagful of money, and he thought it would last him -forever. So he kept buying things and spending his money till one day he put -his hand in his bag and it was all gone, every bit. He was hungry, but he had -not a penny to buy food. He didn't dare to kneel down, as we do, and say, 'Our -Father, give us this day our daily bread,' because he had been awfully wicked, -getting drunk and lying and swearing, and doing everything bad. You can't -guess, any of you, what he did at last. Why, he was that hungry he had to hire -out to a farmer who kept pigs, and he watched his chance when nobody was -looking, to steal some of the pigs' food. Before this he used to wear gay -clothes, now he was all in rags. One day he sat down on a stump of a tree. He -was awful homesick. He was tired of being so bad. He thought about his old home, -and how kind his father used to be, and what good things he had to eat, He -remembered how the men working on the farm had enough to eat. All at once he -began to cry, 'I wish I was home. I'm awfully lonely way off here, and nobody -speaks a kind word to me. Nobody gives me even the pigs' food. I'm ragged, too, -and filthy. Oh, what a fool I was to leave my dear old home!'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He cried and -sobbed, but nobody pitied him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Say, Neddy, did -he die among the pigs?" asked a big girl, putting a finger in her eye to -keep the tears back.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm coming to -the good part now. After he'd been crying a good while, and feeling real sorry -he had been so wicked, he thought he heard a voice asking,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Why don't you -go home?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Oh, father -wouldn't have me back!'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Yes, he would. -He loves you still.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Loves me! Can -it be true? Then I'll go right off.' So he got up off the stump and started. -Teacher didn't say how far it was, but at last he came to a place where he -could see his home. His heart beat dreadfully. 'Will he take me in? Will he?' -Now I'm going to tell you the very words he told himself he would say to his -father. Teacher made us all learn them, 'cause she said every one of us could say -them to God, our Heavenly Father.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'And he arose, -and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, the father saw -him, and had compassion unto him, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed -him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in -thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'But the father -said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him, and put -ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and -kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive -again; he was lost, and is found.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is that 'ere a -true story? You don't say he took him right back again? Whew! I guess he was -glad he went home."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"There's only one -thing more," added Neddy, when the astonishment had somewhat subsided. -"Teacher said that the good father in the story means God. Everybody who -wanders away from being good, is like the bad son. Just as quick as we are -sorry and ask Him to forgive us, He will. She said that we must remember that -He is ready just as quick as we say we're sorry.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now we'll sing, -and then the school is done. You must all begin with me,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I am so glad -that our Father in heaven </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Tells of His love in -the book He has given, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Wonderful things in -the Bible I see, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This is the dearest, -that Jesus loves me.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Though I forget -Him and wander away, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Still He doth love me -wherever I stray </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Back to His dear -loving arms would I flee, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When I remember that -Jesus loves me.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, if there's -only one song I can sing, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When in His beauty I -see the great King, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This shall my song in -eternity be, </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Oh, what a wonder that -Jesus loves me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During the whole -exercises, Marion had been aware that her companion was deeply affected. She -had refrained from looking at him, but now, as the school was breaking up, she -asked,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Shall we stop -and speak to him?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, no! I must -get home. I'm too ill to be here."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She had ordered the -carriage to be back in an hour, and was glad to see that it was at the door. -They were seated in it and driving off before the crowd came tumbling down the -stairs.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert sank back -in his seat, looking so pale that his companion was really alarmed. She said -nothing, however, but fanned him continually till they reached his own door. -She herself alighted and rang the bell for the valet to assist his master, who -muttered to himself,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whatever he's -been up to, he looks like death."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_11"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XI.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>MANY BLESSINGS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THERE could scarcely -be a greater contrast in two characters among Miss Howard's associates than Mr. -Lambert and Esther Sims, or Esther Cole, as she asked Hepsey to call her for -the present. Poor to the extent that, when she left the home in the stable -loft, she had not a penny in the world and not a garment fit to wear to her new -service, unlearned and ignorant in worldly wisdom, she yet seemed to absorb -into her heart as governing motives to her life such sweet and restful views of -God as her Father and Jesus as her Saviour as caused her young mistress to -exclaim, "Thou and hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and -hast revealed them unto babes."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With a childlike -frankness so peculiar to her, she confided to Miss Howard her increasing trust -that God would answer her prayers for her husband's conversion.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"In that case you -would return to him, I suppose." Marion wished to test her feelings as a -wife.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A pretty pink flush -flew all over Esther's face as she lifted her eyes wistfully to the lady's.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"God will take -care of me," she said. "I am sure He will. It is of him I'm thinking. -Now that he is away from bad people and can't get rum, it is such a nice time -for him to become good. When he comes out of prison, if God wants me to go back -to him, He will let me know it. Sometimes," she added, in a timid voice, -"I think He will, because I promised for better, for worse, you -know."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Would you live -with him if he were to beat you and abuse you as he did before?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, ma'am, if I -were sure God meant it so. I can never be as miserable again as I was -before."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Why can't -you?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Because I have a -friend now who would be close by me always."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You mean Jesus -Christ."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, ma'am. Even -if he did get—get out of his mind with drink, and treat me unkindly, I would -tell Jesus, and He would help me to forgive. If I never answered back and -always tried to have a smile and the best home I could make for him, perhaps he -might try to be better. Oh, I should be too happy!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She clasped her hands -to her breast, and looked so like an innocent child in her perfect trust that -Marion shed tears of delight.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During the first week -in September, Marion went to the Home for the Sick, to see Mary Falkner, who, -with the aid of a cane, was able to walk the length of the ward.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Isn't it -wonderful?" she exclaimed. "The doctors say, with the exception of a -limp in my gait, I shall be as well able to walk as any one. They are all so -kind to me. Who knows but I shall be able to do some church work in your -parish?