The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-03-01

the Idyl, Snow and Fire, and wonder
little at the sequel.
1t was close on Sunday morning when
the pastor put away his work and
thought OF rest. Never mind, 1t was
good sermon, and before leaving his
study he prayed humbly that 1t might be
blessed to some among his flock perhaps
even his own eve lamb.
Laurette had not yet retired. Foolish
girl, she must be sitting alone down
stairs waiting for him.
The gas was not lit in the parlor, but
at the sound of his steps In the hall the
housekeeper, an elderly woman, with
peculiar, cold eye, came up from the
kitchen region, note in her hand.
"Mis' Haslem has gone out, sir, and
she told me not to disturb you on no sc-'
count till you would come down, and to
give you this note. expect, sir" said
the woman demurely, smoothing down
her apron, while her steslthy eye watch
ed her masters face, "she's gone to
spend the evening at some of them
friends of hers, and wants you to 60 for
her. It's rainy night for you to go
out after your work, sir, but-hel he =
you'll not get the comfort with young
wife that you had when you was your
own master"
But Mr.. Haslem was deaf to old
Martha's words of wisdom.
He had torn open the note, and read
what turned him cold and blind as a
stone.
This from his own little wife:
1 am going away-out of your life
forever, Beranger. L have thought 1t
all over, and 1t is best. After while
marry again, for shall be dead |; and
don't make such another mistake.
Take her you would have taken but for
me. Oh, my love, never blamed you
LAURETTE.
1.-THE Lord is your sun and shield,
and He will watch over her you mourn,
and will preserve her from HARM" said
good Elder Crayton, when, week later,
he bent over his young PASTORS pillow,
and held his burning hand in his
"And perhaps this will be blessed to
the wayward child, and ordered for her
and your more lasting happiness. Be
not disquieted; nothing is suspected as
yet among the people, and we must
keep her name spotless. They think
you took her home to see some relative,
and 1 will explain the continued alb
sence."
So this wise friend stood betwee the
crushed minister and the cruel darts of
slander-told all inquirers that Mrs. Has
len has been " sent by the Lord to fulfill
mission elsewhere" and meanwhile,
prayed hard for good to come out of the
great evil.
But six months passed away, and
Beranger Haslem is still desolate.
1t was vaguely reported that Mrs.
Haslem was nursing some dying rela-
tive, perhaps with cloud over his or
her name, hence the pastors reticence
and sadness. The truth was never once
suspected, and, be it said to poor Lauret-
tO SiOulbs hOhO CNCh bhC LhObb
Gus, dreamed of associations wrong
with her.
Six months, and Christmas eve. Mr..
Haslem is once more in his study work.
ing at his Christmas sermon, with
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
care of her minister" The fire burn
ed dimly, half smothered in ashes; the
books were piled anyhow the little sew
ing 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 upon her poor garments,
great, quivering light growing on her
white face. And in her outstretched
arms, while her lips moved speechless-
ly and her hollow eyes appealed, she
held sleeping babe
Was 1t a 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. 81 have brought you Christmas
gift--our child ~
"My Godl" exclaimed Mr.. Haslem