Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1885-12-25

away. He had done his utmost to
avert his fall. But each fresh venture
which he had made had failed; his re-
sources had grown feebler and feebler,
until, at length, ruin-actual ruin
stood before him.
He was married and had a wife and
five children. This was the bitterest
part of all. He loved them fondly
and devotedly; and as he pictured to
himself their grief and sorrow, and the
hardships which they might be forced
to undergo, he clenched his fists and
bit his teeth in blank despair.
tie was a proud man too, and as
honest as he was proud. He could
not bear to think of any loss inflicted
IN his name, and was determined to
submit to any sacrifice, even of a per-
sonal and private nature, if only he
could vindicate his honor, and avoid
the slightest stain upon his CONNER
cial fame.
AS yet he had said nothing to his
wife. He had put off telling her, think.
Ingalls,! vainly-that they would
improve at last, and the impending
danger pass away. He had found it
hard to play the hypocrite-if he had
loved her less he would have felt it
less-and to support SO great q load
without her loving sympathy to share
1t Was about as hard a fate as hecould
bear.
lie resolved accordingly to acquaint
her, to disclose to her that same even
ing the actual state OF his affairs, and
the personal sacrifice which they in.
volFed. He did not for a moment
doubt her courage-her cheerful resig-
nation and submission to the change
but he trembled in anticipation OF
the shock the first disclosure would
convey, and the dread anxiety that
must ensue.
Firm in his resolve, however, he closed
his desk, and, passing out into the
street, proceeded up Broadway on his
journey home.
1t was o cold and bracing evening,
clear and sparkling overhead, and the
stars, superbly glittering, returned
each passing salutation with a smile.
How much he needed sympathy
then! He thought of the loving, kind
reception which awaited him at home
his wife's sweet greeting, and the
children's shouts of welcome. The
very thought of them was happiness.
His wealth might go, but they would
still remain. They were his richest
treasures, after all-his greatest COM
tort and his sweetest blessing. They
were all the dearer to him now, and
the sense OF their united love would
make the trial easier for all. 1t mi ht
be but a short one in the end. He
would work with greater ardor than
he ever had, and in little while-a
few years at the latest-he might re-
cover all his present losses. It would
De but a temporary abandonment OF
their old home, their habits and ways
OF life; things would all come right at
last. And in the fervor fhis brighter
heart and feelings, he quickened his
pace, and struck out manfully for
home.
He arrived at the door as it was
striking 6 o'clock. His younger
children ran to meet him, and climbed
upon his knees, and threw their arms
around his neck to demonstrate their
joy. He kissed them fondly one by
one, and then proceeded, with an ach-
ing heart, upstairs.
He met his wife on the way. She
had heard his voice and was coming
down herself to greet him; and in an
other moment she was in his arms.
You are late, darling" she exclaim-
ed, reproachfully. owe expected you
two hours ago. There is nothing
wrong, is there?"
Il will tell you by and Bly," he
answered, forcing smile. "Wait till
the children are in bed, and we can
have a quiet talk alone. l have not
time to tell you now"
She looked up at him, and, with her
woman's tact, perceived that there
was trouble in his heart. "Well, -
she replied, "don' think about it now,
whatever it may be. Let us go down
to tea, and, after supper, Eva will
give you some music.
After supper they assembled to the
parlor, and, according to custom, John
Landor had prayers. Heprayed with
special earnestness that evening, and
several times his voice faltered. Even
baby was impressed, and, after pray
ers We're over, ran up to him and
threw her arms around his neck in
sympathy. He kissed her and took
her on his knees, while Eva played for
him his favorite pieces; and when the
child had gone his wife sat down be-
side him and whispered words Of COM
fort in ms ear.
At length they were alone-and then,
in a calm and manly way, he told her
all.
The tears started to her eyes, and
she would no doubt have broken
down; but remembering his own heavi-
ness, and anxious to avoid him any
further pain, she smiled and kissed him
tenderly. And why did you not tell
me this before?" smiling sadly through
her tears.
II had not courage" he replied,
speaking more at ease, "and I hoped,
besides, that each day things would
brighten. But they turned, alas! from
bad to worse, until the bitter end ar
rived.
"And you have borne this load of
sorrow all alone?" she said, reprov-
ingly. my poor love!'
He drew her to his heart and told
her that he had not known, till
now, the depth other devotion and her
love.
"And now" she said, 1--WE will send
away the servants and rent q cheap
apartment elsewhere; and / will give
music lessons, while Eva stays at home
to attend to the children.
He told her, with thankful smile,
that things could never be 80 bad as
that.
And then he told her OF his future
hopes and plans.
"We are confronted by heavy trial,
and our duty will involve much bitter