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"If you are able -we will give you enough to do," answered Marion, blushing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On her way out the -superintendent met her and asked her to step to the parlor for a moment. He -took from his pocket a letter recently received, and handed it to her with an -arch smile. Though he did not know, he suspected the truth of a rumor he had -heard concerning her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The letter read as -follows:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Dear Sir,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>In memory of God's -goodness to my deceased sister and</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to myself, while we -were within the walls of the Home for the Sick,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>and in gratitude -for the faithful care to our bodies and our souls,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>by pastor, -chaplain, and nurses, I send you the enclosed check,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>which I think you -once told me was the sum necessary to found</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>a permanent bed in -your blessed institution. That your labors may be</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>as useful in the -future as they have been in the past is the sincere</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>prayer of a -fellow-laborer in Christ's vineyard.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>HAROLD ANGUS.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The check was -for five thousand dollars," added the gentleman. "It was an -unexpected thank-offering, and we are very grateful for it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion expressed her -pleasure, adding that Mr. Angus had told her how much he owed to the faithful -teachings he received while in the Home.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This seemed to our -young friend to be a day to mark with a white stone, it was so full of -blessings. When she reached home she found a letter from Mr. Lambert which -overwhelmed her and sent her to her knees to thank God for answering her humble -prayers.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was characteristic -of himself in its brevity.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"Kind and -faithful Friend,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"The prodigal has -returned. The Father</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>met and embraced -him. He has put off his tattered garments. He has</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>a new robe on him. -His voice rings with a new song. In the better</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>words of another, -this is the language of his heart,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>"'I cannot love thee -as I would,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Yet pardon me, O -Highest Good!</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>My life and all I -call mine own</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I lay before Thy -mercy throne.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>And if a thousand lives -were mine,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>O sweetest Lord, -they should be Thine!</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>And scanty would -the offering be,</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>So richly Thou hast -loved me.'"</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A few days later -Marion went to Grantbury in answer to a summons from her uncle. The outside -walls of the church were finished, with the exception of the spire. The men -were at work on the dizzy height, and expected to finish it by the middle of -September.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The frame to the new -house was raised and nearly boarded in. Mrs. Asbury said people were beginning -to take quite an interest in it. One lady asked her point-blank if the -clergyman intended to bring home a wife from England, to which she returned a -decided "No."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>During her stay Marion -made a hasty call at the thread and needle store to see the Widow Falkner. Mary -had kept her mother informed of her condition, and also of the great kindness -all the patients received, but she was delighted to see Miss Howard and learn particulars -about her daughter.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Then Marion drove half -a mile in another direction for a call on Farmer Rand's wife, who was still an -invalid.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Seldom had her -appearance created such an excitement. It was evident something pleasant had -happened.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Talk of an -angel, etc.," said the farmer, with a grand flourish of his hand. -"Sit down, miss. You're as welcome as roses in June. How are ye?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"We've been -thinking a sight about ye," added the gudewife. "We've had a letter. -Maybe ye know it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"S-sh-sh, -wife," making a sound like what he would make to quiet his oxen; -"wait a bit, I’ve something to say. Now, miss, did ye ever hear about our -church meetin'?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, indeed, I -heard all the items in detail."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Wall, then, 't -won't be breaking no Scripter rule if I do tell that I was moved to draw a few -hundreds out of the bank and gin 'em to the Lord. 'T isn't that I'm a speakin' -of. That 'ere's only the text to my sarmon, you see. The good book says, The -Lord loveth a cheerful giver,' and I will say for myself and my good woman that -the Lord He helped us to give that 'ere money with as good a will as though we -were spendin' on 't to build a new bedroom out on our south side, as we've been -a plannin' to do for a score o' years. Speak for yourself, Lucy. Am I stating -your opinions correct?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I was very -glad you did it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Well, -then," said the farmer, laughing as he flourished his hands again, -"the first part o' my sermon is 'stablished, and I'll go on. Wife, give me -that 'ere Bible, will ye? Now I stan' to it that God holds to His promises even -when men aren't looking for Him to do it. Here it is, He that watereth shall be -watered himself'; and here's another, 'The liberal soul shall be made fat.' Now -look here. Out there on the very edge of my farm there's a piece o' ground o' no -airthly value to me. There's nothin' but sorrel'll grow on 't. I'd ha' given it -to any friend for the askin'. Wall, one day in come that prince of a man, -'Squire Asbury. I knew by the look o' his eye he meant business. 'Mr. Rand,' -says he, 'I ain't no hand to circumvent' round matters; I go straight to the -p'int.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Go ahead,' says -I. 'I ain't no hand for circumventing, neither.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Mr. Rand,' says -he, 'what will you take for that 'ere corner lot o' yourn that runs out towards -the railroad track?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>""''Squire -Asbury,' says I, 'if you're in want o' that 'ere lot you're as welcome to it as -the flowers in May. 'T ain't no vally to me at all.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'No, no,' says -he, laughin'. 'I'm a bargaining for the railroad, and they want to put up a -freight depot there. The lot almost touches the rails. Set your price.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Oho!' says I, -'if that's the talk I calkerlate they're able to pay a little suthing. I'll -agree to any price you'll name. Don't you say so, wife?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Yes, I will,' -Lucy answered up, loud and prompt."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Squire Asbury -kind o' laughed and repeated it over again. 'You both agree,' says he, 'to -stick to the price I name, be it more or less?'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Yes, we -do.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Well, then, I -want the lot just as it lies, sand and all, coming down to a p'int near the -railroad, and a runnin' back one hundred feet to the rail fence put across -where the land lies even, and I'll give you five hundred dollars for it.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Good land, -'Squire' says I, ''t ain't wuth it.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'It's wuth every -dollar of five hundred to the road,' says he; 'if they have to go a mile -farther either way, they'll have to give six or eight. I'll have the deed drawn -up ready for you and your wife to sign.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Squire Asbury,' -says I as soon as I could catch my breath, 'I believe the Lord sent you here. -When I give that five hundred to the Lord I never thought o' getting it back -again, but you see here 't is, dollar for dollar, and more, too, for the -pleasure o' giving my mite towards the Lord's new meeting-house was wuth the whole -sum. Sure as you live, Lucy and I, we give thanks to God for lettin' of us have -the privilege.'"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"'Yes, yes, I -know that,' says he, and so he does. If ever a man was blessed in his basket -and store it's that same 'Squire Asbury. His hand, as the Scripter says, 'is -open to the wants o' the poor.'" He ended with one grand flourish.