The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-12-04


escape me to-day, as it did in my
dreams,' and Warning started out, but
the wind seemed to echo, "Throw AVA!
this chance! Throw away this chance" "
The cottage was in the suburbs and at
the further end of the town, and by the
time Warning had reached it he felt quite
restored to himself-"had gotten over
all that nervousness. He rang the
bell, and was ushered into the little par
lor by INDEPENDENTLY the wife OF the
tenant. There was no sickness here, at
any rate, for three little fellows clus-
tered around the lady's skirts, peepng
with shy, bright eyes at their visitor.
"Did you wish to see my husband
STRIP
"Papa's gone OUT" said the little six
year-old fellow, before Mr.. Warlng
could reply.
"Boys, you must run into the dining
room,'' said Mrs. Archer, as if for the
first time aware of the children's pres
ence.
81 did wish to see your husband,
madam, but my business can be trans
acted with you, no doubt. My friend, Mr..
Thornton, has asked me to collect the
rent for this cottage; it seems that the
agent has been rather remiss in press
ing the matter"
The lady's face paled, her. hands
were pressed tightly together in her lap,
but her steadfast eyes met Mr.. Warnings
unfinchingly.
g Sir, you are total stranger to me;
but sometimes it is easier to confide in
such an one than friend. Until last
night thought the rent had been paid
promptly each month. | sent it, sir,
by "-the poor wife hesitated, but with
an effort said, "by my husband"
"Then the agent is scamp" said
Mr.. Warning, rising to leave, and re-
solving that said agent should smart for
this.
"No, no, sir! You must hesr me out.
Last night my husband acknowledged
to me that he had not made the pay
ments. My husband has been drinking,
and the money has gone. But, oh sir,
he promises to change-he is very peni-
tent, and am SO anxious to give him
one more chance. am sure | can earn
and save the full amount, if you can
wait"
F" You can earn!" repeated Mr.. War
ing, looking at the delicate face and the
hands, so evidently unused to hard work.
eyes, sir. This is sudden blow,
but have been thinking all night, and
| am so anxious to save my husband
to show him that l am ready to help
him if he will only reform, that 1 have
thought of one or two ways of earning
money already, and God will show me
others. He helps those who help them
selves, does He not, sir?"
'sIndeed He does," said Mr.. Waring,
his heart stirred as it had not been for
years. "May venture to ask something
about your plans. P"
Certainly. If you wait for the
money you have the right. Besides, l
need friend, and shall be glad of your
judgment. My plan is to open class
for the children in the neighborhood. l
already teach my own boys, and sever
al of the neighbors have asked me to
take their children in, but until now l
thought l could not. Then l have a good
knowledge of the organ, and heard
last Friday that the organist of a church
not far off is to leave-I shall apply for
the position, and l feel sure l shall get
iu.n
"Had you thought of most women's
first resoure-keeping boardersP"
"No, sir!" and the sweet, womanly
face flushed. 81 want to have my own
little home sacred, if possible. Besides,
though my husband has promised, he
may not quite succeed, and-I could not
bear to let outsiders see."
"But lodger-a bachelor, who
would only be at home after six at night
Have you not a couple of rooms that
such one could furnish for HIMSELF
You could charge good price, and al
most cover your rent"
"Oh, sir, bachelors are not so easy to
be found, especially one that would pay
largely, and then-it could only be a
friend, one who would help my husband,
not lead him further astray."
81 know of one. VIII you empower
me to arrange with himp As to your
back rent, your plans are admirable, and
am sure Thornton will wait-I'll pay
him myself, if he WON'T" Mr.. Warning
added to himself.
Mrs. Arcnef'S brown eyes grew soft
and bright, a happy smile played about
her firm, determined mouth, and impul-
sively extending her hand, she thanked
her new friend warmly. 81 knew there
were such warm-hearted men as you,
sir, but have not often met them. l
promise you your confidence and kind
ness to an utter stranger shall not
prove misplaced. As to your friend-I
can not refuse him. viii you look at
our second floor, to see if you think it
might suit himp"
Smiling to himself, Mr.. Waring fol-
lowed her up to the pretty rooms her
womanly taste had made home-like and
inviting, though the furniture was of the
plainest description.
"But this is evidently your room, my
dear madam"
"There are two rooms above, and l
shall be so glad to be near the children!
Indeed, we shall be very comfortable, if
only your friend should prove mig
friend"
"Never fear! He will call tonight.
l have much to see to-day, or would
bring him this Afternoon. Good day
for the present. l hope to hear you
play on the organ before long"
Mr.. Warning walked away from the
cottage with strange, new feeling at
his heart. Were there many such