Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-10-27

which it seemed TO him so important
that she should kneel, was to her no sa-
cred place. To her God had appeared
often nearer-in the woods, on the hills,
alone in her little room.. Even the spec
tacle of her friends, Hepsy and Esther,
conducted weeping to the anxious seat"
failed to move her " / cannot it would
not be honest" Such was Lucy's creed !;
and her hower-like beauty concealed an
underlying strength, even as beneath the
mountain-slopes enamelled with butter
cups spreads the indestructible granite.
By the afternoon of the third day a
wide spread excitement had seized upon
the camp. A rugged and reserved peo-
pie like those of New England are most
formidable when under the influence of
unexpected emotion. The very novelty
of sensation and expression astounds
them. Strong men sobbed women be-
came hysterical young girls rushed for
ward and fell upon their knees the ell
ders went to and fro among the crowd,
expostulating, explaining and entreating
Over all rang at intervals the voices of
the choir in wild, sweet snatches. A
dark thunder-cloud for moment hid
the sun, and one low peal shook the air.
Brother Parker stood again by Lucy
he held her hand. She was excited and
in tears, but she was firm. Just then a
stir took place near them A young
man with bowed head was hurried past
by two of the elders. His face was hid
den in his hands, but Lucy could not
mistake. A sudden tide of emotion
shook her soul. If Kane yielded, 1t
Kane was going to that place,-then she
should go too.
Was not her place by him, in time
and eternity? Brother Parker felt the
fingers culver in his grasp, the resistance
slacken. Another moment he had lee
her forward. She was kneeling, kneel
ing by Kane's side; and this victory O
an earthly affection, which was to hin
as an heavenly one, had power to bring
tears like rain down the good mani
cheeks. Sweetly rang the hymn ovel
them, the cloud foated past, clear sun
shine streamed in and bathed the place
and heaven seemed to smile upon tn,
scene.
To our young lovers, s,-who shall say
To some hearts God has revealed himsel
in this manner. We may not dare tc
question. But with their deeper thought,
mingled the strange sweetness of being
there side by side,-the earthly blending
with the unearthly, as it will do while
we are things of earth.
Don't let her converse with any one
Sister Wilder said Brother Parker, a.
he restored the agitated Lucy to hel
friends. Keep her aloof this evening
Let no vain conversation or gossip aris,
to disturb the impression on her mind
Tomorrow | will talk with her further
Oh, Brother Parker, had you noticed
the hand-clasp, warmer and more linger.
ing than became those who met merely
upon spiritual platform, exchanged
between your young converts? Did
you hope to make matters quite safe for
the important conversation of the NOR.
row +? Oh, Brother Parker, who shall
guess or compute the moral blindness
which Cupid can throw over even good
mans soul
So Mrs. Wilder kept Lucy "aloof.'
Poor Kane, lowering about the family
group for the chance of a word, found
only downcast lashes on the part of bis
idol, and discouraging looks from the
rest. Father, mother, brother Nathan
sister-in-law Ellen, and faithful Draxy
all were determined there should be
no philandering" that night at least
So the flame in Kane's soul, thus re
pressed, burned more hotly than ever
and at "mirk midnight he was still
lying, unable to sleep, and longing fol
the dawn, his eyes fixed on the fair aead
not yard from him.
A slight movement showed him thai
Lucy too slept not. In moment, pru
dence and propriety alike forgotten, he
had gently pushed his pillow some inch
es nearer.
Lucy
Such tiny whisperi Smothered by
Deacon Aliens hearty snores, it would
scarcely have caught the attention Of
Fine Ear; but Lucy heard.
She half turned, her face dyed with
scarlet blushes as she saw that bold head
so near. ooh don't she breathed
somebody will hear
They are sound as dormice," whis.
pered Kane; They won't wake. Do
let me speak, Lucy. l shall. die if you
won't listen This affarnaon u,ha,, I