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion laughed -heartily as she said, "I wish you'd preach that sermon to some of our rich -men on Fifth Avenue who don't know the pleasure of giving. It is as practical a -sermon as I ever heard."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now, wife, speak -up, if you've anything to say."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Husband and I -have had a letter," Mrs. Rand said, opening the large family Bible and -taking an envelope from between the leaves. "It has made us real cheery -coming so far, and it has good news in it, too. The pastor is real friendly to -think of us."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The -pastor," exclaimed Marion, in surprise. "Have you had a letter from -Mr. Angus?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The farmer evidently -understood that he had had his turn, and that his wife now had the floor.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He did not speak, but -he nodded his head and performed other pantomime in such a remarkable manner -that Marion was made aware what news the letter contained before the wife gave -it to her to read.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Yes, there it was in -plain black and white. He told this aged pair that he was going to be married -and settle down among them for life, he hoped. He quoted the words of Solomon, -"A prudent wife is from the Lord," and he said, "I'm sure mine -is a prudent one, a priceless treasure. That she is from the hands of my Father -in heaven I am equally sure. You will agree with me when I tell you Miss Marion -Howard, your particular friend, has agreed to cast in her lot with me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion kept her eyes -fastened on the letter long after she had finished it. She did not like her -good friends to see how much these manly words had affected her. She folded the -sheet carefully and passed it back, saying, "I am glad he has told -you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I guess we shall -be able to hold on to him now," rejoined Mr. Rand, trying to laugh. But as -Marion rose to go his voice changed to the tenderness of a father. He raised -his hand over her head and pronounced a blessing on her and on her chosen -friend; then sat down suddenly, and blew his nose like a trumpet to conceal how -much he was affected.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_12"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THESE were busy days -with our young friend. In company with Hepsey she went to her old home and -spent a week in looking over bedding and furniture preparatory to having it -removed to Ingleside. Her father's place was let on a long lease, and she was -well satisfied with the care taken of it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Angus had written -to beg her to consent that the wedding should take place immediately on his -return, but she replied that the house would not be finished till some time -later, and that it was necessary for her to complete her arrangements for her -mission and her protégés among the poor before leaving New York.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Since the change in -Mr. Lambert, the idea of giving the care of certain families to him had floated -through her mind, but she feared he was too impulsive or would be too easily -imposed upon if he undertook mission work. Annie Leman had promised to do all -in her power, and had already proved both willingness and tact in the work.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On her return from the -country, Marion found a note from Mr. Lambert requesting to see her on -business. She suspected at once it was in relation to his will, about which he -had already spoken to her. She sent James with an answer saying she would call -on him at nine the next morning.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Later in the day she -was pleasantly surprised by a call from Mrs. Cheriton and Eugene. They had -advertised for and obtained a boarding-place in the country a few weeks before, -but not being altogether pleased with the class of boarders they met there, had -suddenly returned to the city the day before.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Cheriton smilingly -remarked that her mother seemed as pleased as a child to be back in her old -rooms in New York; that she had taken her favorite seat near the window early -in the morning, and had spent an hour or more watching the passers-by; that it -was with difficulty they could persuade her to leave the window even for her -meals.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Geenie gained great -praise for his conduct during the visit. He amused himself with a book of -pictures Hepsey brought him, and did not once touch any article in the room -without liberty from his mother or Marion.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At a quarter to nine -the next morning Mr. Lambert sent a carriage for Miss Howard, and on her -reaching his house waited upon her to his library, a room adjoining his -chamber. She had never seen this room before, and went around examining the -pictures hanging over the well-filled bookcases.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He had evidently been -writing. Papers covered his table, and his pen was still wet. As he took a seat -near her, the visitor was startled at the marks of the agitation of mind -through which he had recently passed. His cheeks seemed sunken and a circle -round his eyes betokened want of sleep.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I fear you are -not strong enough for business yet," she remarked, anxiously.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I'm all -right," he answered. "I've had letters which have disappointed -me—personal matters. By the way, I may tell you about them some time. To-day I -want to talk about other things.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss Howard, I -want to confess Christ. I want to do just the very thing I once thought a -humbug,—to join myself to God's people. I want the help of a faithful pastor to -keep my heart right, and I want the counsel of fellow-Christians as to the best -methods of working for the Master."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion's eyes filled -with happy tears. "I'm so glad, so glad!" she murmured. "Will -you allow me to bring Dr. M—, my pastor, to see you?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, child, I'm a -poor old prodigal. I want to go among the poor and do what I can there. You -told me once about a mission chapel. That is my place. It may be I can have -courage to do something there, to help men, who, like myself, have lived for -years among the husks."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, how I wish -you would go to our parish in the country! There is a great work to do there, -and you ought to be where your daughter could look after you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"That would be a -great inducement, child. You are nearer to my heart than any other. I have no -ties of kin,—at least I can learn of none. Another time I may tell you the -nature of the disappointment to which I referred. You will pity the poor, -lonely man, I'm sure."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His tone was so sad -that it deeply moved her, and taking his hand she pressed her lips upon it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't do that, I -can't bear it. I shall be unfit for the business if I allow my feelings to have -sway. I have been jotting down a few items in connection with the disposal of -my property. I have more money than I know what to do with. If that interloper -had not stepped in, I would make you my heir, and you could scatter it round as -you please. As it is, I have set aside a few thousands to educate our friend -Neddy, and I want you to look after him if anything happens to me.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What is the name -of that girl-wife you told me about, whose husband is in prison? I want to give -you a thousand for her own use. If she goes back to that scoundrel it must be -so tied up that he can't get at it. Will you have the goodness to pass me that -long paper, ruled with red ink? That's the one."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In selecting this -paper from the others, Marion had to move several letters lying on top. As she -did so her eyes fell on an open page, with the name Madrid in full view. -"Madrid! Does he have letters from Madrid? That was Mrs. Douglass's native -place."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her heart almost -stopped beating, as a sudden possibility flashed like lightning through her -mind. She glanced back at Mr. Lambert. "Could he, oh, could he be the cruel, -exacting man whose jealousy and distrust had rendered the life of her friend so -miserable? No! Oh, no!" And yet the thought, once entertained, would not -be banished. "What if he is? How can I find out? How would he bear it? What -a happy future he might have! What shall I do? What can I say?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her habitual frankness -came to her aid. She had mechanically given him the paper and sank back in her -chair, while he was so occupied in glancing over the items that he had not -noticed her wild stare of astonishment.