Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1872-05-17
SELECTED STORY
THE HEAVY BURDEN.

Rather heavy burden, isn't it, my
boy?"
Clarence Spencer, to whom the words hac
been addressed, turned from bis ledger ano
looked at the speaker. Clarence was g
young man-not more than FIVE and twenty
and was book-keeper for Mr.. Solomon
Wardle. 1t was Solomon Wardle, pleas.
nt,faced, keeneyed man Of fifty, who bad
spoken. ef:
"a heavy burden, isn't it Clarence ~ the
merchant repeated.
And still the young man was silent, His
! look indicated that be did not comprehend
He had been for some time bending over
the ledger. with his thoughts far away and
that his thoughts. were not pleasant ones,
was evident enough from the gloom upon
his handsome face.
"My dear boy, the burden is not only
heavy now, but it will grow heavier and
heavier the longer you carry it."
"Mr. Wardle, do not comprehend YOU
s.Ah. Clarence - 4--,-
II certainly do not" r.
'sDidn't call at your house for you this
morning p
Clarence nodded assent.
''And didn't I hear and see enough to
reveal to me the burden that you took with
you this morning when you left ? You must
remember, my boy, that am older than
you are, and that have been through the
mill. You find your burden heavy and
have no doubt that Sarah's heart is as heavy
ladened as your own"
And then Clarence Spencer understood !;
and the morning scene was present with
him, as it had been present with him since
leaving home On that morning he had
had dispute with his wife. It had &C.
Cured at the breakfast table. There is no
need Of reproducing the scene. Suffice it
to say that it had come from mere nothing,
and had grown to cause of anger The
first had been look and tone; then a
flash ofimpatience then raising of the
voice ) then another look the voice rose
higher; reason was unhinged passion
gained sway; and the twain lost sight Of
the warm enduring love that lay smitten
and aching down deep in their hearts. and
left for the time only the passing tornado.
And Clarence remembered that Mr.. Wardle
had entered his house, and had caught a
sign Of the storm.
Honestly, Clarence, isn't it heavy and
thankless burden :"
The book-keeper knew that his employer
was his friend, and that he was true
hearted Christian man, and after brle
pause, he answered
eyes, Mr. Wardle, it is heavy bur
den"
The merchant smiled, and sat down. Hi
face beamed with goodness. and an earnes
light was in his calm blue eye
"My boy, I'm going to venture upon
bit of fatherly counsel. [ hope | shall no
offend" ,ss
mot at ALL" said Clarence.
He WINGED little, as though the probing
gave him new pain.
'In the first place." pursued the old man
with culver of emotion in bis voice, ''d'
you love your wife n
sLove her:
s'That is enough know that you d.
love her."
s.Oh Mr. Wardle, IL"
"You love her as well as you did whe
you married her p
Better: better l love her more an
more'
"And DO you think she loves you in re
turn?''
"Loves me in return 2"
+ "Aye,-what do you think about 1T Z
\ "[ know it,"
"Ycu know she loves you p
: "Yes."
"And you know that deep down in ne
heart she holds your love most sacre
treasure p
eyes, I know it," :.
f 'Then you must admit that the trouD
a Of this morning came from no ill.feellng
8 heart ~
ssOf course not"
cit was but surface squall, for whle
e you are very sorry 2" ~
!, A moments hesitation, and then
= yes.-I am heartily sorry"
"Now mark me, Clarence, and ans"
: honestly: Don't you think your wife IS
sorry as you are I"
Il cannot doubt it,
s'Is she not probably, in the secluslop
her home, suffering more keenly than y
are p .
c. II doubt that, Mr.. Wardle. AZ = :.
events, ] hope she may not be suneri
more" -
:, "Very we'll. Let that pass. You KIN