The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-01-02
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
Mrs. SnOwden returned to her stately
home, the great brown mansion half
hidden amid the apple trees, feeling
within her breast akin to that one NAV
be supposed to experience when help
lessly and hopelessly adrift upon quick
sands.
Though from her childhood an exem-
plary member Of an orthodox church.
and an avowed believer in its entire
creed, Mrs. Snowden was not, in its eth
ical sense, a praying woman. Yet, like
every other human being, when driven
by conflicting trials into depths from
which no avenue Of escape is visible,
she sought the solitude Of her chamber
IN her sore extremity, and kneeling be-
side her bed, laid her great afliiction be-
fore the feet Of the Infinite.
"Guide me, o, Father and I will
henceforth walk according to thy pre-
cepts. Only show me the light, and I
will follow, even though it lead through
the valley Of humiliation and into the
NNFP waters OF despair.
The light that burst upon her senses
was not visible one, yet to her it was
as palpabiy tangible as her very heart
beats. Aud instead of the hopeless
wretcheduess in which she had entered
her chamber, the peace that passeth un-
derstanding filled her spirit.
Crust in the Lord and do right
said the inaudible and yet tangible
voice, "for behold I am with YOU al
ways, even to the end of the world.p
Mrs. Snowden left her chamber with
the feeling that the spot was indeed
holy ground. IN spite Of her great sor-
row, she was happy; so happy and so
brave and strong withal, that she felt as
though the Ioftiest mountains Of diff
Guilty would henceforth be to her AS
mole-hills.
Though I walk through the valley
and shadow Of death, 1 will fear no evil, /
for thy rod and tAy staff, they comfort
me-" she said, audibly. Then summon
ing her daughters, she told them it was
her duty to absent herself from home
for several days But to all their quer-
les as 20 where she was going, and what
was her business, she would give no
definite Information.
"Ouly trust me, my children, aud all
will be we'll, she said, solemuly. "The
shadow Of a great trouble has fallen
upou our household, and / would, if
possible, avert its worst calamities.
will be at home within week"
"But what will father say ?'
81 will see him before 60"
"Aud you will sometime tell Us all 90
Maybe; but cannot certainly prom
Use. Do your very best to keep your
father in good spirits while I am away
Poor fellowi He isn't used to doing
without me-" aud Mrs. Snowden sighed
heavily.
Then, with many injunctions and di-
rections as TO the management Of the
household machinery, she took her de-
parture in the family carriage, her
driver, an ebony-colored Jehu, with the
kinkiest Of iron-grey hair, aud the
whitest Of well-set teeth.
Driving to the store and leaving the
team in charge Of the servant, Mrs.
Snowden sought the little, dingy count
ing-room and stood for a moment, 81
lent in the presence Of her husband.
Poor man! His lines Of life had in-
deed fallen in evil places. He was
struggling hopelessly with his ledger,
aud great drops Of perspiration stood
upon his wrinkled forehead.
"Husbandr
He looked up in astonishment.
Very rarely indeed, and never before ex-
cept to demand payment Of a bill. had
Mrs. Snowden entered that dingy and
badly-smelling store. She had always
contemplated her husbands business
with contempt, and had often alluded to
it with scorn.
The senior snowden's heart sank
anew.
What is it, wife: lust you have
money 9"
NO. husband. Not to-day. I have
come to tell you about nv visit TO the
hospital"
'Surely you didn't visit old man
ShaddOn's daughter ?r
"Yes, did"
"And made fool Of yourself IN
warrant"
81 simply tried TO DO right, Alonzo. ,
"What did You do >"
II tried to comfort the girl"
"I've already comforted her with dol
lars, thousands Of 'em."
"Alonzo Snowden, senior, let me sa,
to you, once for all, for shall no
again upbraid you, that you have acte
foolishly and wickedly."
"How, wife %
"In trying alone to carry a burde
that properly belonged to both Of u.
and which We should have sbared !,
gether Herein lies your wickednas
and folly. Had you but trusted me
would not only have managed diffe,
emily, but could have saved Won