Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-01-01


| "Poor Mrs. Goldsmith 20 said I, looking up
from my letter, and recalling her image as
last seen. Here is trouble indeed ,-trouble
that you can sit down and brood over-trouble
that neither pride nor a selfish love of ease
can nurture. Ah ! is there any strength left
for an ordeal like this 2 Will gold be found
in the cruciblc after the fire has reached its
| iLtcnseSt heat.
Afer an absence of three years returned.
In my own absorbing duties-in my own trials
sufferings, and self-dscipline-Mrs. Gold
smith was forgotten, or only remembered at
times with vague impersonality. She was
OF the great outside world of men and women
who d." not touch the chords of our individual
! lie, nor awaken sympathetic interest.
! was sitting in one Of the parlors of an old
and valued friend, when young lady, who
had rung at the door and had been admitted
by the servant, came in. Ny friend said, in
Kind, familiar voice, but without introduc-
ing her.
"Oh, Murgaretp'
''Mss Annie is at home 20 there was low,
| pleasant tone in the speakers voice.
"fes. Walk into the back parlor. She'll
be with you in moment"
| The young lady passed through the folding
doors and We were alone again
| s'There's something familiar in her face
| said /, looking inquiringly at my friend.
"Anna's musc-teacheri a Miss Goldsmith"
"Not the daughter of Colbert Goldsmith,
who died few years ago Z"
eyes"
"What of her mother 20 asked with q sud
denly quickening interest. SIS she living l''
eyes"
"Where, and how 2''
t'With her daughter"
"W hom she cast off i'm anger on account of
her marriage with young man regard I'D as
beneath her Z"
eyes"
CIV hat of him p,
Giles an estimab!e person, believe, and
holds responsible position in one of our mer-
camille houses"
"What blow to pride / wonder how Mrs.
Goldsmith's present state compares with her
condition of mind when she stood in the high
ranks ?''
But my friend cou Id not answer the question.
She had not known Mrs. Gold smith in the DAYS
OF her pi osperity, and only knew of her thro'
her daughter. who came twice a week to give
her music lessons.
Next morning called upon my Id acqualn-
lance now in adversely. Nearly ten minutes
passed after sending up my card before she
made her appearance. l began to have mis-.
givings as to the state in which should find
her.
rustling of garments on the stairs-the
pleasant pattering of little feet-the music of
a child's questioning voice-and then Mrs.
Goldsmith entered, leading golding- haired
little girl of three summers by the hand One
glance into her pale, calm, humani2ed face |
told the story of suffering and triumph. She |
had been down among the srething waters Of
adversely, but had risen above them in the |
strength of noblcr and purer love than had |
burned in her heart in the days of wealth and |
luxurious ease.
alt was kind in you to CALL" she said, as |
she stood holding my hand and looking at me |
with gratified expression on her face.
81 am grieved," said, using the common
form OF expression. '.to find that since my ab-
sence from the city sad changes have met
you"
She smiled family as she answered Goods
ways are not as our ways"
'But his ways are always best,'' | said
quickly.
'AIways-always," she replied, the smile
growing sweeter about her mouth
"Though our feet turn to them unwilin2ly -
l remarked.
every unwillingly, as in my case.''
We were seated. The sunny haired child
was in her arms, her head laid back, and her
eyes turned lovingly upward. Mrs. Goldsmith
looked down upon the sweet face, and left a
kiss upon it.
'sYour granddaughter 10
''Yes, and she's darling little girl 20 Her
arms on which the child lay, felt the loving
impulse that was in her heart, and drew the
orm close against her breast. / noticed the
movement, and said in my thought, "Yes, HIS
"There has been much lost" she said, in
he earnest talk that folowed-ssmuch los: and
much gained and the gain is greater than
he loss. Oh, into what blind, selfish, sim
ul state had fallen when that sterner vista
ion and discipline came, and l sunk for
ime in utter despair. Then became con-
ciOus that struggle for very life had come,
md not only for myself, but for another also
"a struggle in which victory would be reach 6
ID only in the degree that had in myself
he elements of strength. In the wreck of
ny husbands estate everything lost ,
Dur elegant home and luxurious furniture re- !
eded from our possession, fading away, in ,
ur bewilderment and grief, like disolving I
lew, the passing of scenery in play. My I
rst distinct impression was like that of man i
n the midst OF overwhelming waters, and i
egan reaching about feariuly, in my thought @
or way OF safety and escape. Then the de- (
pissed and contemed one-he from whom We
ad turned ourselves away liz bitter scorn-
anne and spoke such kind, tender, manly y
lords, that my rebuked and smitten heart O
owed itself before him in something of rev. '
renee. saw in what loving trust and con-
dence my daughter leaned on him, secure #
nd steadfast. while against me and my other h
hid the floods swept fercely, and it seemed c
$ if no power could save u.s." d
"Ah Sir. God led US down into deep, !
ark and frightful valley, only that he might i
how us the way to mountain OF love, rising /
eavenward beyond. / could not go in thro' S
ne door opened in such manly, Christian e
Dirit, and sit down in idleness with folded O
ands. The generous conduct OF my daugh-
,r's husband inspired me with desire to re-
lrri benefit for benefit, and though here un- c
or the law of flial love, try daily to let
ratituds express itself in service and so, in
seful employmsnts, find new l'fe IN which e