Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1876-12-30

conscious power OF bringing the good
uppermost in ones heart, and sinking
the evil, and when with her felt rs n
child does in its mothers arms, soothed
and quieted, if not at rest.
We walked down to the church through
the twilight, conversing quietly OF the
years that had come and gone since we
had walked it hand and hand fresh from
our mothers parting kiss; and, with n
kind of singing pain in my heart as /
thought of all had been given to the
world and lost to heaven since then, l
went in through the weather beaten
doors, and sat down by my sisters side.
Presently the minister entered, and
walking softly up the aisle, went behind
the altar and sank upon his knees. In
voluntarily my head dropped. How long
ithad been since Ihadprnyed Somehow l
thought of it now in the silence of this
solemn old church, with shudder of
remorse. Worldly as I had been, and
wholly given to fashion and folly MS
Doctor Grey had believed me to be, had
not lost all consciousness of the future
yet. The surety that there was some-
thing unknown, tribunal in the dim
and hazy distance, perhaps, but there,
which l had to face, and dared not defy,
kept my conscience awake in measure,
and added to my hearts bitterness when
I stopped to think.
His devotions done, the minister rose
from his knees, and his eyes fell upon
my face. I knew at once that he recog
nized me, though he did not allow his
gaze to be directed toward me again dur
ing the whole service. AT the close, he
came down the aisle quickly, and shak-
ing my sisters hand, said, with rare
smile in his eyes:
"Your sister has come at last, and did
not dream Of finding an old acquaintance
here, either, suppose.
81 certainly did not think of seeing
you, Doctor Grey" answered, giving
him my hand.
He covered it with his, saying, an his
deep, earnest way
Il am glad to see you, truly" and
we passed out, leaving him to meet others
of his flock.
How still the night was and how calm
and bright the stars shone in the sky
I felt chilled to ice. Lin took my arm
as we stepped off the church steps, and
walked on silently beside me; then,
seeing that shivered, she took off her
shawl, and putting it over my mantle,
said
'T am used to the air, you know,
ASIA"
I was hardly conscious Of what she
was doing. was thinking of the time
when Doctor Grey had last ntood be-
fore me, and of his words:
"The woman who throws down love
for worldly pleasures will one day reap
the reward she so justly deserves. And
when I scornfully told him that love
might be found, perchance, in that same
gay world which he condemned, and
that, for one, made no pretensions to
this grand religion he professed, and
could, therefore, keep my temper better,
his white lips answered, sadly:
"I stand reproved, Asia, and l Twill not
soon forget this lesson you have taught
me to-day; but have loved you 80 well
that it is the very acme of bitterness to
give you up"
If this man had not been so strongly
opposed to all the pleasures which were
wine to my life and food as well, might
have been his happy wife. But to turn
my face away from earth, and live as
though there was nothing which I crayed
before me, was impossible. could not
do this for the most absorbing love; and
yet-would it do to meet him?
How chilly the night was went up
to the room prepared for me, and COM
menced to take off my things. My sister
came in
care you cold now, Asias'
"Look at my cheeks"
"Yes, there is color there, but your
hands are frozen" !
"Do you wonder :" /
"Why not, Linz Yes, why not III
deed? I might as well go into q con-
vent at once"
But he is the grandest and yet the
kindest man ever saw. Surely it would
be an honor to any woman to bear his
name and hold his love-"
"Not as I count honor, Lin but
am not going to be afraid of him. The
battle saw in his eyes tonight shall
be an even one at all events" And 1
went to sleep, dreaming that had con-
luered some strong, inveterate foe.
The next morning was clear and cloud
less, and the forenoon passed with moth
ng to interrupt our happiness.
"We will go to the Glen this after.
loon, Asia," Lin said, as she was super
intending dinner. So, after the meal
vas over, we put on our things to start.
"Wait minute, and will help you,"
/ voice said, as we were securing the
garden gate; and Doctor Grey came
Ia E.