M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1855-01-19
From the Masonic Review.
THE MASON'S WIDOW.
BY THE EDITOR.
(Conclusion.)

(COnclusion.)
His wife had felt the blow as keenly
as her husband, Her proud and imper-
ious nature had nobly braved adversely;
and though reluctant to yield, when
the storm came she bent like reed to
the blast, and confessed herself--poor.
1t was hard to give up that beautiful
and cherished home. the splendid fur.
niture, the carriage, the servants-yet
all must go, and all did go. She low
ed her husband and her children--oh,
who can tell how a mothers heart
clings TO her children! Herpride was
subdued, her heart melted into a chas-
tened submission, and with her unror-
tunaie yet noble husband, and her deep
ly cherished household treasures, she
consented willingly to assume the gart
and endure the tolls consequent upon
their reverses.
Encouraged by iraternal coun8els,
and with some assistance from lrater-
nal hands, Mr.. p. once more entered
into a small business, hoping, by the
blessing Of that Providence in whom
he had been taught 10 confde, to re.
trieve his broken fortunes and make
provision for his family. He soon,
he< ever, found that his efforts would
be Of no avail. With his limited
means he could not compete in business
with wsallhier rivals; and though all
believed him honest, yet the prestige
Of his past mislortunes weighed him
to the earth. 1t was of no use to strug-
gle: year or two OF efforts left him
as far from success as at the beginning,
with less of youth and vigor and cour-
age as his only capital.
In this dilemma he summoned few
of his masonic brethren around him,
and solicited their advice. They all
agreed that further efforts, there, was
useless, and though reluctant to part
with him, advised his removal to lo>
ca!ity where fewer obstacles would be
in his way, and where new field for
enterprise would call forth renewed eX,
ertions to succeed, These friends
BRETHkEN-interested themselves in
his behalf; an opening for business was
soon found, and with a certificate of
good standing from his Lodge, and a
small sum to begin business with, kind.
ly loaned him Tor three years, without
interest by those who had known him
so long and loved him so well, he bade
adieu to the past and took his departure
for his new hcme.
Mrs. P. had witnessed these mani.
festations of friendship by her husband.
associates, but knew not the cause
which prompted them. She felt tha
they were "Iriends in need" and he,
greatlul heart swelled with emotions
too big for Inference when she badc
them farewell.
Mr.. P. settled down in his new
home, and, with the little capital tina
fratrrnal kindness had furnished, com
menced his old business. He lounC
but little competition, and he set tc
work with untiring industry, determined
if possible 10 recover at least portion
OF his losses, and be prepared, at the
appointed time, to restore the loar
which generous hearts and brotherly
hands had kindly furnished him. Hi.
wife joined in his efforts, and encour,
aged him in his labors. He found q
Lodge in the place, composed of the
most worthy and respectable citizens,
and Immediately united with them in
membership. One or two OF his for.
mer brethren, being acquainted with
some leading members OF this Lodge,
had privately written to them, bespeak.
ing for the strange brother their patron
age and influence. This was suflic.
lent. A new circle of warm hearts
gathered around him, greeted his family
with kind attentions, and,, as occasion
offered, threw in his way opportunities
for business. Mrs. P. noticed will
surprise this sudden friendship, ant
these unexpected and unlocked TO
friends; but, knowing her former pre-
ljudices, the source was carefully con
cealed from her. At one time sligb
suspicion crossed her mind, but remem
bering her husbands apparent acquies
cense in her wishes, and chastened ant
subdued as her heart now was by mis-
fortune, she did not deem it worth ;
lmomant'a refleclion