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. -Lambert—" She stopped; her heart seemed to rise up in her throat and choke -her. "Mr. Lambert, did you ever live in Madrid? I saw the address on an -open letter. I do not ask from mere curiosity."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The most -blissful and the most wretched days of my life were passed in that city."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Lambert, -something has happened to me. I—I can't think of business to-day. Will you -excuse and trust me as though I were your own daughter? I want to tell you -about a dear friend, the grandmother of the beautiful boy you have heard me -speak about with such rapture. I promised to bring him to see you some day. That -boy is a native of Madrid."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What is the -mother's name?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Cheriton, Mrs. -Juliette Cheriton."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He shook his head -thoughtfully. "I never heard the name." He laid down the paper with -a little vexed and disappointed air, adding, "I haven't been in Madrid for -more than eighteen years."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It is Mrs. -Cheriton's mother who is my special friend. She is one of the loveliest, most -accomplished ladies I know, and such an earnest Christian, too."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Is her name -Cheriton?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, no! Eugene's -mother is her daughter. She calls herself Douglass."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Douglass!" -Mr. Lambert started forward, then sank back and looked as though he had been -struck. Presently, with his hand on his heart, he said in a choking voice,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Tell me all you -know. Don't spare me. This suspense is killing me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I will tell you -all, though I can only suspect the truth. Mrs. Douglass, as my friend chooses -to be called, told me this was not her wedded name. Just before her daughter's -birth, painful family circumstances arose, which caused a separation between -herself and her husband. She has never seen him since."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Did she confide -these circumstances to you?" The voice seemed to come from a tomb.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, she did, -and it has been her life-long regret that she could not explain them to the one -most interested."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You are an -innocent child. Mrs. Douglass, as she calls herself, was my wife. She has -deceived you. I saw what I saw with my own eyes. She even gave up the ring I -presented her on our betrothal."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Lambert, you -must be calm. She does not deserve such bitter scorn. You were deceived in one -particular. You thought her an only child. She had a brother, a wild, reckless -man, who afterward paid the penalty for his crimes. Mr. Douglass forbade all -mention of his name, and frequently alluded to his daughter as his only child. It -was this wicked, daring fellow who suddenly appeared to my friend, and almost -drove her wild by demanding money or jewels from her. She agreed to see him -once, and give him all she could raise, on condition he would never cross her -path again. She did see him. He seized her and held her forcibly while he -wrested from her finger the valuable ring you had given her. His cruelty nearly -cost her her life. She was carried to her bed, fell into convulsions, during which -her child was born. The resolve she had made to tell you the truth at whatever -cost, even her father's displeasure, it was impossible for her to carry out. -Before she was well enough to understand what had passed, her husband, deceived -and betrayed by a servant, who with tears and groans confessed her guilt, was a -witness to the meeting between herself and her brother. He believed her lost to -him and to virtue. He himself carried her in his arms to her couch, when, -overcome by her brother's cruelty, she fainted, but he never gave her an -opportunity to explain the painful meeting. If he had—"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She was interrupted by -a terrible groan from Mr. Lambert. He threw his arms up, then, with a gurgling -sound in his throat, he sank back, insensible.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion flew to the -door and screamed for the valet. She loosened the necktie, and began vigorously -to chafe the cold hands, but it was some minutes before he revived.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"The doctor -cautioned him to avoid all excitement," said the servant, with a -reproachful glance at the visitor. "Ever since those foreign letters came -he's been terribly took down."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion was bending -over him, with her hand on his forehead, when he opened his eyes.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't—leave—me," -he gasped. Presently he spoke again. "Do you think God will forgive -me?" The tone was so piteous she found it impossible to control her voice -to answer. She bowed her head.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you take a -little hartshorn, sir?" asked the valet.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When it had been -administered, he said, "Stay in the anteroom, Miss Howard may need -you.—Pray for me," he added the moment they were alone.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I will; but -first I want to tell you that your wife, if Mrs. Douglass is indeed your wife, -has loved you all these years. She blames herself that she did not insist that -her father should tell you of her brother Henreich. I do not think there has -been a day these last ten years that she has not prayed for your -conversion."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>His lip quivered like -a grieved child, while great tears rolled down his pale cheeks. In a voice -scarcely more than a whisper, he said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Do you think it -possible that she will forgive me?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She has forgiven -you already."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>There was a long -silence after this. Mr. Lambert's countenance showed that a terrible struggle -was going on in his breast. Marion could not look upon it, and covered her -face, her cry going up to God for help and comfort to this poor man. At last, -recalling his request, she fell on her knees, and in a low tone offered up her -petitions in his behalf.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>When she rose to her -feet, she was startled at the awful pallor which had settled on his features. -She put her fingers on his pulse, and to her terror found there was scarcely -any beat.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Go for the -doctor as quickly as possible," she cried to the servant. "No, send -some one. Don't leave me! He is very low."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Fortunately the -physician was near at hand and was soon at the bedside. In a few words Marion -related the wonderful story, that she had just made the discovery that Mrs. -Douglass was Mr. Lambert's wife, which accounted for his alarming state of -exhaustion.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For several hours it -was doubtful whether Mr. Lambert would ever speak again. The physician told -Marion that his case was a very critical one, but at length they were able to -force down a tonic, and soon after he sank into slumber.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The room was darkened, -every sound hushed, and the faithful valet sat alone to watch and wait by his -master's bedside.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was night when he -awoke; the physician had been in and out several times, and ordered a few -spoonsful of nourishment as soon as he awoke. This was given him and he tried -to speak.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Miss -Howard."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"She is not here. -She said she would be back early in the morning."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I may not live -till then. Take—a—pen—and—write. With my dying breath I ask her to forgive -me.—I leave to her—all—that I have—in the—world,—with my dying—love and -blessing. She, Miss—Howard, will—know who—I mean. Tell her not to let our -daughter think too hard of her father. Fold—it and direct to Miss Howard."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Meanwhile Marion had -returned home in such a state of excitement and fatigue that the physician, who -took her there, sent her at once to bed, and ordered Hepsey to give her a -powerful anodyne. When she woke, Mr. Lambert's servant had been to say that he -wanted to see her as soon as she was able. Hepsey insisted that she should not -go until she had eaten a hearty breakfast.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I think you -ought to consider what Mr. Angus would say," she urged, "and for his -sake take a little care of your health."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Hepsey, I feared -last night that Mr. Lambert was dead, and, oh, Hepsey, it was what I had been -telling him that made him fall into the swoon! You will not wonder that I was -sick with fear when I tell you about it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I shall tell Mr. -Angus that you've had enough of excitement for one life, and he'd better get -you to the country as soon as he can."