The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1869-01-21

saint or the sinner Do you suppose
that Cain or Judas, or any others whose
names are byword for all that is bad,
were really one whit worse than dozens
and hundreds Of respectable folks, who
have lived respected, and had all the
shops shut on their funeral day7 Not
they. Itall depends on the amount of
temptation that is thrown in a mans
way, whether he stands or falls
. af"But surely" said Elsie,J rather be-
wildered, SIT is not as If we were at the
mercy Of chance :; surely God sends all
our trials according to what he knows
to be best for us 7"
eyes, that is the correct theory, /
know, and certainly a comfortable one,
doing away with any semblance of
human responsibility. If omnipotence
and ompiscience arrange all the scenes
of the play, well and good. Man is
only puppet in their hands; let them
look to it."
He spoke bitterly and incoherently,
and Elsie was silent a moment, shocked
at his expressions. ..s,.s
~ do not know you tonight, Philip"
she then said, looking anxiously in his
face; "you are tired out d Won't you
go to bed3 Think how long it is since
you have bad a nights unbroken rest.
You will take more hopeful view of
life and of your fellow creatures to-
morrow, | am sure"
'.It is longer still since have heard
you sing" he answered. Shave not
you book Of solemn old chants some
where / am not in tune for anything
else tonight" 7,a ..'.-.. ~. .'.e .--
She searched among her music, and
presently her sweet low voice began to
chant the Dies Ira, with a mournful
pathetic expression, which peculiarly
suited the grand old melody and the
touching words, in which faith and
hope are struggling with something
akin to despair Her husband leaned
his head on hand, as he listened intently
to the passionate pleading of every SOL
emn verse.
Seeking me Thy worn fee. hasted.
q On the cross Thya0ul death tasted 1#
Let not all these tolls be wasted"
sang Elsie, and as the last notes died
away, he rose abruptly, saying, 81 am
tired out, Elsie, and my head aches. l
will go to bed" '5. -o4'1
b His wife soon followed him, but be-
fore midnight she was at Isolts door
with frightened summons. He had
awakened from a short sleep to find the
pain in his head violently increased,
and was in state Of so much fever
that Mrs. Denbigh was dreadfuIly
frightened He was quite conscious,
however, and would not hear of her
sending for Mr., Scott; indeed, she had
not confidence enough in Mr.. Scotts
skill to care to press the matter; and
she was presently comforted BY Isott's
pronouneing that he was merely ever
tired, and recommending that universal
panacea, a cup of tea. Il did him good,
be fell into a sleep, It was SO uneasy
one, however, that Mrs. Denbigh would
not risk disturbing him by lying down
again herself bpt Joined the old SER
want, who sat keeping watch over the
teapot by the fire in the dressing-room.
''He seems to be dreaming very mis-
erably, aud he lis so afeverish,r sire
whispered. nHDo you really think it is
not going to be anything badr',
"Lor' bless ye, no." said lsott, reas-
suringly; che be just a downright
tired out, that's what he be. q To my
mind, he ha'n't beenzreally like hisself
this ever so long, Ia srraaa r'.ti
II have sometimes thought that too"
said Elsie, too. frightened not to speak
plainly to this tried old friend of her
husbands. '8i'Ilha9e fancied him out of
spirits, o, this long time. I" And she
glanced through the open door at the
bed where he lay d his countenanee
looking most most iiccqreworn and haggard1 in
his uneasy sleep. ~
-7i''My dear,n Said Isott, in mysterious
whisper, "h6do love ye beaer'n any
thing as everhe'ye got whatever be
a troubling of him, it bain't nothing as
you've got call to be jealous of you
be sure of that" ''''.
'ssso, surely yes" Elsie said, smiling
at the preposterous idea that she could
be Jealous 5sbissr 0dw nfm parog
sWell, them" the old woman went
on, ',suppoSin' he'Ye a got some secret
as he do keep from ye, il bain't nothing
Of that sort. and inaybes if he'd take
courage, and up and tell ye, he'd be a
deal easier once It was over."i. t, ii
Mrs. Denbigh felt and looked sur
prised, but did not know what to say,
and Isott went on rapidly: qp be a
foolish old oman like epoughj butsure
am he hai'n't never beenb the, same
since that there strange gentleman
came here the night afore you and he
was married. What! he never told
ye, eh 7" she added, quickly, seeing her
mistress's bewildered looks.
II do not think be ever did," said
Mrs Denbigh, collecting all her soft
dignity $50, Isott, don't you tell me
either, for should not like to hear il
tall, unless j hear il from him."H
flor bless ye, Mrs, Denbigh, Il hain't
got nothing to tell ye. II was only as
were up late, over in my cottage
there, ironing out Jonathan's shirt, and