The Lincoln County herald., 1871-12-21

| had wasted, for her, my very soul rose
up against the bsseness Of Such ingrati
tude. I would have warned Richard, but
pride held me back, and what If I nc.
cused Miriam2 Would NJ believe mo
against her? Had she not ministercd to ,
his vanity, bewildersd his senses, aud
blinded HE judgment, until I held him
simply by tho letter VI his vow, not the
spi-it7
"The end came at last. They fed from
mo, stole away whilc I slept, and woke
to end myself doubly betrayed. Richard
left brief note, begging my forgiveness
Miriam not word That was ten years
ago, and I have never looked upon their
faces since. But two years afterward |
read his name in the list Of bankrupts,
and rejoiced at the news, for | knew that
this loss of fortune would bring out, as
nothing else could Miriam's true char.
acter."
Faith bent over the picture tearfully.
and at that instant rhA s'.Ai"a of . Chris%-
mas anthem foated into the room, and
high above the other voices rose sweet
soprano, "Pcace on earth, good will to
men T. The young girl clasped her
hands, and with parted lips and soft eyes
raised beavenward listened. Then came
a burst of triumphant melody from the
organ, and throbbed and fell aud died
away, and over all scared a tenor, clear
and exultant, peace on earth, good will
to men u
Twas the singers in neighboring
church practcing for the morrow. But
Faiths sweet eyes had nm sed aud SOL
emn look, and even Miss Wares were
softened.
"And Jesus on his way to the cross
said, Father, forgive them, for they know
not what they do" whispered Faith, and
bowed her head revercn,ly
The rock was touched, and from out
that heart that for ten long years had
been hardened and embittered by the
memory of its wrongs, eushsd forth the
stream of human love aud forgiveness.
Miss Ware burst into passionate 6t of
weeping, and cried, "He said thut, and
then died for the men that cruciied him.
Oh, Miriam, Miriam and l a sinner, was
less merciful to thee God help me.
aud soften my unforgiving heart II
She sank on her knees in the freight,
and beside her knclt Faith, and the two
sent up silent petition for help and
guidance, and the music foated into the
room again, and the voices sang, "Peace
on earth, good will to men t.
Faith rose the next morning at dawn
/ The air was crisp and fresh, the trees
glittered with frost.work, and the distant
hills were outlined pure and white against
the blue sky. She dressed quickly, and
having put on her hat and shawl, aud
hung basket on her arm. was stealing
from the room, when Miss Ware awokc.
"What, out for walk so early p said
Q she, surprised. "And with basket too
Why, child, where are you going?'
Faith cast down her eyes tiu,idly, ant
r a slight flush crept over her face.
g ITO poor woman's near BY" SHE
0 faltered, whose little daughter is Grip
q pied, and who will have no other Christ
] mas than this" aud sho opened her bas
. ket. In it we're oranges, and bunch o
Il grapes, aud warm, bright dress gail,
y trimmed. ut isn't much, but there arr
so many no better of than she, and papr
is not rich, and can only give me smal
d allowance. They live way up in the toI
r Of miserable old tens meut, and mean
t to have gone there last night when wa
e distributing my other purchases, but
Q grew dark 20 fast that hadn't time
only she isn't up this morning. for wan
, her to think Santa Claus sent them"
!. "Dear little Faith T. said Miss Ware
6 brokenly. Take me with you. IwouI
do something for these poor people too
!, No wonder your sweet eyes shine will
It such perfect coutent. You have fouu'
' the secret Of happiness in helping other
d and forgstfulness Of self."
The wretched tenement was all asti
o with human life, when they reached it
Red faced men and haggard women AM
wan eyed children past them on th
> stairs. Miss Ware shrsnk back, bu
o Faith went on bravely, and had for esc
u kindly look, or word, or suile. Ant
e oh it was beautiful to see how even tn
q brutal faces of the men softensd, an
IS what . glad, grateful look came into tn
eyes Of women AID children at her greet
, Ing.
Up, up they climbed. until Miss War
q could scarcely draw her breath. and w
l. sick with horror At the misery she sa,
n around her everywhere. AT the lss
. landing they stopped, and Faith points
q to door that stood slightly ajar.
n THAT is the room," she said. The
q she went forward and peeped in, and Mis
Ware beard . child's voice, and sudds
y joyful cry. Faith looked .lish ly disap
'e pointed, but tried to hide il. and beckOr
q ing Miss Ware to follow, entered.
't Miss Ware stopped at the door, an
y looked around. The room was smsl
3, and almost bare Of furniture, but scrupu
u lousIy neat and clean. Upon rude pa
x lot 10 one corner lay the crippled child {
% whom Faith had spoken, She was pal
10 and Amaciated With rinva of vallo