The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-01-31

heaven to. An now she's quit. She
got good, lovin', true-hearted Teller t.
help her along where you didn't know
the way. an didn't want to, neither, an
you're ravin' mad cause he hain't got NJ
money, when you've got more'n enough
for all on We. Samwell Paine, you aim
no Christian, not 'cordin' to gospel truth
eff you have been a professor nigh on tt
forty year. You no need to think you
was converted. for you never was. Folks
amt converted to meanness an greedi,
ness an self-seekin' an wrath an NAL
ice: the Lord don't turn 'em into the
error of their ways; He turns 'em out
ont. Eff you was a minister in the pull
pit or deacon handin' the plate, you
aim tho Christian 'thout you act like one,
an that's the etarnal fact ont. You've
ben livin lie all these years, an you We
ended by drivin' your only daughter,
your own flesh an blood. the best thing
the Lord ever give We, out O house an
home cause you was mad after money.
Ant it ii happen unto we accordin' to
the Word o the Lord about sech folks;
you'll be drownded in destruction an per-
dition, an pierce yourself through with
many sorrers, eff you don't flee for life
from sech things. and foller after right
eousness, godliness, an the rest on EN-
You'd oughter go down on your poor old
knees an pray to he converted at the
'leventh hour. There. I've freed my
mind. thank the Lord. an there won't
be none o your blood found on my skirts
eff the last day comes in to-morrer morn
in'"' With which the exhausted lee
turer heaved a long breath, and began to
mop her heated face vigorously with her
inseparable bandana handkerchief, which
had there been any, homely victorious
banner
The squire stood amazed and afraid.
In all the long course of his life nobody
had ever before gainsaid him; outward
respect and consideration had been his
portion; now the ground cracked under
his feet, and he found himself in new
land. lie did not go to the store that
day; he stumbled out of Roxy's sight,
and Shut himself UP in the unused par
lor, where alternate storms of rage, con-
viction, despair. and scorn assaulted him
for many hours. 1t was, indeed. dread
full battle that he fought in the musty
silence of that darkened room. pacing up
and down like Gagged tiger Roxy had
spoken awful words, but they were milk
and honey compared to the echo which
his late -awakened conscience gave them:
still he fought with certain savage cour-
age against the truths that were topping
over to crush him. anu justified himself
to his own accusing soul with Il persist
ent hartlihood that had better served
better cause. 1t was reserved for Gods
own stroke to bring sweet waters out of
this rock; Moses and the rod had smitten
it in vain. Just as his courage seemed to
an HIM. anu liC hd'l lCSolfCtt W SCltl
Roxy back to lIermon and her tailoring,
and brave out the judgment of his fel-
low-men and the desertion of Louise
nay. more, to revenge himself for that
desertion by refusing her aid or comfort,
or even recognition of any kind-.just
then, as he had settled down into his
Self-complacency and willful disregard of
Gods own words, pelted at him as they
had been by Roxy, he heard an outer door
open, invading steps, voices of low tu-
multi, a sort of whispering horror and
stiiled grief drawing nearer to his retreat,
and the door opened very slowly, disclos-
ing the stern features of Parson Peters,
the village minister. Not altogether
stern now was that long and meagre Wis
age: sort of terror mingled with pity
soltencd its rigid lines.
My brother" he said, lifting one
hand, as he was wont to do when pray
ing over a coffin, and facing the troubled
and intiamed countenance of Squire Paine
my brother, the hand of the Lord is
upon you this day. Your child has been
taken: there has been terrible accident
to the train by which they left Reading
Station, and news has come that both
are-gone.
Like forest tree into which the wood
man sets his last stroke, the squire tot
tered, paused for one instant of time, and
fell forward PROSTATE.
Roxy was behind Parson Peters as the
old man fell, and pushing that eminent
divine out of her way like spider, she
was at once on her knees by his side,
promptly administering the proper rene
dies. 1t was only Il fainting fit, but,
when the squire recovered. he was weak.
humble, and gentle as a little child He
lay on the sofa i'll the parlor all day: the
unused windows were opened and the
sweet summer air flowed in and out with
scents of late roses and new hay on its
delicate wings but Squire Paine did not
notice it. He took the broth that Roxy
brought him without complaint, and
actually thanked her for it. She herself
guarded the outside door like a dragon
and even refused admittance to Parson
Peters.
No" said she; its good to let him
be to-day. tell We the Lords a-Icalin
with the poor old creter, an we hadn't
ought to meddle Human mater is ever
lastin' queer, an there is some folks no.
body can tune so well as Him that made
'em. He'll take up his bed an walk AS
soon as the merraclc works, an we can't
hurry it up any; but I've faith to believe
it's a-work.'
And it was according to Roxy's faith
As soon as the sun went down the squire
rose up. ate what was set before him, put
his disordered dress to rights, and walked
feebly over to the weekly prayer meeting
for these things happened Of Thurs
day.
The lights in the little school house
were dim and few, for the nights warm
atmosphere made even the heat of the
two necessary lamps oppressive; but
Squire Paine took no advantage of this
darkness, though the room was unusually
full. He walked to the very front bench
and seated himself before the deacon who