South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1873-12-19

/ And then came the trial with CLARA. She
bad tried it often, but had never satisfied
herself Now, however, she had n Guide
sure aud reliable. With her own surpass.
! ing voice and ear, it was easy to keep time
and tune with PHILIP BARroL.
And so the Anthem of the Redeemed was
sung on Sunday, and the people were en-
chanted.
And thus PHILIP BARToL became ac
quainted with CLARA PALMER, aud the first
great heart. throb of pure, deep Joy he had
ever felt, he felt when be discovered that
the beautiful girl looked up 60 him tenderly
aud confdipgly. There is wondrous DOW
er in music for reaching down into the hu-
man heart and awakening the tenderer, soul.
born instincts.
! PHILIP BARToL worked on for Deacon
LARRABEE through the summer, and those
who saw him work, and saw bis outgoings.
were led to wish that they had help SO strong
and reliable
On the last of August the religious So
ciety Of Ashton held pic mic, and PHILIP
invited CLARA to 60 with him. She went
with him gladly, aud did not seek to con-
ceal her gladness.
AT this same picnic party were upset
upon the lake, and two children would have
been drowned, had not PHILIP BARToI.
plunged into the deep water and saved
them.
! PHILIP came forth drenched and dripping
from the lake, but he came forth a hero
and the blessings which were showered up
on him By the parents and friends of those
whom he had saved more than compe nsated
! him
al must be a sorry sight," he said, as he
stood dripping before CLARA
! at was a noble baptism % she answered
him. And she took his hand, and there
| were tears in her smiles.
| And then he was ten thousand times re-
paid
! sSThe cold days of autumn came, and one
evening PHILIP BARToL sought DR. PAL
MER in his private study The doctor was
a plain, practical man, upright and largo
! headed
PHILIP stated his business fairly and
squarely. He wished to know if he might
ctfer himself to CLARA
81 have found 10 her all that I can ever
hope to gain 10 Wife" be said ; s'and |
love her truly and well. She is my first
aud only love. | am an orphan, sir, aud
of relatives near and dear L have none liv-
| ing. My name has never been disbonored,
unless patient and honest toll may be dis
honor. Of money have managed to lay
by enough to purchase good farm or, at
least, | could nearly pay for it. l have
good education, which [ may turn to &C
count in the future. Touching my antece-
dents, sir, have requested Deacon LARA
BEE to correspond with parties in New
York, and for the result l refer you to him :"
The good doctor was really troubled.
"Ths is not eDtirly unexpected" he re-
plied. 81 saw the deacon to-day, and he
told me what be had done at your request.
! Upon that point [ am satisfied. But, sir,
| am very poor poorer than you think.
Even my home is mortgaged, and cannot
say that the horse | drive is niue My la
bors here have been rather Of love than OF
profit. Such labors feed the heart, but do
not add TO the material subsistence"
only good sir" replied PHILIP, with
pathos that was heart-reachiDg, 81 can on.
ly promise you this il you will give me
CLARA for my wife, and she will consent to
be, | will devote my life to her welfare. |
am sure can provide at least comfortable
home to start with. 1t has been my dar-
ling aim to find home for myself-a home
where love and blessings should crown my
/ life. With your sweet, pure-minded child
Tor my partner, believe the home will be
mine"
The doctor could not find it in his heart TO
say nay, and he told the youth be might 90
and seek CLARA.
IL was no uncertain errand beyond this.
PHILIP knew that CLARA's heart was all
his own-he had known it for months.
But woulG she consent to share his humble
home
He found her, and asked her the ques-
ton.
The great joy Of life was hers when che
heard 1t and she answered i. upon bis bo-
som-heart to besrt-ts live for him and
to love him always.
/ "Will you buy a farm in Ashton?" Ola.
RIA asked, as they were planning one day for
the future.
''Do you think you would like to live on
a farm, CLARA p"
"Auy life with you, darling. o, Phil.
Up, you don't know bow love you, and how
sweet It will be to helpyou bear the burden
Of life"
7 Tears Of joy rolled down Philips cheeks
as ne pressed the dear one to bis bosom.
when We are married, my blessed, we
will decide upon our future home l shall
wish you to select it,"
And the evening Of the wedding At length
arrived. Before the invited guests bad as
sembled, PHILIP placed in CLARA's hands
large sealed envelope.
- "a Is fnr WIN IN Give IN vorr l.