The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-08-31
John StnIna aat In bia aaav chair Il, lilo

=
John Stains sat in his easy chair in his
own cozy parlor, and about him were his
wife and children. Everything that money
could procure toward real comfort was his:
yet he was not happy. Amid all his COM
forts there was one dark cloud to trouble
him. The spot where for long years he
had nurtured brothers love was now va
cant. No, not vacant, for 1t was filled with
bitterness. tic knew that he was in the
fault, but he tried to excuse himself by
thinking that his brother hated him. This,
however, did not ease his conscience, for
he knew that he was lying to himself.
While lie sat thus he heard rap at the
front door, and i'll few minutes one of tho
children told him that "Unclc William"
wanted to see him.
''Tcll him to come in," said John; and
after this he made motion for his wife and
children to leave the room. 'I shan't
bulge an inch," he muttercd to himself.
eff he thinks to frighten Inc, he'll find his
mistake"
Before he could say more, his brother
entered the room.
"Good evening, John," said William, in
q kindly tone, at the same time laying his
hat on the table.
John Stains was taken all aback by this
address, and he could hardly believe his
ears; but he responded hesltatingly to tho
salutation. For an instant he looked up
into his brothers face, and during that in
stant there flashed across his mind wish
that he had never offended.
'John," continued William, still stand
-ng, 'tyou know well what has passed to
make us both unhappy"
"4es, l know" answered John, hardi y
knowing what tone to assume.
"Well, my BROTHER" continued William,
while tear glistened in his eye, and at the
same time extending his hand, 81 have
come to bury the evil that has risen up be-
tween us. If you have wronged me, l
freely forgive you If have been harsh
and unbrotherly towards you, ask that
you will forget it. Come, let us be friends
once more"
Like an electric shock calne this speech
upon the ears of John Stains. A moment
he stood half bewildered, and then the tears
broke forth from his eyes. He reached forth
his hand, but his words were broken and
indstinct. He had not expected this from,
his stern brother; but it came like a heaven
sent beam OF light TO his soul, and in mo-
ment more the brothers were folded in a
warm embrace. When they were aroused.
1t was by feeling trembling hand laid up
on their heads; and when they looked up
they found their aged mother standing by
them.
''Bless you, my children, bless you =
murmured the whitc-haired parent, as she
raised her hands towards heaven; "and OH,
l pray our Maker that you may never he
unhappy more"
John Stains knew that his mother had
been the angel who had touched tho heart
of his brother, and it did not alter his for
givcness.
ooh, lie murmured, 81 have br', very
wrong-1 have abused you, -ny brother; !;
but if you can forgive 'e' Will try to
make it all up"
"Your love wip repay it all, John. Let
NE have your ove, and will try never to
lose 1t NOR.
"Nc~ am truly happy" said the aged
,.other, as she gazed with pride upon ier
.ons. ''Now can die In peace. Oh, my
boys, if you would have your children sure
of happiness in after life, teach them that
forgiveness will heal social wounds which
can be healed in no other way. Many a
of that talismanic power"
Both these brothers tried to bless their
mother for the healthful lesson she had
taught them, and they failed not to teach
it to their children as one of the best boons
that could be given them for life.