The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1880-02-26

good Elder Orayton, Wien, q week
lAter, he bent over his young pastors
pillow, and held his burning hand in
his. And perhaps this viii Be- blessed
to the wayward child, and ordered for
her and your moro lasting happiness.
Be not disquieted; nothing issuspected
- yet among the people, and we must
keep her name spotleas. They think
you took her to her home to see some
nick relative, and I will explain her con-
tinued absence"
So this wise friend stood between the
crushed minister and the cruel darts OF
slander-told Ill inquirers that Mrs.
Haslem had been sent by the Lord to
fulfill = mission elsewhere" and, mean
while, prayed hard for good to come out
Of the great evil.
But six months passed away, and
Beranger Haslem was still desolate.
1t was vaguely reported that Mrs.
aaslem was nursing some dying rela-
tive, perhaps with Z cloud over his or
her name, hence tho pastors reticence
and sadness. The truth was never once
suspected, and, be it said to poor Lau-
rette's credit, none, even the most SLAM
derous, dreamed of associatine wrong
with her.
Six months. and Christina, ovo. Mr..
Haslem is once moro in his study,
working at his Christmas sermon. with
care and weary sadness in his pale
face-a heart fighting for truth amid
much despair within.
The room had not that bright, dainty
air it wore six months ago, though old
Martha prided herself on taking the
best of care of cher minister" The
fire burned dimly, half-smothered in
ashes; the books were piled anyhow
the little sewing chair waited on the
hearth-waited still
On this night the Child of the world
was born-the Holy Babe who was to
bring such joy.
Suddenly the door was opened wide,
but silently, and Laurette stood there,
the snow on her poor garments, . great,
quivering light growing on her white
face. And in her outstretched arms,
while her lips moved speechlessly and
her hollow eyes appealed, abe held q
sleeping babe!
Was it phantom?
He sprang up, scattering books and
manuscript, and faced her, trembling
and wondering-afraid that she might
vanish away.
"Berangerl" breathed Laurette, tim
idly, 1--WE brought you = Christmas
gift-our childl"
MY Godl" calculated Mr.. Haslem
lis this possible?"
He put his arm around them, and,
scarce conscious, drew them to tho fire:
side, placed her in the vacant chair, fell
on his knees before her, and, trembling
exceedingly, pressed them both to his
heart.
@Oh Lord, Thou hast been kind and
pitiful" he gasped.
Are you glad3" whispered the lost
Lugrette, between quivering heart.
beats; or shall leave him with you, and
60 away and leave you in peace?"
he frightened his embrace, and
moaned a. he kissed her.
Still doubling, my darling-my dar.
ing9 Oh, how could you desert me SO I
Am 1 so poor a husband to you a
that?"
"Oh, tell me to stayi Let me hea,
you bid me welcomed" rang out the
young voice, with it's old, passionate,
yearning cadence.
Sod witness between M that my
heart is entirely set upon you," cried
Beranger, solemnly; "and that have
known no moment of happiness since
lost you. l never loved another
desired other woman than you; and
though I might have seemed cold in nv
manner, darling always loved you
first and best, and deepest of all earthly
gifts to mol"
How good-how good God has been
to send me back to you'll" wept Lau.
rette, winding her arms about him she
had so mistrusted. Il didn't think il
possible you would forgive and take me
home; I thought you would be stern
and hard, as good men often are to the
weak and wicked"
Why did you go, dearest? whisp.
cred Beranger, fondly.
I'm not going to-yes, I'll never con.
ceal any trouble from you again." said
the young wife, determinately; "and
this was what turned me wild altogeth-
or. Old Martha never liked my coming
here, and always was telling me what
changed times you had-how none OF
your friends would come to the house
because they weren't pleased with your
choice, and how unhappy you seemed
to Le; and At last she told me there was
young lady you had been engaged to,
good, pious, energetic worker in the
church, that the congregation would
have been delighted with Miss Vanson.
you know and, ahi me. when COM
pared my useless self to her, and re-
membered how my love must have
made You take me out of pity, I couldn't
-couldn't stay to be burden"
Hush, my beloved wife; don't CRY on
this happy, white night of our ivesl
That was all false, and Martha shall find
place elsewhere. Now, tell us about
this little fellow"
They both pored over the soft waxen
face OF the sleeping infant, Joy in the
mothers and in the fathers eyes.
He came three weeks ago." muir
INJURED Laurette, blushing happily. ~and
it was to give him to you lived and
worked 30 hard. He kept me from de-
spair and wrong many = dark day, and
80, as soon as I could travel, We came. :"
@Our little boy" breathed the pastor,
softly kissing him, and then, with ten
der, but most growing reproach, he
cried: ooh, how could You leave me,
and battle through it alone-and new
or knew"
So that was how Laurette came back
to Beranger Haslem.
Duel With Hatchets.
At Breckenridge, COL, in tho early
aoftlQmonk ~ kbok oor,,~,k.- -o-> 49,