The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-06-05
CHAPTER III.

The six years that followed the death OF
his wife and the loss of his child passed
wearily to James Durant. He visited nearly
every country in the old world seeking
among scenes of natural beauty and grand
eur as we'll as of historic interest for the
mental rest which could never be found
Once more be turned his Steps toward Amer
ica, and sought his masonic friend Wads-
worth. Finding the gentleman about setting
out with his mily on a journey to the At
lantic coast, Mr.. Durant accepted the invi-
tation to accompany them To Saratoga and
Niagara, then to New York, where, leaving
the ladies, Mr.. Wadsworth and Mr.. Durant
wandered from town TO town along the coast
enjoying the beauty of the scenery and the
hospitality that greeted them more than the
crowded hotels and the fashionable style of
the popular watering places.
Fancy and the kind hand of providence at
length led them to the little town of B,
and the second evening after their arrival
they visited the masonic lodge A warm
welcome was extended to these brethren
from such distant homes, and both were in
yited 10 address the lodge. Mr.. Durant said :
"Brethren-I have travelled much and
long l have found masonic sympathy in
every part of the globe, AMI everywhere is
masonary substantial the same. | can
hardly tell where 1 reside. The world seems
to be my home, as l remain but short time
in any town or country, but my name is re-
corded in English lodge. l love my
English brethren, for they first brought me
from darkness to light and l love English
soil, for in it sleeps the wife of my youth
But love American also, for here have
received the warmest of welcomes, the kind
est of brethren. And, too. my own child is
sleeping in American waters, even beneath
the very waves that wash the shores of YOUR
beautiful village.
six years have passed since this dear
friend and brother robbed himself OF bis life
preserver, that my little Eva might perhaps
escape, and we hoped the elements might be
kind and that heaven would send her rellef
but she was never heard of any more"
The voice of Mr.. Durant was quivering
with emotion, and unable to speak further
he seated him. elf and covered his face with
his hands
Chances of surprise and pleasure were cast
from one to another among the brethren of
all eyes turned upon the master, Mr.. Turner.
For a moment he seemed rehecling; then
taking slip of paper from the secretary be
wrote:
"Mrs Turner: Do not allow Eva to retire
until I return home; tell her am going to
bring strange gentleman who wishes to 81 e
her."
And calling the junior deacon Mr.. Turner
gave him a note, saying. in low voice:
Take this note to Mrs. Turner immedi-
ately"
why, Eva" said Mrs Turner when she
had read the message, you are going to have
company. A strange gentleman is at the
lodge room who wishes to see you"
Eva looked perplexed and thoughtful; ;
suddenly her cheeks flushed, her eyes light
ed and, clapping her little hands, she sprang
to her feet and exclaimed:
''Oh, it must be papa No one else would
wish to see me; no one in the world"
Before Mrs Turner comprehended the
child's Interpretation she had passed the
threshold and was fitting through the
moonlight toward the lodge room. The tiler
looked amazed when Eva burst into the
ante-room, her cheeks burning, her eyes
flashing with JOY and excitement.
"Do not stop me; am going in" she ex-
claimed
But the inner door was fastened, snd the