The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1870-01-06

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, friendless and penniIess,
with the shades of evening already
falling, quite unnerved her. AS she
glanced up and down the street, the
first thing that attracted her atten-
ton was-not a public house sign, but
in large gilt letters-the words "Ma-
sonic Hail." Her heart gave quick,
joyful bound. Her husband was a
member Of The Masonic fraternity,
and she knew that the duty a Ma
son owed to his brother he owed e.
qually to that brothers wife or daught-
er. She remembered also, that to that
noble Order she was indebted for near
ly all Of the happiness she had known
in life. But, familiar as she had been
with its workings in her native city,
she had never realized its universaIity !;
had never understood how, like some
great talismanic belt, it circles the
earth, embracing all mankind in its
protecting fold, softening the asperities
of dissenting religionists; shedding
the purple light of love on the fierce
rapids of commercial life; enlighten-
ing and ennobling politicians, and har-
monizing their conflicting sentiments
upon a sense of kindred.
Mrs. Herbert paused irresolute.-
What would she not have given for
the knowledge of one mystic sign, by
which to call her husbands mystic
brothers to her side.
Men were passing rapidly up and
d ,wn thestreet; elegantly dressed la
dies were out enjoying the delicious
GOODNESS of the evening, for the day
had been sultry, but among all the
busy throng there was not one whom
she felt at liberty to accost.
A gentleman was passing her, lead
ing little girl by the hand. With a
quick gesture she arrested his steps,
She had observed nothing in the stran-
gers face; indeed, she had not noticed
it at all, but a Maltese cross was sus-
pended from his watch guard, aud the
moment she discovered it she had
involuntarily lifted her hand to pre-
vent its passing her.
The stranger looked at her inquir-
ingly She pointed at the cross, and
said:
"That, sir, is why / stopped you ;
will you excuse me for addressing
you, and please tell me if you are Ma
son ?"
81 am" he replied.
"Oh, sir, my husband is a Mason,
and perhaps you would be kind to a
brothers's wife. +"
"Where does your husband live?"
''In Boston. His name is G. w.
Herbet; he is of the.frm Herbet, Jack
son & Co., of l. Street. / was on
my way to him from Wisconsin, but
have been robbed of the means of pay
paying my fare, and the conductor re-
fused to take me further. | have APP
piled to Rev. Mr.. Ripley, and he turn
ed me insultingly from his door"
1.-THE old hypocrite," muttered the
gentleman. Mrs. Herbert, my house
is but one block distant, and it is at
your service. My wife will make you
welcome and comfortable. Will you
accept our hospitality ?"
so, sir, how gladlyv
Half an hour later Mrs Herbert was
refreshing herself at the Widespread
table Of Mr.. Henderson, first officer OF
the Eureka Commandery, No. u.
When supper was over, Mr.. Hen
derson said to his wife; 81 have few
minutes business down town will re-
return Immediately. Make Mrs. Her.
bert feel herself at home"
He walked directly to the office oi
the Western Union Telegraph Com
pany, and addressed the following
message to his brother in Boston
"Is &. w. Herbert; l. street, a
member of our Order, and is his wife
in the West. Answer Immediately"
When he returned home, he found
his wife and Mrs. Herbert engaged in
an animated conversation and he was
surprised to note the change in the
strange lady's appearance, now that
she felt herself among friends. Hel
face was so genuine an impress OF
sweetness and purity her conversa-
tion was expressive of such lofty senti.
ments such real goodness of heart, and
betrayed 50 highly cultivated a mind
that Mr.. Henderson found himself re-
GREETING that he had taxed the precau-
tion to send a telegram to Boston, in
order to prove the truthfulness of hel
statement.
Mrs. Henderson seated herself at the
elegant piano, and after performing q
few pieces, invited Mrs. Herbert tc
play also. She gracefully complied
aud after low, sweet prelude, began
to sing:
"a stranger 1 was, but they kindly received ne
She sang the piece entirely through
her voice quivering with emotion
and when she had finished it, both Mr.
and Mrs. Henderson were at her side
and the gentleman said:
"Mrs. Herbert, it is we who art
blessed, in being permitted to form
the acquaintance of so entertaining 6
converser and musician. You are 6
stranger, but a dear friend, sister, 8
brothers. wife; you have right in
our home. A Knight Templer's home
is ever open to the unfortunate, But
you must not leave the piano yet: play
another piece for US, your own favor