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_13"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XIII.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>RECONCILIATION AND HAPPINESS.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>THE carriage was -already at the door, and Miss Howard drove hastily to Mr. Lambert's residence. -She was informed that he was stronger, had taken more nourishment, and was -again asleep. The valet came from the chamber where the sick man had been -carried and gave her the sealed envelope; and with this in her hand she started -for Mrs. Douglass's boarding-house, scarcely daring to read the words, lest she -should unfit herself for the exciting scenes she must expect. After a cursory -glance at the page she thrust it back into the envelope, and endeavored to form -some plan by which she might best convey to her invalid friend the wonderful -discovery she had made.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Early as it was, Mrs. -Cheriton had taken her boy for a walk. Mrs. Douglass sat reading by the -window. She greeted Miss Howard with a smile and then, noticing her flushed -face, asked,-</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Are you well, -dear?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Can you bear -good news, Mrs. Douglass?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Good news seldom -hurts any one."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Have you ever -thought that your husband might be living near you?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I know where he -lives; I learned it by accident while in the country and found it impossible to -remain away."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"And that -explains your sudden return and your watching so constantly from the -windows?" Marion's tone was full of wonder.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I never told you -his name. How did you find it out?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion then related -all that had passed, and ended with giving the paper which the sick man had -dictated when he thought himself dying.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Douglass's -countenance expressed the deepest feeling, but she braced herself against -giving way to her excitement.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I have been -praying earnestly that I might be prepared for this discovery, should it take -place," she said. "I will go with you and assure him of my entire -forgiveness. Juliette knows nothing of her father's desertion, and she need not -be made acquainted with the discovery."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Oh, Mrs. Douglass, -I am sure he will never part with you again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She shook her head, -rose, and put on her bonnet and shawl.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion saw that, while -she was making a great effort to appear calm, her hands trembled so much that -she could not tie the bonnet-strings. Unobserved by the lady, she wrote with -pencil on a piece of paper:—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Dear Mrs. -Cheriton,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>I have taken your -mother with me. Please remain</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>at home with Geenie -till I call or send for you.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>MARION.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This she left in plain -sight on the table.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On their way little -was spoken until they approached the door, when Marion said,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I hope the -doctor will be there. I dare not take you to Mr. Lambert's room without his -permission."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The servant who opened -the door stared at the new-comer, and said to Miss Howard,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. Lambert is -too ill, ma'am, to see visitors."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I know. -This lady is going with me to the parlor to see the doctor."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She gave Mrs. Douglass -her arm, and found from the manner the lady leaned against her that she could -scarcely support herself.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The valet came at -once. "Mr. Lambert is awake," he said, "and has been calling for -you."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I cannot leave -this lady alone. Is the doctor here?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He's just going, -miss. I hear him coming downstairs."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Ask him to come -here."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Dr. Danforth, -this is my friend, Mr. Lambert's wife. Can she see him?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Go and tell him -she is here. He is as impatient this morning as ever old Mr. Regy was."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The doctor tried to -smile, but looked anxious.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I thought you -would never come," said the sick man in a petulant tone. "I might -have died without ever asking her to forgive me."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Would you like -to see her now?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Would I?" -He gave a scream which speedily brought the valet to his side.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Get me up! Bring -my clothes! Where is she? Don't let her go! I'll be ready in a minute."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The valet was -thunderstruck, and looked at Miss Howard helplessly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Mr. -Lambert," said Marion, in an authoritative tone, "if you don't lie -down and be calm I'll take Mrs. Lambert away again. There, that is right!" -as he assented like a penitent boy.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You must be -calm, for her sake. She is an invalid, and has been for years."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Will you explain -to her why I can't go to her? It's my place. Are you sure she'll forgive -me?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Yes, I'm -sure."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Now," said -Marion, addressing the valet, who stood in open-mouthed wonder, "you may -go to the parlor and ask the doctor to assist Mrs. Lambert up the stairs."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The sick man quickly -covered his face, and she heard him whispering a prayer for help. "For his -sake and for your own, be as calm as possible," said Dr. Ross, leaving the -lady at the door and motioning the servant to retire.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion only waited to -see the long-deserted wife glide quickly to the bedside, and then she, too, -left them alone. The meeting was too sacred for any eye but the omnipresent One -to witness.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion Howard was -blessed with an excellent constitution, but of late her keen sympathy with her -friends, her frequent visits to her mission scholars, in connection with the -arrangements she was making to leave, in addition to her own numerous cares, -the purchase of her trousseau, etc., had taxed her strength to an unusual -degree. Now that the wife was restored to her husband, Dr. Danforth insisted that -she should go home and take some rest.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I will, as soon -as I have brought Mrs. Cheriton and her boy." She had scarcely finished -her sentence before a sudden attack of dizziness made her clutch at a chair for -support.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"You must return, -and at once," he said. "I will do all that is necessary. I prophesy -that this discovery will be the most effectual remedy for Mr. Lambert."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Marion found it most -prudent to yield, and hastily leaving word that Mrs. Cheriton was to be sent -for, she left the doctor to make all needed explanation for her sudden -departure. The next morning, in consequence of a telegram from Dr. Ross, Mrs. -Asbury made her appearance, and coolly remarked that she had come to stay till -her niece was able to return with her.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>On a bright October -morning let us take a peep at Mr. Lambert and his now united family. They have -left the grand house in the city to spend the autumn months on his farm in the -country. To see our friend now we should not imagine him to have been so -recently one of Dr. Danforth's sickest patients. His heart and his conscience at -rest, his countenance grows daily more serene, while he declares he feels as -young and fresh as he ever did. His wife, Mrs. Douglass no more, moves quietly -about, keeping within sight of the husband from whom she has been so long -separated. She is making a study of his character eccentricities and all, and -has already gained such an influence over him that his eye turns naturally -toward her for approval. Many times in a day he asks for and receives a full assurance -of her entire forgiveness. Many hours are passed in recounting the events which -have occurred since they last met, the keen disappointment he experienced when -at last, unable longer to endure the suspense, he wrote a friend in Madrid for -news of her, and learned that it was supposed she was deceased, and had been for -many years.