Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-03-12

y powerful appeal from Mason to his
brethren To- care for his child. So it came
to pass that Eva became. rs il were, the
special charge of Hiram Lodge. No. 9S.
Mr. Turner would gladly have taken the
entire care oi the little wall, and the
wealthy Senator W requested to be
allowed tu adop, her rs his daughter; but
the Brethren in the Lodge assembled, de-
cla, ed 10y vote that Eva should be rear
od. educated and protected by the Lodge.
and that as Providence had placed her in
Brother Turn, rs house. that should be
her homo.
And SD years went by, and Eva became
u healthy. Joyous child, fitting here and
there. and everywhere meeting the warm
csl ol welcomes. The Masonic Hall was
Lut "A few rods from Mr. turner's resi-
denee, and Eva often went with him as
lar ns the door, aud thea returned alone.
always bidding the Tyler take good
caie OF Pa Turner, and send him home
sarly."
CHAPTER III.
The six years that followed the death
oi hs wife and the loss of his child pass
sd wuariIy 10 James Durant. lie visited
ncaly every country iu the old world,
seeking among scenes I" natural beauty
aud grandeur ~ well rs historic interest.
ler The mental rest which could mover be
found. Once more he turned his steps
toward America, and sought bis Masonic
friend Wadsworlh Finding that gen
,leman about setting out with his family
on u Journey to the Atlantic coast, Mr.
Durant accepted the invitation to accom-.
pan, them to Saratoga and Niagara, then
10 New York. where leaving The ladies.
MIR. Wa,lsworth aud Air. Durant wander
.d from town TO town along the coast,
ENJOY nag the beauty oil The scenery and
the quiet hospitality that greeted them
moro tnaH tue CloN utu HOtcIs auu tHe
fashionable sly OF the popular water
ing places Fancy. and the kind hand OF
Providence, NJ longth led them TO the
lnile town OF B, and the second
evening after their arrival they visited
the Masonic Lodge. A warm welcome
Was extended TO these brethren from
such distant homes, aud both were in-
yiled 10 address the Lodge. Mr.. Durant
said
brethren: | have travelled much and
long have found Masonic sympathy
IN every par, ol the globe, and every
where Is masonry substantially the same.
can hardly tell where reside The
world seems 10 be my home, rs remain
but a short time in any town OF country,
but nay name is recorded in the English
Lodge. love my English brethren, Tor
they first brought me Iron darkness 10
light. and love English soil. for there
sleeps the vile OF my Youth. But lovo
American soil. also, for here have | found
the warmest OF welcomes, the kindcst OF
brethren. And. too. my OWE child Is
sleeping in American waters, even be-
meath the very waves that wash the
shores OF your beautiful village.
Six years have passed since this dear
friend and brother robbed himself ol his
hie preserveI, that my little Eva might
perhaps escape, and we hoped the ele'
ments might be kind, and that heaven
would send her relief, but she was never
heard of any more"
The voice OF Mr. Durant WAS quiver
ing with emotion, and unable To speak
further, he seated himself and covered
his face with his hands.
Chances OF surprise and pleasure were
cast from one TO another among the
brethren of Hiram Lodge. No one
spoke. however. but all eyes turned upon
the Master. Mr. Turner For y moment
he seemed rejecting; then taking slip
oil paper from the secretary he wrote:
Mrs Turner--Do not allow Eva TO re-
tire until return home; tell her | am
going 90 bring strange gentleman who
wishes to see her" And calling the Jun.
Deacon, Mr.. Turner gave him the note,
saying in low voice Take this note
TO Mrs Turner Immediately"
"Why, Eva." said Mrs. Turner, when
she had read the message. "you are going
TO have company. A strange gentleman
is at The lodge room who wishes to see
YOU"
Who can it be?"
Eva looked pcrplexed and thoughtful.
suddenly her cheeks flushed, her eyes
lighted, and clapping her hands, she
spiang TO her feet anil exclaimed, "Oh, il
must-be papa no one else could wish TO
sec me; no one in the world" and before
MIS-. Turner comprehended the child's
Interpretation, she had passed the thresh-
old and was fitting through the moon
light toward the lodge room. The Tyler
looked amazed when Eva burst into the
ante her cheeks burning, her eyes
flashing with Joy and excitement.
"Do not stop me; am going in !" she
exclaimed. But the inner door was fast.
ened, and the impatient Eva nearly cried
with vexation
"Wait moment" said the Tyler. who
having heard nothing OF what had tran
spired within, was at u loss 10 account for
the strange conduct Of the child; "waii
moment, and will send your request
to Mr.. Turner. He will come out and
/