Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-06-30
N UMBER 16.

time in silence.
 Where are you, Ruth!" they heard Mrs. Fallon say as she felt her way5 about the room.
 "Break it gently 10 her, darling r whispered Winsmcede, as he lifted her noislessly within the room.
 Here, mother!" answered Ruth, going towards her, but she turned back with stifled weeping to touch his ace, hands, lips and eyes, to assure herself it was no dream.
 Fl was afraid you had fainted. child |-did you fall 7"
 "Yes, but l am not hurt'--Ruth irm was then around her leading her back to her chair; but she. who had been so strong, trem mbled with the weight on her arm.
 You are not strong, dear, are you ill"
 No. mother, am so well, and so-"
 She checked herself and looked with her fond smiling face and shining eyes at Winsmeede, who stood with his iland on the door, his foot set forward IS if he would spring 10 her side.
 Ruth, you are weeping now" said Mrs. Fallon, "what has made you sn glad ?"
 T feel glad" answered she, tremu- .ousIy, still looking towards the door, you know how have talked tonight, how l always look and pray and hope or him 10 come"
 Yes, child"
 "rhe hoping and praying has made me so glad, lam joyous,o-night! Andi you want me 10 weep like other wo- men, see here" Ruth pressed her weti ace against Mrs. Fallons cheek and hands. Hears are so sweet, they heal my heart, 1 thank God can weep at lastp
 1t is late, and you are feverish, Ruih--we have talked too long to thing could be-
 "It can be-" interrupted Ruth.
 Hush, it would kill you, poor child P
 kill mel Oh, mother! And you? How would you bear it 2"
 Il ? ah, mel" Ruth sprang from her chair and sank back with her hand at her throat.
 Winsmeede started forward, but she motioned him back again.
 "What is the matter, Ruth2"
 II am as glad as--it- --he--had--comew P answered she, gaspiag for breath. Il want you 10 pray, mother--let us pray for strength to bear all things the Father sends. She sank down at Mrs. Fallon's feet as she had done the first time they had ever met.
 "5he has left it 70 God" thought Winsineede. as he listened with eyes fixed yearningly on the two who 10 him were dearest of all the world. Mrs. Fallon prayed-Ruth lifted her head saying "Amenw
 "Amen p echoed near them.
 "It seemed to me, Ruth, two voices spakap
 '.So it seemed to me, mother"
 Winsmecde came and laid his head in his mothers lap. She ran her fin gers swiftly over his face, tracing each ieature--then she whispered, ''Is this dying? Ruth, am l dying? Or have died and met my son in heaven 2"
 "Oh no, dear mother, he has come!'
 "Spcak to me, my son!' Her voice was very weak, and she shook like one palsied in his arms-his was scarcely less low and tender as he repeated Rulh's words-"Dear mother, he has eomc! She lifted her sightlcss eyes to Heaven and murmured, while he kissed her face, "The lines have fallen unto me in pleasant places, yea, 1 have a. goodly heritage!' Ruth clung to both with fond caressings. Her voice rang its changes through sobs and laughter. her little hands were busy, they passed over and over Winsmeedes face, touch- ed the scar on the temple tenderly- her lips did the same, and she smiled brightly as she wound his empty sleeve about her throat and nestled against the rough and faded grey jacket, as if t were the softest Mechlin lace. The darkest hour had rolled away and she clapped her hands like q happy child in the rosy light of morning.
 CHAPTER VII.