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The ring once wrested -from her finger by her unnatural brother was restored to its old place, it -having been taken from the prisoner just before his execution. As they looked -at it and called to mind all the wonderful providences which after so many -years had brought them together, their hearts were filled with new gratitude to -their Heavenly Father, who had out of these afflictions led them to a knowledge -of Himself.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Toward his beautiful -daughter, Juliette Cheriton, Mr. Lambert exhibited a ludicrous respect, mingled -with an unbounded admiration. He found it extremely difficult to convince -himself that she in reality was his child. He watched her stealthily, blushing -like a boy when caught doing so. On the subject of her husband he was at first -reticent. It was, however, the occasion of reviving his old habit of grumbling -when he heard a wish expressed that Mr. Cheriton would return, that there might -be a complete union of the family. He rushed about the room growling,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"He'd better not, -the villain; I'd soon settle him. Let him stay away! I'll let him understand I -don't intend to leave her a penny."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In the mean time he -lavished every indulgence upon her. She had a pony carriage for her exclusive -use. Her purse was kept filled to overflowing. If it had been possible to spoil -her he would have done it. How often in these days her mother thanked God that -her daughter had not been brought into such temptations to worldliness until -she had learned to place her affections on objects higher and more enduring.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For his grandson Mr. -Lambert felt such intense pride that he needed constant checks in order that -the boy need not take advantage of the foolish fondness bestowed on him. If Mr. -Lambert had never had a master before, he had one now, and as we enter the -house this bright autumnal morning, a sight meets us which is proof of the -fact.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A wide hall runs -directly through the old-fashioned dwelling, and racing back and forth through -this hall is our old friend, dressed as his double, Mr. Regy, his long white -hair floating behind him, as he obeys the whip of his young driver, and -canters, trots, or walks in obedience to the orders of his grandson.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Get up, horse; -go faster, grandpa!"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Geenie in his voyage -of discovery has resurrected many old and once familiar objects, and among them -Mr. Regy's dress.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What's this? Who -wears this?" he shouts, holding up the wig and beard to view.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Being obliged to -confess that he has sometimes worn these singular articles, the boy demands -that they be at once used by his horse; and the owner, never dreaming that it -was possible to refuse, donned them, and with a pair of worsted reins round his -body proceeded to jingle the bells, running and cantering, to the perfect -delight of the young driver.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Well for all concerned -it was that Mrs. Cheriton had learned from sad experience that if she wished -her son to love and respect her she must enforce obedience to her own commands -and to the commands of God. Mr. Lambert, though he often pleaded that the -child's wishes, however unreasonable, might be gratified, and was once or twice -detected in comforting him with confectionery under his disappointments, yet -acknowledged that his daughter's discipline was necessary and must be -maintained.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A most ludicrous scene -had once taken place between Eugene and his grandfather, which those who saw it -never forgot.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The boy had disobeyed, -and his mother placed him in a room by himself to reflect upon his fault, for -which he was to be punished. He was sitting soberly in the chair where she had -placed him, when, hearing a sound from the adjoining room, he went in and found -his grandfather weeping.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What are you -crying for, grandpa?" he asked, quickly.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I don't want -your mother to whip you, but she must; yes, it's right for her to do it."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Don't cry, -grandpa; I don't mind. She doesn't hurt me any; she only tickles me a little. -'T isn't nice for a big man like you to cry."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Eugene, come -here," called his mother, taking his hand to lead him back to his chair. -She repeated what she had heard to her mother, saying,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I had as much as -I could do to keep from showing my amusement. Father looking so penitent, and -Eugene comforting him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_14"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XIV.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>CHRISTMAS DAY.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>IT is Christmas day. -The chimes in the spire of the new church are playing sweet melodies; and the -Sunday-school children, whose gift the chimes have been, are gathering together -from all quarters of the town to practise with their teachers the Christmas -carols they are to sing.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>This is the first -service in the beautiful new church. It is to be publicly dedicated to the -worship of God on the next Sabbath, but for weeks the workmen have put forth -all their energies to have it ready for a service on Christmas day. The choir -have been practising, too; and it is rumored new organist is expected, although -his engagement does not commence till the first of January.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The sleigh-bells -jingle merrily, for the ground is covered with snow. Even now, an hour before -service, several stalls in the neat row of horse-sheds are occupied. Now here -comes Farmer Rand, smiling and nodding, and shouting his Christmas salutations -to young and old, as he drives his old horse up the ascent, through the gate -close to the nicely shovelled flagged walk to the front. The good farmer has a precious -load to-day, and he is very careful of it. Yes, that is Lucy, his old woman, so -wrapped up in shawls and buffalo-robes—with a hot brick in her great yellow -muff, and another at her feet, which just now are cased in a pair of her -husband's blue socks—that she finds it almost impossible to alight from the -sleigh.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>For weeks the good -woman has been nursing her strength for this great and joyful occasion. For -days she and her man have watched the signs of the weather, have even prayed -that, if it was God's will, it might be so propitious as to make it safe for -her to go up to the house of the Lord and join with His people in their anthems -of praise to the new-born King.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Fortunately the sexton -has recognized the farmer, and runs quickly to offer his services it helping -her to the porch. One and another come forward to greet her and express their -pleasure at seeing her here. The children, even, gather round her pew and say,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Merry Christmas, -Miss Rand! How do you like the new church?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Yes, on this natal day -of the world's Redeemer every face looks joyful, every voice responds heartily -to the kind wishes of his neighbor. It is evident that a great wave of love and -good-will is flowing through all their hearts as they suddenly pause and listen -to the children's joyous tones chanting the strains the angels sang, "Glory -to God in the highest. Peace on earth, good-will to men."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The service is to -commence at eleven. The hand on the new and elegant clock, a gift from the -Pastor, points to five minutes before eleven; the children have finished their -practising and gone quietly to their seats at one end of the organ loft. The -slips are all full. There is a hush. There comes the pastor and his bride, not -a stranger, but known and loved by all. Pausing for an instant to show her into -the pew, the first one selected in the house, he passes on up the aisle into -the study at the side of the pulpit. Ethel, the only other occupant of the -slip, causes a smile by her obsequious attentions to the bride. She takes a -hymn-book from the rack, and, though unable to read a word, opens it and passes -it, gets as near Marion as possible, and finally, with a burst of affection, -seizes her hand.