Oregon Republican. [volume] (Dallas, Or.) 1870-1872, 1871-03-18

he began his evil course, and he was
banished from her thoughts. But why
shonld she remember his misdeeds, if
he was truly seeking TO regain that
grand height from which he had fallen?
Why should not the spotless robes of
Charity hide his many sins, If he was
seeking to lead better life ?
The thoughts came rushing into the
soul of Nellie Harris as she sat by the
open window that holy afternoon.
One afternoon, before many days had
passed rap was heard at the door of
Mrs Marstons, and the old lady ad-
mitted Nellie Harris to her humble
home. 1t was nothing uncommon for
her to call, and so Mrs. Marston be-
trayed no surprise as the young lady
walked into the house But Nellie was
somewhat surprised as she glanced
around the room, and discovered the
change that had been wrought there
also. The old, shabby broken furniture
was out OF sight, and replaced by new.
Everything about the room looked in
viting, and the usually cad face of
Mrs. Marston was all radiant with
smiles. She quickly noticed the sur
prlsed look upon her visitors face, and
soon began to explain.
"Quite change has been going on,
Miss Harris, since your call, and do
not know what TO make OF it all. First
commenced Thomas. and then every
thing put on different look. 1t seem
ed more like a dream to me than any
thing else, and | am so happy. But
have prayed for it many day, and per
haps it is all in answer to my prayers
tell you, Nellie. Tom is the same good.
noble>hearted fellow that he used to be
| shall 20 down to my grave perfectly
happy"
God grant that il may last. Mrs
Marston," was the only reply that Nell
lie made.
" But cannot imagine what caused
Thomas to break off SO suddenly from
his evil ways, and begin to do so much
different Why, from the first moment
that observed change for the better
he appeared like a Christian. 1t is a
deep mystery TO me. -
God works in mysterious way
sometimes to lead the erring up to
better life" said Nellie, in her usually
low voice.
q know it, child, and | give him all
the honor and glory, yes, He sometimes
works through human means to accom-
plish such mighty results. aud should
not only be grateful TO Him, but also to
the man or woman that yielded to be
led by his spirit of love. Oh you do
not know how thankful am for this
great change that has come over my
life"
81 can guess" answered Nellie,
and earnestly pray that the remain-
der of your days may be happy and free
from shadow"
Just then, the sound of approaching
footsteps came to the ears of Mrs.
Marston aud Nellie, and in another mo
ment Tom entered the door. He ex-
tended his hand towards Nellie, which
rested for moment in her own, and a
few friendly words were exchanged
Both were confused and embarrassed.
though, and in few moments Nellie
took her departure, after an earnest
invitation from Mrs. Marston to call
again.
That night as Tom Marston threw
himself upon his humble couch, strange
conflicting thoughts took possession of
his soul, and for many long hours he
tossed about upon bis restless pillow.
1t cannot be that Nellie has entirely
forgotten the warm friendship of other
days or she would not have taken the
pains to have placed the beach leaves
over my face, yet perhaps it was pity
that impelled her to perform that SIM
pie act of kindness. But why did she
call this afternoon. and why did her
soft white hand tremble so perceptibly
in mine? Oh! it would make me
doubly firm to live nobler life. could
| but know that Nellie Harris was in>
terested in my welfare. But, God
helping me. I will henceforth live such
life that she will at least respect me !"
Such we're the thoughts of Tom, as the
angel of sleep came to him.