The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-12-20

back with the team. He asked the old
man if there was anything more lie could
do for him, and when assured that there
was not, he babe him good.by and saw
him off.
"Well, Myra," said Hamilton Kirk.
taking one of his daughters hands. II
have been on mission in the beggar's
garb."
"What been away in that guise?" OK
claimed the girl in surprise.
Eyes. called upon Joseph Vaughan.
and upon Henry Walsh and upon Chaun.
cey Stewart"
"Oh, father! What must they have
thought"
why, doubtless, that was what I
appeared, q poor beggar."
"But-they didn't know you?"
"No,"
"Nor did they. l went to try them
| to see what kind of souls they have. l
knew before hand that they were young
| men of good characters, and that they
| were upright, honest, and intelligent.
/ But wanted to know more. wanted
to krow Just what kind of a founda-
ton each one had for the loves and affec.
tons of earnest life. So tried them.
would you like to know the result?'
Yes" whispered Myra, with slight
pallor about the neither lip.
Then listen: You must know that the
pale, wan color which 1 applied to my
features, taken in connection with my
81, 70 rsr yron m
any man of observation that was not o
drunkard; so they could have no fear OF
trusting me on that account. Well, l
called upon Mr. Vaughan first. He re-
ceived me very coldly, and turned me
away without even seeking to know my
needs. He had nothing to spare. His
heart I found TO be as bard as a diamond
land it may be as pure. Are you not
disappointed in him?"
mo, father, not at ALL" She spoke as
though she felt relieved, in measure.
Well, next called upon Henry
Walsh. His heart opened in a moment,
and he threw me out q dollar. He was
generous, he was warm-hearted, but the
feeling was an impulse, and not a prin-
ciple. He didn't seem to care for my for
lorn condition, nor did he betray any
sympathy beyond the mere flush of gen.
erosity. He gave me OF the only fount
of charity he possessed-his money. His
heart is warm, bat the heat would not
stand much testing by blasts and storms.
In short such heart would be very apt
to prove q spendthrift in its affections.
What think you? Are you Disappointed"
And Myra whispered;
"No."
Next / called upon Chauncey Stew
art. found him with his sleeves rolled
up and hard at work. He greeted me
kindly and asked him for charity. He
studied me from my looks awhile, and
then sought TO learn how he could best
help me. He did not offer me money,
for he confessed that he had little to
spare; yet he would divide his last dollar
ere he would send me away empty
handed. He learned that l had not
broken fast, and be took me to his home,
and his mother prepared me . good
meal. Then he learned that wanted
TO go to W, and he hsrnessed up his
horse and sent me on my way. Such .
heart is not only true and warm, bat it
may be relied upon in the hour OF need.
Its impulses are governed by principle,
and Its duties are only circumscribed by
the boundaries Of humanity. It cannot
become bankrupt, because its issues are
sure to be upheld by permanent fund
Of sense and reason. What think you,
my darling."
But Myra made no reply. She bowed
her head and trembled violently.
Cant you answer me? Ah-tears
What. precious one, have hit 90 near.
ly: Had your heart already singled
tia. enc OUT!
And Myra whispered:
Yes"
We'll, WE'LL" returned the old man,
II am not sorry for the pains I have
taken. for it has proved TO me that the
heart Of my child il in the right place,
and its instincts are true and safe"
In course of time Joseph Vaughan
asked for the hand Of Myra, and Was re-
fused. Then Henry Walsh tried his for
tune, and he, too, Was sent away disap-
pointed. At length Chsuncey Stewart,
when he saw that she still remained free,
trem blingly told her Of his love, and ere
he left her he had not only been assured
that his love was returned, but her curl.
Gus old father he'd frankly given his con
sent to the proposed match.