The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-02-07
From McMillan's ksgazinal
STEPHEN ARCHER.
BIZ GEORGE MACDONALD.

BIZ GEORGE MACDONALD.
Stephen Archer was a stationer, bookseller and
newsmonger in one Of the suburbs Of London.
The newspapers hung In sort Of rack at his
door, az II for the convenience of the public to
help themselves In passing. On his counter lay
penny weeklies and books coming out in parts,
amongst which the Family Herald was in force
and the London Journal not to be found. had
occasion once to try the extent Of his stock, for
[ required good many copies OF one Of Shak.
spearee plsys-at penny. II could ind such.
he shook his head, and told me he could not en-.
courage the sale OF such productions. This
pleased me, for although It was of little conse-
quence what he thought concerning Shakespeare,
II was Of the utmost import that he should prefer
principle to pence. So loitered In the shop
nothing in the way Of literature his whole stock
far as / could see, consisted of little religions
volumes Of gay binding and inferior print-he
had nothing even from the Halifax press. He
was good-looking fellow, about thirty, with dark
mouth Of character, and no smile. I was inte-
rested In him. . l-l.ss l...1
l asked If he would mind getting the plays
wanted. he said he would rather not. babe
him good morning. l
More than . year after I saw him again. l had
passed his shop many times, but this morning,
forget why, went in. / could hardly recall the
former appearance Of the man, so was II swal.
lowed up in new expression. His face was alive
and his behaviour courteous. A similar change
had passed upon his stock. There was Punch and
Fun amongst the papers, and tenpenny Shak'
spesres on the counter, printed on straw paper,
with ugly wood cuts The former class Of pub.
cheap editions Of some worthy Of being called
books.
al see You have changed your mind since I saw
you last" / said.
You have the advantage Of me, SIR" he re.
turned. a. did not know you were customer
"Notm Of that" replied a" only In inten.
ton. wanted you to get me come penny Shak-
spesres, and you would not take the order"
Just trace Of confusion; adding. with q smile,
'I'm married now.n and fancied could read
sort Of triumph over his former self.
laughed, Of course-the best expression Of
sympathy at hand-snd after little talk left the
shop, resolved 70 look in again soon. Before
month was over had made the acquaintance OF
his wife too, and between them learned 90 much
of their history as to be able to give the following
particulars concerning II:
stephen Archer was one Of the deacons, rather
young one perhaps, Of dissenting congregation.
The chapel was one Of the Oldest In the neighbor-
hood, quite triumphant In ugliness, but possessed
of history which gave 1t high rank with those who
frequented It. The sacred odor Of the names of
pastors who had occupied its pulpit fingered about
its walls-nsmes unknown beyond its precincts,
but starry in the eyes or those whose world lay
within its tabernacle. People generally do not
know what power some Of these small conven.
ticles are in the education Of the world. II
only as outlet for the energies OF men OF lowly
education and position, who In connection with
most Of the churches Of the Establishment would
find no employment, they are of inestimable value.
To Stephen Archer, for instance, when saw
him first, his chapel was the sole door out OF the
common world into the infinite. When he entered,
as certainly did the awe and the hush Of the sacred
place overshadow his spirit as il il had been gor.
geous cathedral house borne sloft upon the joined
palms OF its Gothic arches. The Master is truer
than men think, and the power Of His presence,
as Browning has 80 well set forth In his Christ
mas Eve," Is where two or three are gathered in
His name. And inasmuch as Stephen was not
man Of imagination, be had the greater need OF
the underlined influences Of the place.
He had been chief In establishing small mis-
sion amongst the poor In the neighborhood, with
the working Of which he occupied the greater part
Of hs spare time. VIII not venture ', 70 assert
ering from these to swell the flock ct the little
chspel nay, will not even assert that there never
arose q suggestion OF the enemy that the pence OF
these rescued brands might alleviate the burden
porous carystids Of his church; but do say that
Stephen was an honest man In the main, ever
ready to grow honester: and who can demand
more! One evening, ss he was putting up the
shutters of his window bis attention was arrested
by shutting behind him. CHANGING round, he set
down the shutter, and the next instant boxed
boys ears, who ran away bowling and mildly ex.
cavstng bis eyeballs, while young paie.faced
seen, expostulsted with him on the proceeding.
Osir 10 she said, " he wasn't troubling you."
There was touch OF indignation In the tone.
"rm sorry can't return the compliment" said
Stephen. rather illogically. III ia ma, known
let the young rascal alone. But you see didn't
know it."
:" Hes my brother" said the young woman,
conolusively.
| "a haf1 haa huo han n0U a
been more harm than gooc In interfertn', cause
he'd only give 1t you the worse after but
brothers! Well, Pm sure it's pity inter-
fered."
with ofense.
al beg your pardon, them said Stephen. I" l
promise you won't interfere next time"
So saying, he turned. took up his shutter. and
proceeded to close his shop. The young woman
walked on.
Stephen gave an inward growl or two at the
depravity of human nature, and set out to make
his usual visits but before he reached the place,
be had begun TO doubt whether the old Adam had
not overcome him in the matter OF boxing the
boys ears; and the following interviews appeared
In equence less satisfactory than usual. Dis
appointed with himself, be could not be 30 hope
full about others.
As he was descending stair 90 narrow that Il
was only just possible for two people to pass he
met the same young woman ascending. Glad Of
the opportunity. he stepped aside with his best
manners and said: --.....-..
al am sorry offended you this evening. I did
not know the boy was your brother"
90 siri'' she returned-for to one In her posi-
ton, Stephen Archer was q gentleman; had he
not q shop of hin own.-"you didn't hurt him
much only Pm 20 anxious to save him.
"To be sure" returned Stephen, that Is the
"Yes. sir" she rejoined. al try hard, but
boys will be boys" ,.-.t
There Is but one way, you know said Ste
phen, following the words with . certain formula
which win not repeat.
The girl stared. al don't know about that, y
she said. "Whss I want Ia TO keep him out Of