Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-02-10


and in few hurried sentences she made
known her misfortune and her request.
The Rev. MIR. Ripley was thin. ITALIAN
straight lie was apparently about forty
five yeais ct age; polished but pompous
no particle OF dust could have been (ount
upon his line, black broadcloth. or nicely
polished boots; the tie in his cravat was
iaultless; his hair was brushed carefully
forward to conceal coming baldaess
Very digniiied. very important, very min
isterial appeared the reverend gentleman
but as Mrs. Herbert looked into his cold
gray eyes, she lelt that beucvulence wa'
/ by no means as strong an element in hi,
composition aS seliiShness. Her heart
seemed 90 chill in his presence; she
could not help contrasting him. mentally
with the good Mr.. Weston. who was pas.
/ tor of her own church at home. All. not
often had the hand nov thrust into the
I bosom oil the tightly buttoned dress cONl
been prompted by the cold heart beneath
il 10 place bright little coin upon the
palm ot beggared childhood not often
had his footsteps found their way 10
poverty's door, Yet this unworthy rep.
resen,aiive of The Christian Church
preached charity to his rich congregation.
at least twice oyery Sabbath; and 50 i,r
rs himsct is concerned made preaching
supply the place OF practice.
Madam" he said. after cyeing her
from head TO foot You have a pretty
story; but the streets OF l.--are full of
such stories at the present day. Did |
listen To one half hear OF the kind, ]
should have NV house filled with poor
mcndicsnts all the time, and perhaps few
OF them would DO worthy my re pect. |
cannot keep you rs you request"
Mrs. Herbert turned from the iuhos
piIable door Of the Rev. Mr.. Ripley.
The cool insolence with which he had
treated her had almost driven courage
from her heart; but she determined now
10 seek hotel. where ut lc isi, she might
rest herself and decide upon some new
coGi Sc OF action. She had eaten nothing
since morning; indeed, she had not even
thought OF food. but now she lcli laint
and weary. and the consciousness tnat
she was alone. in 4 strange city,
lriendless and pennilcss. with The shades
OF evening already falling, quite un
neryed her. As she glanced up and
down the streets the arst thing that 1T.
tracted her attention was-not n public
house sign. bat in large gilt letters the
words Masonic Hall Her heart gave
Il quick, juy.ul jump. Her husband be.
longed to the Masonic Fraternity, aud
she knew that any duty 4 Mason owed TO
his brother. he owed equally to that
brothers wife or daughter She reniem.
bered also, thd to that noble order she
wss indebted Tor nearly all Of the happi
ness she had known in her lie. But
familiar as she had been with It's work
ings in her native city, she had never
realized its universally; and never TN
derstood how, like some great tali,manic
belt, il circles the earth. embracing nj
mankind in lis protecting folds; soften
ing The asperilies of dissenting religion
isl>; shedding the purple light OF love on
the fierce rapids OF commercial lIie, en-
tightening and ennob,iug politicians. and
harmonizin9 their conflicting sentiments
upon sense OF kindred.
Mrs. Herbert paused irresolute.-
What would she not uo~ have given tor
4 knowledge of one mystic sign, 10y
which to call her husbands Masonic
brother to her side
Men were passing rapidly up and
down the street; elegantly dressed Ia
dies were out enjoying the delicious
coolucss of the evening. for the day had
been sultry, but among NIL the busy
ihrong there was not one whom she felt
at liberty TO aecost.
4 gentleman was passing her leading
a GIRL By the hand. With a quick gesture
she arrested bis step. She had observed
nothing peculiar in the strangers face
indeed she had not noticed it at all but
q Maltese cross was suspended from his
watch guard. and The moment she dis
covered it. she had involun,ariIy lifted
her hand to prevent his passing her.
The stranger looked at her nquiringly.
She pointed at the cross and said. That,
sir, is why stopped you; will you eX
euse me Tor addressing you, add please
tell me if you are 4 Mason ?"
II am" he replied.
"Oh. sir, my husband is a Mason, and
perhaps you would he kind to your
brothers. wife"
Where does yoer husband live ?"
In Boston. His name is G. W. Her.
bert; he is OF the firm of Herbert. Jack
son & Co.. l. street. was on my
way to him from Wisconsin, but have
been robbed o. the means OF paying my
fare, and the conductor refused to take
me any iarteer. have applied to the
Rev Mr.. Ripley. and he turned me in.
sullingly from his door"
The old hypocrite," muttered the
gentleman. "Mrs. Herbert my house is
but one block distant, and it is at your
service. Ny wife will make you welcome
and comfortable. Will you accept our
hospitality? ?"