The Columbian fountain., 1846-02-27
FALSE PRIDE--A CONVERSION.
BY L. A. GoBRIGHT.

waiting for reply, she answered her own
inquiry, "to that old Lodge, Of course"
While she was alone, she gave vent to
her animosity by reflected, in her
mind of the days gone by, when her hus-
band, after dark, never stepped beyond the
threshold, unless to church two OF three
nights in the week, and then with her,
when she was blessed with a trusty servant
with whom she could safely leave her chill
dren She imagined his downfall from
grace, (for she believed such thing possi-
bIe,) and more than this, looked with hor-
ror upon the friendships formed with those
who honestly, but humbly toll for their
daily bread, although her husband was
himself mechanic. However, an employer,
and this placed him high up above such an
association, and removed, what appeared
to her, disgrace. Two hours did she
thus spend, and as the clock strck nine,
the Odd Fellow (and know he was be-
side very good fellow returned He
discovered his wife sitting before the fire.
He addressed her, but his kind words had
the effect Of eliciting only brief responses.
At last she broke Outsin kind of half cry.
:" Here have been sitting ever since
seven o'clock, and alone, not even friend
to step in and keep me company. But,
perhaps our neighbors thought that you
were at home, not thinking that you had
neglected your family Of late.''
Why, my dear, it is quite early---only
nine o'clock. left the Lodge before the
business was completed. was Emporium
ed to stay, but ! made an excuse"
"Quite early, indeed! Did you see
Brother Gaines ~
"Come, come, don't think SO harshly of
the poor man. did see brother Gaines,
and he is so improved in apl earance and in
conduct as to possess the confidence and
respect of all who know him. He is, in
truth, new man. Beside, he is devoted
to the principles Of the Order, and is one
of our brightest members. Always at his
post as the Noble Grand, he discharges
| his-n .#.#5#r,s7 &
ssDid you say Noble Grand! NOBLE
GRAND! What nonsense! You will make
me think more unfavorably of the Lodge
than ever. Think that you might have
selected some one more respectable. And
what is Noble Grand, pray ~
"But we know no distinction as to trades
or professions. 1t is the honest man, the
benevolent, who, in our ASSOCIATION, can
claim the highest honers. We meet on
the platform Of equality, as brothers; and,
were it Otherwise" sau .
AT this moment neighbor entered, and,
for the time being, the conversation was
suspended, to be renewed Sat more con-
venient season."
About month after this occurrence, the
initiate was taken sick, and with symptoms
which gave cause for alarm. As the wife
sat at his bedside, filled with fearful appre-
tensions, she reproached herself with hav-
ing opposed her husbands admission as a
member of the Lodge. What if he should
die The thought was agonizing! He
had ever been affectionate, and never said
a word calculated to give her a moments
uneasiness. She alone had been to blame,
and would willingly recall the reproaches
in which she had indulged
1t was on Sabbath afternoon, and in
the chamber of the sick man, partially
darkened. There was nought to disturb
the silence save the hard and deep breath
ings of the sufferer. Like an angel OF
mercy, she watched over hiln-her face,
red with weeping, formed strong con-
trast to his, from which the fires of fever
had departed, leaving an ashy paleness. A
gentle knock was heard at the door, which
aroused the sleeper, and SO soon as he
opened his eyes the visiters were before
him. With voice scarcely above whis-
per, he introduced them; and after remain
ing for several hours, they rendered their
presence to watch throughout the night,
and the invitation was accepted. Night
after night the friends came, until their
brother recovered dispensing those little
attentions ever welcome to the sick, and
for which the heart is always thankful.
! During this time, the wife, of course, as
certained that the 10 her) strange men,
were members of the Lodge; and towards
them she conducted herself with all due re-
spect-inviting them cordially to Call again
and receiving them with smile Of glad
ness on her cheek. Among them was Jo-
nathan Gaines, or Brother Ganes--not
with 'ssmutty" face, however. The dust
of the shop had been removed, and as the
wife looked upon him with surprise she
learned not to Judge men by appearances.
4 Az soon &c ber husband was able IN ven