Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-04-24

self ready"
"Health-life even What are they
to mep I have nothing TO live forl" was
the gloomy responses. "Como quickly
the time when shall lay me down and
sleep in peace" -.
"a woman, and nothing TO live for2
One of Gods intelligent creatures, and
nothing TO live forl'
There was so much rebuke in the tone
with which this was offered that Mrs.
Loring was partly aroused thereby.
"Come Let us see whether there
be not something to live for. Conc
you must go with mo this morning."
SO decisive WAS the ladys manner-so
| impelling the action OF the will-that
Mrs. Loring found herself unable to re-
sist: and 80 with reluctance that was not
concealed, she made her preparations TO
go out. In due time she was ready,
and, descending with her friend, took
seat in her carriage and wns driven away.
Houses, trees, public buildings, swept
like a moving panorama before her eye's
and though familiar objects glAssed
themselves therein, they failed 10
awaken the slightest interest. The sky
was clear, and the bright sunshine lay
everywhere; but her heart still sat under
a cloud, and folded around itself gloom
for mantle. Her friend talked to her,
calling her attention every little while TO
some new palace homo, or to some
glimpse OF rural beauty which the eye
caught far in the distance. But all was
vain; the mourner's slender form still
shrunk back among the cushions, and
her face wore it's saddest aspect.
Sn1Hanlv iha porrtana 1rau ftfN tafnra
q neat looking house OF moderate size,
with plat of ground in front, wherein
were verdant square and borders of
well.tended flowers. Ere Mrs. Loring
had time to ask a question tho coach.
man was ut the door.
"Why do you stop here !" she in
quired.
:" wish to make brief call. Come !
you must go in with me-"
Mrs. Loring shook her head in posi-
tive way, and said "no still more posi-.
lively.
"Y You will meet no light vosary OF
fashion here, my friend" said the lady,
but one who has suffered like your
self. "Come T.
But Mrs. Loring shrunk farther back
in the carriage.
1T is now only three months since
she followed TO their mortal resting
place two precious little ones, the last
of her flock, that, scarcely year ago,
numbered four. want you to meet
her. Sisters in sorrow, you cannot but
feel drawn toward each other by cords
of sympathy"
Mrs. Loring shook her head impcra
lively.
"No-noi / DO not wish 10 see her.
have grief enough OF my own without
sharing in that OF others. Why did you
bring me here Z" There was something
like anger in the voice of Mrs. Loring.
"Slx months, nearly. have passed
since God took your children 10 Him
self, and time, that softens grief, has
brought to you at least some healing
leaves. The friend / wish 10 vista
friend in humble li!e--js Borrowing with
as deep sorrow, thRt ia yet but three
months old. Have you no word to
BIseak to her? Can you not, at least,
mingle a tear with her tcarsl II may
DO you both good. But do not wish 10
urge a selfish reason. Bear up with
womanly fortitudo under your own
sorrow, and seek TO heal the sorrow Of a
sister, over whose heart are passing the
waters Of affection. Come, my friend r.
Mrs. Loring, so strongly urged, step
ped ont upon the pavement. She did
50 with reluctance that was almost IN
conquerable. Oh, how earnestly she
wished herself back in the shadowy
solitude Of her own home.
Is Mrs. Adrian at homer" was in
quired Of the tidy girl who came to the
door. The answer being in the affirma-
tive, the ladies entered and were shown
into small but neat sitting room, on
the walls OF which were portraits, in
crayon, OF four "a lovely children m
ever the eyes looked upon. The sight
OF these sweet young faces stirred the
waters Of sorrow in the heart OF Mrs.
Loring, and she hardly restrained her
tears. While yet her pulses throbbed
with a quicker beat, the door opened
and a woman entered, on whose rather
pale face was q smile of pleasant vel
come.
"My friend, Mrs. Loring," such was
the introduction, "of whom / have
spoken to you several times"
The smile did not fade from the coun-
tenance Of MrB. Adrian, but ita express.
sion changed as she took the hand OF
Mrs. Loring and said:
!" l thank you for your kindnesszin
calling"
Mrs. Loring scarcely returned the
warm pressure with which her hand
was taken. Her lips moved slightly.
but no word found utteTauce. Not the
feeblest effort at responsive smile was
visible.
We have have both been called 10
pass through the FIRE, said Mrs. Adri.
an, in more subdued tones, though the
smile still played around her lips.
Happily, One walked with us when
the flames were hercest, or We must
have been consumed"
1t was now that her voice reached the
heart Of Mrs. Loring. The eyes of the
selfish woman dropped to the floor, and
her thought was turning in upon itself.
In the smile that hoyered about the lips
Of Mrs. Adrian che bad seen only indif-
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