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

aud addressed the following message Il
his brother In Boston: "I4 G.. w. Her
e bert, L. street a member of our order
and is his wife in the West. Answe
i'm nctliatcly."
When Mr.. Henderson returned hC
; found his wife and Mrs. Herbert in AZ
animated conversation; and he was sur
prscd TO note the change in the strange
, lady's appearance. now that she felt her
self among friends Her face wore SO
genuine an expression Of sweetness and
purity; her conversation was expressive
OF lofty sentiments, such real goodness q
! heart, and betrayed 50 highly cultivated
mind, that Mr.. Henderson found him
sell rcgrctting that he had taken the pre-
caution to send telegram to Boston IL
order to prove the lruthrulneSs oI hol
statements.
Mrs. Henderson seated herself at the
elegant piano, and after performing Scv
eral pieces. invited Mrs Herbert to play
also. She gracefully compiled; and
after - low. sweet prelude, began to
sing:
a stranger was, but they kindly received me-
She sang the piece entirely through
her voice qui, ering with emotion and
when She had finished il. both MIR. and
Mrs Henderson stood at her side, and
tie gentleman said
Mrs. Herbert. it is We who arc
blessed, in being permitted to form the
acquaintance OF so entertaining con
verser aud musician. Yon are not u
stranger. but n dear friend. sister, my
brothers wife; YOU have a right in cur
home. A Knight rrmplar, house is
ever open t, the unfortunate. But YOU
must not leave the piano yet; play an
other piece for us. your own iavoriic.'
Il do not kaow that have ore"
"Your husbands. then" suggested
Mrs Henderson.
Again Mrs. Iler6ert's practiced fingers
swept the keys, and then her clear rich
voice arose in the popular Masonic ode :
"Uan. Ma annty divine"
As the last s%eet echo died away, she
arose. saying, That is my husbands
iavoriie."
Mr.. Henderson was standing with his
arm around his wii9's waist. Tears
were in hi, eyes, aud he drew her closer
to him, as he said, 80, Jennie, viii You
no, learn to play that piece Cor me ?"
But never could make il sound liNc
Mrs. Herbert she replied. "!or YOU
know do not Ike Masonry"
And why 40 you not ike it?' Ms
Herbert vcnlured to ak
because it rises like mountain be
tween me and my husband; | am jealous
of Masonry" and the glance she cast
upon him at her side told Mrs. Herbert
with what depth of love thi, true wife
regarded her husband. and she almost
pardoned her for her dislike Of Masonry,
upon the ground she had mentioned
/ But she felt that Mrs. Henderson was in
error, and She said:
"Wii you allow me to tell You Why |
love Masonry p
80. yes, replied Mrs. Henderson; Il
should be glad to feel differently il
could" and she drew a large arm chair
for Mrs Herbert. in front oil the sofa.
upon " hioh she and her husband seated
1 themselves
1 Mrs. Herbert began: "My father va,
commission merchant in Boston. and ia
consequence oi causes which ! never
/ fully uuder,tood--fuy was very Young
/ al the lime-he failed IN business. Oar
I beautiful home was taken from Us, and
/ father removed mother aud me 10 An
/ humble, but comfortable cottage in the
suburbs. while be- procured emplo, mcnt
as clerk in dry goods establishment.
He was di,heartcned by his Sudden
and heavy losses. /; was seldom. in
deed. that he WAS heard to speak cheer
/ lully and hopefully. His health declined,
and before we had ever dreamed OF The
threatening danger. he was a confirmed
consumptive. But he was Mason. and
we were not allowed 10 feel that his in.
ability for labor had deprived us OF The
comforts of home Supplies ot provi'
sions. clothing aud fncl came regularly to
our door. But one chill September, we
were gathered around the bedside TO
take the last farewell. The hiends oil
our prosperous days were not there
they left US with our riches but a circle
OF true. manly faces was there, and
tears were brushed aside which were the
overflow of manly hearts. | stood be.
side my griefsufcken mother. who knet
beside The couch OF death, her head
bowed b. lplessly upon The emaciated
hand upon which she had ever depended
for guidance and protection. My father
kissed me tenderly, and turning to his
Masonic brothers said:
Il can but leave my dear ones 10 your
care, and know can trust YOU. feel
that my poor Alice will not long survive
my loss, and then this poor lilllG one
will be a helpless waif on the sea OF
/ humanity | rive her TO YOU not as a