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And Marion, her beaming -face radiant with happiness, stands up with the congregation, while the choir -sing the famous old fugue,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"While shepherds -watched their flocks by night,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>All seated on the -ground,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The angel of the Lord -came down,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And glory shone -around."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Recalling all the -goodness of the Lord to her during the last year, the answers to her prayers, -the many friends, who, one year ago, were without Christ, now with Him, the -happiness to which she may look forward with the chosen companion of her life, -her heart swells with gratitude to the good Father who has directed her path in -such mercy, and to the dear Saviour whose advent they are so joyously -celebrating. She thanks God, and takes courage to go on laboring to bring those -about her to a saving knowledge of His love.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Her husband, glancing -at her from the pulpit, sees that her eyes are filled with tears, and he, too, -thanks God, as he says to himself, "They are happy tears."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>As long as we are the -inhabitants of this earth, we must expect occasional clouds with our sunshine. -Disappointments are the lot of mankind, and certainly neither Mr. Angus nor -Miss Howard expected to be exempt from them. The plan from the first had been -to have the wedding the week before Christmas, and a reception or housewarming -at Ingleside the following Monday. But, from one cause and another, the new -house was not finished, and this plan had to be postponed.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was Marion's -preference to defer the wedding till such time as the house was considered fit -for occupation. Such a pressure was, however, brought to bear on her, that she -yielded to the wishes of her friend. He brought so many arguments to prove that -the plan he now proposed was even better than the original one, that the few -weeks before entering on the duties of housekeeping would give her just the -leisure necessary for the formation of some of their new plans, etc., that, -with a hearty laugh, she replied,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I see that you -intend to have your way, and as I believe that God intended the husband to be -the head of the family, I suppose I may as well begin my obedience now. So on -the week before Christmas the wedding shall be."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>I am very sure if my -reader had not seen Mr. Angus since I first introduced him he would not -recognize him now. Then he was bowed down with grief, not only for himself, but -for one whom he had every reason to suppose was cherishing as toward her -brother such anger in her heart as would cut her off from Divine forgiveness. He -was, or felt himself to be, alone in the world. He had no right to form a tie -which would make another the sharer of such a burden as his. To be sure, he had -brooded over that one scene in his past life until he had become morbid, and -perhaps had not relief come to him he might have become unfit to preach the -gospel of glad tidings to his fellow-men. When he walked, his eyes were cast -down to the ground, while sighs were much more frequent with him than smiles.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Now how different. He -walked erect, with elastic tread, his eyes met yours with a frank smile. One -could scarcely be with him five minutes without being drawn to him by a certain -magnetism. You felt that his heart was at rest, and more, you could not fail to -be sure that he was grateful for God's goodness, that he was literally obeying -the Divine injunction, "Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again, I say, -rejoice."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. and Mrs. Asbury -cordially extended an invitation to the young couple to remain with them till -spring. The gentleman even urged the necessity of having his niece close at -hand until certain building plans, etc., were complete. But this needs -explanation.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>It was not probable -that such grateful friends as Mr. and Mrs. Lambert would allow so grand an -occasion as Miss Howard's marriage to take place without some act expressive of -their deep affection and respect. Now that Mr. Lambert had a wife and daughter -with whom he could consult, he spent much time in the discussion of what would -be the most acceptable wedding present. Once, hearing the word "jewelry" -from his daughter, he shouted,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Jewelry! Would -she like diamonds? I'll buy up a case of them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I said I was -sure she would not care for jewelry."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"What shall it -be, then? Not that anything we can do will ever prove to her our sense of her -goodness and faithfulness to us; but it must be something to show her that I -value my family, owe to her my finding them."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One day, before she -left the city, Marion accepted an urgent invitation to pass a day at the -country home of her friends. She also was requested to bring Esther and Neddy -Carter with her. During the day, the young lady, wholly unsuspicious of the -object of the visit, frankly narrated her own and Mr. Angus's plans for the -good of the town. Among other things, she said that there was no library for -free circulation, adding, "One of my most-cherished plans is to build a -neat and attractive house,</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>with two large rooms, -one for a library of well-selected books, the other a reading-room for both -secular and religious papers, and also some of the best magazines. But we can't -do everything in one year."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mrs. Lambert had -suggested to her impulsive husband that it would be more delicate not to allude -to the subject of a wedding gift, but here, he thought, is just the way to -please her. He rushed from the room, motioning his wife to follow, and after -sundry antics, such as would have better befitted Geenie's years, he drew a -blank check, and with his fingers on his lips, held it up before his astonished -companion.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It's for the library," -he said, putting his lips close to her ear.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She nodded approval -with a cordial smile, but pointed to the blank space.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Let her fill it -up. Will ten thousand do? It must be nothing mean."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Suppose we wait -a little and try to ascertain the probable cost."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, I can't -wait! I want it off my mind. If you don't want to see old Mr. Regy," with -a comical grin, "you'll help me now."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She put her hand -lovingly on his shoulder, which never failed to calm his impatience, and asked -softly, "Why not, then, let her fill it up, as you suggested?"</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"So I -will!" He held the check toward her and motioned her to give it.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"No, my dear, -generous husband, that pleasure belongs to you; I can see just how her eyes -will sparkle and those pretty dimples begin to play."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He flatly refused. -"No," he said, laughing, "if I were to attempt it I should be -old Regy again in a minute."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She sat down at his -desk and wrote,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Dear Friend,—</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>We have tried in -vain to think of a gift for your</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>approaching -marriage which will in any measure suitably express</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>to you our -appreciation of your invaluable friendship.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>Your remark just -now in regard to a library and reading-room</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>has suggested the -idea of giving to you funds sufficient for that</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>worthy object and -letting you use them as you think proper.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>JULIETTE D. -LAMBERT.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><i><span class='c6'>M. R. LAMBERT.</span></i></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She gave it to her -husband to read and sign, enclosed the blank check, and carried it into the -next room and gave it to Miss Howard.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>With what astonishment -and delight the young lady read it, the embraces and thanks which followed, I -must leave my reader to imagine. In the midst of the excitement which followed, -Mr. Lambert, who had chosen to remain behind, raced from one end of the room to -the other, where he was found by Eugene holding on to his sides and making the -most strenuous endeavors to restrain his laughter.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>In consequence of this -generous gift, a lot of land was purchased, not far from the public school, and -the town at a public meeting, called for the purpose, added to the library lot -a large field formerly used for pasturage. This was to be fitted up for all -sorts of games and athletic sports.