The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1883-05-09

~ VIII DC VI hO uS6, bdlu SH6, nb
will say l have broken my word in
telling you; but you were so kind, and
l so desolate, that opened my whole
heart to YOU
81 promised to be careful of her
secret, and to see her again before
night.
II went directly home and told
your mother all but the circumstances
connected with the brother. Her kind
heart was instantly aroused, and while
was talking she began to gather up
different things which might be needed
in the sick-room. In less than two
hours there was a cheerful fire in that
attic room, the bed was comfortably
arranged, Mrs. Hale was well cared
for, and Willie had dined like prince.
Toward night ] took my way in
the still-increasing storm to the house
of Mr.. Blank. l confess my heart
rather misgave me when | remembered
this particular case was not humanity
in general l accused myself of un-
charitableness in judging my friend,
and brought to mind the old adage:
There are always two sides to q story
In my eagerness to exculpate him 1
began to doubt the word of the poor
woman.
i found him surrounded with
every luxury. He gave me a cordial
reception, but when my errand was
made known his manner changed. 1t
was long before could make any i'm
preston upon him. He affected to
believe their suffering feigned, because
Mrs. Hale had refused to take any
more work from his wife. 1 told the
reason, when he replied: You have
been an easy dupe to designing wo-
man. Here is ten dollars, which I
give under protest, knowing it will be
foolishly squandered. And now, my
good sir, please never mention the
subject to me again, or 1 shall be
obliged to drop an acquaintance that 1
have always found exceedingly agree
able
perhaps said little more to him
than became poor minister, but as l
looked around upon his magnificent
drawing-rooms could not help think
ing that were it not for the publicity
of his donations they would be with
held, and that his published contribu-
tions did not proceed from a generous
heart, but from a contemplate desire
for popularity and fame. And / did
what is not always wise, spoke my
thoughts aloud.
HE reminded me gravely that was
taking upon myself zone of the pre-
negatives of the Most High when 1
set myself up to judge the motives
which had actuated him. 1 cannot
say who had the last word, but 1 know
l never felt so angry in my life as 1
did when l stepped from his door, and
he bowed me out in the most self-pos-
sessed manner. l lost my position
soon after through his influence, and
since then our ways in life have sell
dom crossed.
"Mrs. Hale recovered soon, thanks
to careful nursing and the effect of
careful food. Several became interest
ed in her, and as soon as she regained
her strength they put her in the way
of earning enough to support herself
and Willie. She gave him a good edu-
cation, and he has done a great deal
for himself, and is to-day one of the
most promising young men Of my ac-
quaintance. That is only one of many
Instances which have come under my
observation through my long and
varied experience. To be Just to hui
man nature, think this a little the
worst, or else | became familiariZed
with Inconsistencies and they did not
make so deep an impression upon me.
Perhaps you will Judge Mrs. Ben
son more leniently when tell you she
has but carried out the result of her
early training, for you know she is
Judge Hadley's daughter, and he is the
Mr.. Blank who figured in my story.
And, Annie, perhaps there will be no
better time for me to talk with you on
the subject which has given me no
little anxiety. Within the past week
two young men have called on me,
seeking my permission to win to them
selves my hearts best treasure, my
only daughter. Annie, darling, will
you show me your heart, that L may
know how to answer them?"
No words came from the restless
little figure, who had suddenly found
so much to be done in the other part
of the room. Every book had been
busted twice over, and still she lin
gered, with her face turned from her
father.
al am waiting, Annie"
"Well, papa" under her breath.
"Come here, darling, where l can
see your face; who knows how long
they will let me have you with me? 2"
"Shan l tell you of my callers? Well,
one is rich, educated and exceedingly
popular. He has no profession or
business, and you would think he
would never need any, as he is an only
son but if by some sudden stroke of
fortune his fathers wealth should be
swept away, the young man, with his
dainty and axnan SiVa habits would