The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1868-01-31

house is ever open u the unfortunate. Bu,
YOU must not leave the piano yet; play an
other pcice for us, your own favorite."
81 do not know that have one."
"Your husband's then," suggested Mrs
Henderson.
Again Mrs. Herbert's prncticed fingers
swept, The keys, anil then her clear, rich
voice rose in the popular Masonic ode,
"IIail, Masonry divine"
As the las, sweet echo died away, she
arose, saying, "rhat 10 my husbands favor
ite }"
Mr.. Henderson was standing with his
arm around his wife's waist. Tears were
in his eyes, and he drew her closer 10 him,
as he said. 20, Jennie, viii you not learn
to play that piece for me ~
"But I never could make il sound like
Mrs. Herbert's," she replied, 'for you
know do not like Masonry"
"And why do You NOT like II ?" Mrs.
Herbert veiitured to ask.
"Bccailse il rises like mountain be-
tween me and my husband; anl jealous
of Masonry!" and the glancc she cast upon
him at her side, told MIR. Herbert with
whit depth of love this true wiie regarded
her husband, and she almost pardoned her
fhr her dislike Of Masonry, upon the ground
she had mentioned. But she ielt that Mrs.
Henderson was in error, and slo said
"Will you allow INC To tell you why
love Masonry"
30, yes" replied Mrs. Henderson. 81
should bc glad TO feel differently if conld;
nnd she drew large armchair for Mrs.
Herbert, in front of the sofa upon which
she and her husband seated themselves.
Mrs. Herbert began "My father was n
commission merchant in Boston, and in
consequence of causes which never fully
understood-for I was very young ut the
time-he failed in business. Our beautiful
home was taken from us, and father re-
moved mother and me to an humble hut
comfortable cottage in the suburbs, while
he procured employment rs clerk in u
dry goods establishment.
lle was ,lisheariencd by his sudden an'l
heavy losses. II was seldom indeed, that
he was heard TO speak cheefully or hope
fully. His health declined, and before we
had ever dreamed Of the threatening dan-
rcr, hc was consumptive. hut he was
Mason, and we were not allowed To feel
OF the comforts of our home. Supplies of
provisions, clothing and fuel came regular.
" to our door. Hut one chill evening In
September We were gathered around the
bedside To take the last farewell. The
friends Of Our prosperous days were not
there-ihcy lcii us with our riches-but u
circle of true, manly faces were there, and
tears were brushed aside which were the
overflow Of sympathizing hearts. ! stood
beside my grief stricken mother. who knelt
beside the couch of DEATH, her heal bowed
helplessly upon the enaciated hand upon
which she had ever depended for guidance
and protection. Ny father kissed mo ten
dcrly. aud turning to his Masonic brothers,
said:
81 can but leave my dear ones to your
care, and know That can trust you.
feel that my poor Alice will not long sur.
viye my loss. and then this little one will
be d helpless waif on the great sea Of hu'
ir,nnity. give her to YOU, not ss tho
child Of one, hut Of all-ihe child Of the
Lodge"
~ few moments more, and was father
less. One Of those strong, noble men lifted
me In his arms and bore me from the room.
I had heard what my father had said, and
although child Of hut seven years, com.
pretended il all threw my arm around
the good mans neck, who held me so ten.
derly, and sobbcd, 20, sir, will you be my
iather?"
"Yes, my dear little girl" ho said in a
broken voice, "you shall never want. 7"
''My mother was imil, delicate crea.
turc, and her constant watching ut my ia.
theirs bedside combined with the last terri.
hlc shock. threw her into fever from
which she never recovered. We remained
in the little cottagc until my sweet mother s
death, and my fathers Masonic brothers
anticipated our every want When | was
ut last an orphan, my new protectors took
me away. All felt that l was a sacred
charge. ] was placed under the care OF
the most reliable instructors. and my health
was carefully guarded. | lived in the
house Of him whom asked to be my f;,.
ther, and believe I,c loved me as his child.
When arrived at the age OF twenty years,
was married to Mr. Herbert, confidential
clerk IN dry goods house The young
man was Mason; hc was honest aud at.
tcn,iyc to his business. This was not quito
ten years ago. Now ho is partner IN tho
same house. We have an elegant home,
un,l a wide circle of friends; but none arc
SD dearly priced as tho tried and true and
once every year our parlOrs are opened to
receive with their families the few who re-
nloin Of those who at the time Of my fa'
theirs death, were members Of the Lodge
to which he belonged. You understand
now, my friends, why love Masonry"
Mrs. Henderson lifted her eyes to thoso
Of her husband. lie was looking ut her
80 wistiully, so pleadinely.
"Nly dear wife," he sail, ,"Nlrs. Herbert 3
story is hut one Of thousands. Ii Is tho
aim of Masonry to relieve the distressed
everywhere, aud To elevate and cnnoblc
ourselves. Our labors take us oiten from
the home circle but II would not be manly
in us to spread knnwle'lge oi the good
VIC do. To many Of the recipients Of our
charity il would be hitter relief IL trumpct-
cd forth to the world"
Mrs. Henderson placed both Of her
hands in those oi' her husband, and said,
her eyes filling with tears, "l will learn to
play that piece for you, and ] think l can
give il some Of Mrs. Herbert's expression.
for l think differently Of Masonry than l
have ever done before"
The next morning. when breakfast was
over, Mrs. Herbert said: "Now, Mr.. Hen.
,lerson, I must send an immediate telegram
TO my husband, for | am very anxious to
meet him. and must not trcspass upon
your genuine hospitality longer than Is
necessary"
"Will you en,rus, mo with the mes.
ssgc?"
ayes. sir - and il was soon ready.
"Ah. | was about sending the answer
to your telegram to Boston, said the ope.
rator TO Mr.. Henderson, as he entered The
office. tie took the paper extended towarl
him. and found tho message to read us ioi'
lows: :.
&c. w. Herbert is worthy knight
Temp,ar. He stands wei, socially and IL
nancially. His wife Is in Wisconsin. =.
Mr.. Henderson called upon lew OF hs
.u.l ,han hnsfefpiI nome.