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Mr. Lambert and his -family went to Grantbury, and insisted that the library building be two -stories, the upper story to be finished off into a hall for concerts, school -exhibitions, etc. The eccentric old gentleman was very angry when it was -proposed to name this "Lambert Hall," in token of gratitude to the -giver.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"I've nothing to -do with it," he insisted. "Put it Howard Hall or Angus Hall, if you -please. It's nothing to me, any way."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Except that your -name stands at the bottom of the check for the cost," replied Marion, with -an arch glance in his face.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Things have come -to a pretty pass—wedding present—chose that rather than diamonds."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He was growling away -in the genuine old style, when Geenie made them all laugh heartily by calling -out,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Grandma, did you -bring Mr. Regy's wig? He has come back again."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<h1><a id="Part_2_Chapter_15"><span class='c8'>CHAPTER XV.</span></a></h1> - -<h1><span class='c6'>OUR INGLESIDE.</span></h1> - -<p class="PreformattedText"> </p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>ESTHER COLE had -received two letters, or rather notes, from her husband since the one she wrote -him; but now months had passed without a word in answer to her regular weekly -letter. Mr. Angus was greatly interested in the young wife who was so patiently -enduring her trials, and insisted that she ought to be allowed to follow the -dictates of her own conscience in regard to her connection with her husband.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Day after day Esther -looked for a letter, but looked in vain. At length, pitying her too evident -disappointment, Mr. Angus wrote to the chaplain of the prison, making inquiries -in regard to the man. The letter, about which he had said nothing, was answered -immediately, and contained a slip cut from an Auburn paper. Joseph Cole, with -three of the worst prisoners, had escaped from their confinement early one dark -night. They had nearly killed a watchman who ran to give notice, and had so far -escaped justice.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The chaplain added -that the criminals had been subsequently traced to New Orleans, where a gang of -roughs had been seized for arson and murder. On the trial it was proved that -the younger and apparently the most hardened had a number of aliases, but that -his real name was Joseph Cole.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"My poor, -trusting Esther!" exclaimed Marion to her husband, "this will end -your faith in your husband's reformation. This will settle the question of your -return to him."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But greatly to her -surprise, and to the surprise of all Esther's friends, though she mourned so -deeply over Joseph's sins that her cheeks grew colorless and her eyes looked -into yours more wistfully than ever, she yet held fast to her belief that God -had power to touch the hardest heart, and that in answer to her importunate prayers -He would, in His own good time, lead him to penitence and a godly life.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"Whether he ever -comes back to me or not is of little consequence, ma'am," she said, as -Marion was trying to comfort her. "I don't think I shall live many years, -but, oh, I do long for him to know how God can comfort people! What would I do -now, ma'am, if I were without Christ, as I once was? If poor Joe only had -Christ, he would be happier than he ever was in his life, even though he is in -his cell."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The last was said with -a piteous sob, which went to the listener's heart far more than the loudest -wails.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And here we must leave -our humble friend. We know that God did fill her heart with such thoughts of -Himself, of His pitying tenderness toward all His creatures, that she was -comforted under the bitterest sorrow a Christian can be called to endure,—the -unworthiness of those we love. We leave her to the gracious sympathizing -Saviour.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Glancing forward a few -years, I am sure the reader will be pleased to learn that Neddy Carter is -fulfilling the promise of his childhood. Meeting him in the street, one would -never imagine that he is indebted to artificial supports for his ability to go -from place to place, while his clear, brown eyes, looking you so straight in -the face, his open brow, and abundant, wavy locks, interest the most casual -observer.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>If he were asked, -"Who is the happiest youth in this great city?" he would, without -hesitation, answer,—</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>"It would be hard -to find a happier boy than I am since my mother goes with me regularly to -church."</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>He is and will be for -years to come a protégé of Mr. Lambert, who has given over a sum of money to -proper guardians for the purpose of educating him.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>The library building -is finished, the shelves are lined with books selected by the pastor, who is -the chairman of the library association, and a company of ladies and gentlemen -appointed for the purpose. The hall above, forty feet by sixty, is fitted up -with a curtain, foot-lights, etc., but can never be used except with the consent -of Mrs. Marion Howard Angus. After many discussions, the name "Howard -Hall" is conspicuous over the desk, but our old friend Marion is eager to -assure every one who points to it that it is a memorial, not to herself, but to -her father.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>A very pleasant -circumstance in connection with the library is that Mary Falkner, now confirmed -in health and activity, was unanimously chosen librarian, with a salary large -enough to support herself and her mother.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>One more scene, and I -have done.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Accompany me, dear -reader, up this smoothly gravelled walk to the elegant mansion at the summit of -Church Hill. Notice as you pass that luxurious vine winding itself so lovingly -around the pillars. The slip from which it has grown was brought by Mr. Angus -from the old Ingleside homestead.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Although it is June, -the mornings are cool, and as we push open a French window and step in from the -wide, uncovered piazza, we see an open fireplace, with a few embers smouldering -away on the high brass and irons. There is an air of refinement and cosey, -homelike comfort about the room that we would like to describe, but something of -still greater interest attracts us.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Sitting on a low chair -near the fire is a young girl, whom we soon recognize as the little Ethel we -loved so dearly. As we have seen her so many times, she is still hovering over -a cradle, but this time the occupant is a living, breathing, cooing, jumping, -heart-winning baby.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>At this moment the -little one is sleeping. Ethel gazes lovingly at the fair countenance, the rosy -lips moving in pleasant recollection of the sweets it has tasted, the long, -curly lashes resting on the plump cheek, and acknowledges to herself that live -babies are a great improvement on dolls.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>Now voices are heard -in the hall. Just as a lady and gentleman enter, a carryall drives to the door. -The gentleman has on his arm sundry wraps, an afghan, a tiny cap being daintily -held on his outstretched fingers. There is a new expression on his features, -and we can scarcely believe that this tall athlete, this noble-looking man, with -a smile on his lips, which looks as though it belonged there, is the same -gentleman whom we first knew as Harold Angus.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>But how shall I -describe our Marion? The eyes are as bright, the dimples still in view, but the -whole face is flooded with a new light. It is the mother love.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>She takes little -Stella from the cradle, uttering those soothing sounds which even the youngest -babies so well understand, and dresses her for the ride, Ethel, meanwhile, -looking on in wondering admiration.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>They are going to the -station to meet their dear friends, Dr. and Mrs. B-, from the Home for the -Sick, and when they have driven around the town, intend to bring them home for -a quiet Sunday.</span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'>And this is our Ingleside.</span></p> -<p class="PreformattedText"><span class='c6'> </span></p> - -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK INGLESIDE ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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