The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1873-09-28
THE HEAVY BURDEN.

"Rather a heavy burden, isn't it, my boy !"
Clarence Spencer, to whom the words had
been addressed, turned from the ledger ana
looked towards the speaker. Clarence was
young man, not more than five and twenty
and was q book-keeper to Mr. Solomon
Wardle, q pleasant-faced, keen-eyed man OF
City who had spoken. m ,
GA heavy burden, isn't it, Clarence inc
merchant repeated.
Aud still the young man was silent. His
He had been for some time bending over the
ledger with his thoughts far away; and that
his thoughts were not pleasant ones was evil
enough from TIN the Gs nnt ony heavy
now, but it will grow heavier and heavier Inc
| longer you carry it" $3.50.
" Mr.: Wardle, l do not comprehend you"
| "Ah, Clarence!
| al certainly do not" "
Didn't call at your house for you this
morningf"
Clarence nodded assent.
| And didn't hear and see enough to reveal
to me the burden that you took with you when
you leftf You must remember, my boy, that
through the MILL You find your burden
heavy, and have no doubt that Sarahs heart
| is as heavily laden as your own"
| And then Clarence Spencer understood and
the mornings scene was present with him, as
it had been present with him since leaving
home. On that morning he had dispute with
his wife. 1t had occurred at the breakfast
table There is no need of reproducing the
scene. Suffice it to say that it had come of a
mere nothing, and had grown to cause OF
anger. The fret had been look and tone
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
deep down in their hearts, and felt for the
time only the passing tornado: And Clarence
remembered that Mr.. Wardle had entered th'
house and caught sign of the storm.
And Clarence Spencer thought of one thinf
more; he thought how miserably unhappy h'
| had been all the morning; and ne knew no
how long his burden of unhappiness was To ID
borne.
Honestly, Clarence, isn't it a heavy an'
thankless burden -
5 xas his friand, and that he was true-heartel
Christian man, and after brief pause he an
r swered, " Yes, Mr.. Wardle, it is heavy bur
. The merchant smiled and sat down. Iii
face beamed with goodness, and an earnes
t light was in his calm blue eyes. :,
my boy ann going to venture SbaI n ~Poo Offend
/ "Not at all" said Clarence. He WINGED
r little as though the probing gave him ne'
. In the first place." pursued the old mat
with u culver of emotion in his voice, " 20
4 love your wife 7"
4 "Love herf Yes, passionately.a.
"And do you think she loves youin return
h ! at don't think any thing about it know
t "You know she loves you !"
i eyes"
"And you know that deep GOWN IN her Ilea
o she holds your love as q most sacred treasure
:, "Yes, know it,"
d "Then you must admit that the trouble
J. this morning came from no ill feeling
% heart I"
70 "Of course not"
alt was but q surface squall, for which 20
at least, are very sorry"
l. moments hesitation, and then" les, We
10 1 am heartily sorry"
N "Now mark me, Clarence, and answer no
, estly. Don't you think your wife is as sorl
as you aref"
IT al cannot doubt it."
O. And don't you think che is suffering g
e. this time ~
~ "Yes."