Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1869-12-01

peared the reverend gentleman; but as Mrs
Herbert looked into his cold, gray eyes, she
felt that benevolence was by no means as
strong an element in his composition as
selfshness. Her heart seemed to chill in
his presence; she could not help contrasting
him, mentally, with the good MIR. Weston,
who was the pastor of her own church at
home. All, not often had the hand now
thrust into the bosom of the tightly button
ed dress been prompted by the cold
heart beneath it to place bright little coin
upon the palm Of beggared childhood-not
often had his footsteps found their way to
poverty door! Yet this unworthy renre-
sentative OF the Christian church preached
charity to his rich congregation, at least
twice every Sabbath; and so far as be him
self was concerned, made preaching supply
the place of practice.
Madame" he said, after cycling her from
head to foot, you have a pretty story; but
the streets of L are full of such stories
at the present day. Did l listen to one
half hear of the kind, | should have my
house filed with poor mendicants all the
time, and perhaps few OF them would be
worthy of my respect. l cannot keep you
as you request.
Mrs. Herbert turned from the inhospita-
bic door of the Rev Mr.. Ripley. The cool
insoience with which he had treated her
had almost driven courage from her heart !;
but she determined now TO seek hotel,
where at least she might rest herself and de-
eide upon some new course of action. She had
eaten nothing since morning indeed she
had not even thought of food, but now she
felt faint and weary, and the consciousness
| that she was alone, in a great city, friend
less and pcnniless, with the shades OF eve
ming already falling, quite unncrved her
As she glanced up and down the street, the
first thing that attracted her attention was
/ not public house sign, but in large gilt
/ letters-the words Masonic Hall Her
| heart gave quick, joyful bound. Her hus
band was member of the Masonic fratcr-
nifty, and she knew that The duty Mason
| owed to his brother, he owed eq ualy to that
I brothers wife or daughter. She remem-
/ bered also, that to that noble Order she
was indebted for nearly all of the happiness
| she had known in life. But, familiar as she
! had been with its workings in her IA I've
city,she had never realized its universally :;
had never understood how, like some great
! talismanic belt, il circles the earth, cmbrac-
! ing all mankind in its protecting fold; soft
ening the asperities o! dissenting religion
lists; shedding the purple light of love on
/ the fierce rapids Of commercial iife en-
tightening end enobling politicians, and har-
monizing their conflicting sentiments upon
a sense of kindred.
| Mrs Herbert paused irresolute. What
would she not now have gwen for the knowl-
edge Of one mystic sign, by which to c,.ll
! her husband S mystic brothers to her side.
Men were passing rapidly up and down
the street; elegantly dressed ladies were
out enjoying the delicious coolness of the
evening" for the day had been sultry, bu,
among all the busy throng there was not one
whom she felt at liberty to accost.
A gentleman was passing her, leading a
little girl by the hand With quick ges
ture she arrested his steps. She had OBJ
served nothing in the strangers face; in
deed, she had not noticed it all, but Nal
tese cross was suspended from his watch
guard, and the moment she discovered il
she had involuntariy lifted her hand tt
prevent its passing her.
The stranger looked at her inquiringly
She pointed at the cross, and said, That
sir, is why stopped you: will you excuse
me for addressing you, and please tell me /
you are Mason2
Il am, he repied.
80, sir, my husband is Mason, ant
perhaps you would he kind to your brother
wife
Where does your husband live ?"
''In Boston His name is G. w. Her
bert, he is of the ii. IN Herbert, Jackson !
Co, OF L street. | was on my way t,
him from Wisconsin, but have been robbet
conductor refused to take me further.
have applied to Rev. Mr.. Ripley, and h
turned NE insuit;ngly from his door.
The old hypocrite, muttered the gen
tleman. Mrs. Herbert, my house is bu
one block distant, and it is at your service
My wife will make you welcome and com
Portable Will you accept our hospitality? !?
30, sir, how gladly"
Half an hour later Mrs. Herbert was rt
freshing herself at the well spread table ,
, Mr.. Henderson, FIRST officer of the Eurek
D Commandery, No. y.
When supper was over, Mr.. Henderso
said to his wife, Il have few minute
e business dowu town; will return immed
5 ately. Make Mrs. Herbert feel herself ;
e home"
e He walked directly to the Office of tt
= Western Union Telegraph Company, an
r addressed the following message to h
bother in Boston SIS G. w. Herber
# L street, a worthy member of our Orde
G aud is his wife in the West? Answer III
n mediately.'
d When he returned home, he found h
: wife and Mrs. Herbert engaged in an an
: mated conversation; and he was surprise
to note the change in the strange lady's a.
I Il, ho rnl