The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1878-11-09
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE. !

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure, SO the old proverb says, and be-
lievc in it. BY the by, what shall call
you?'
The Eirrs voice was low and sweet, as
she replied; My name is Grace Arnold,
and have been married ten years
Mrs. Arnold started forward: What
did you say-Gracc Arnold? Why" and
then she stopped, saying only, "go ON.
am listening
IL was only fifteen when married, and
| had never known trouble. Father aud
mother denied themselves many comforts
in order that | might be- educated. They
were 81 good to me-taking all the rain Of
life and leaving me the sunshine. Onc
Summer, when came home to pass my
vacation, met Fred Arnold, and soon
came 10 love him, 10 long for his presence.
to miss his pleasant words and little arien-
tions. The idea of marrying him used TO
cross my mind from time to time, but
lived too entirely in the present FOR it to
prove a source Of anxiety.
AT last remember the time SCI we'll
he told me that he must go away, but be-
fore he went there was a story he must tell
me, and my answer would influence his
whole future for veal or foe. How sweetly
the birds sang that day, how fragrant the
flowers were; but none of the precious
gifts of nature were to be compared with
tins great benson of love that had come
down into my life. Then he told me all
about himself. His father was a rich
banker, but very proud, and my darling
feared that he should have little To offer
save his heart and willing hands; would
be satisfied with them
"A week from the time we said good
bye he returned to claim the. He was very
honest, telling me plainly that his father
Lad erected a barrier between them that
could not be broken down this side of the
grave. We were married a month later,
and he rght me to Philadelphia, where
we were left to fight the battle OF life as best
we could. Two years after a baby boy
came to us. How glad and happy was.
Fred wrote to his father, but after some
time an old friend sent word that the fam
lily had gone abroad and their whereabouts
was unknown. Ny baby remained only
ten months, and then God took him
The girls eyes were dim with tears, and
her voice failed for moment. The figure
in the chair bowed her head lower, then
the story went on. - Things went against
us after that time. My husband lost his
position aud could not aid him. my health
was so wretched. one night he came home
to go West, and If were willing he would
20 out there first, as he did not want To
take me into 4 wilderness. In 4 month lie
should be back, At the utmost. Days and
weeks passed on, and heard nothing
My money was nearly all gone, SO | was
Obliged to leave the comfortable boarding
place where he left me and rent little
room in an obscure part of the city. Then
| tried TO find a position as seanstress, but
no one would engage me because | came
without any kind of recommendation, and
| had no friends To whom | might appeal
Two days ago heard, in an indirect way.
that if ! would be in 4 certain place at
o'clock, | might hear something Of my
husband. 1t twas my last hope, and chung
u ii As have to the only thing that re-
mained--my wedding ring. | went aud
waited for more than an hour. but no one
came. and then the knowledge that it was
cruel piece of decelt-may God forgive
the author of il, After that | wandered
up the street, knowing that unless begged
| must starve. ] asked and was refused
Then | remembered nothing more unt.l |
opened my eyes in this room and fancied |
was in Paradise. This is all have to tell. >
Mrs. Aruoid's face had grown whittier and
winter, and her hands were clasped III an
agonlzcd manner, showing that she was
undergoing some terrible suffering She
looked full in the girls face. There was
an indeiinab!e something in the eyes Of the
elder woman that caused the other To- hold
her breath and say: Did you know him.
For answer Mrs. Arnold crept nearer and
NEARER, until the young girls head was
piliowed on her breast, while amid sobs ana
tears, she said: God has forgiven me. at
last. Oh, my child, my child"'