Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1886-11-26

newest freshman, liked Tony. lie was
SO good humored, so sincere, and a
bove all, in such deadly earnest with
his work! He began with fresh zeal
every morning to score fresh failure
before night.
BY dint Of pushing, he was taken
into the freshman class.
81 doubt if he ever goes further, y
said Prof. Tyndall to me was now d
tutor in the lower SCHOOL, There's
not a mean or vulgar trait in that
great body. Under his good humor
there is a fine, noble nature. But a
minister he will never be. Even if he
could ever speak in public he never
can take the training"
! The half yearly examinations were
at hand. Tony broke down again in
Latin and Greek. | went to his room
that evening. and found him sitting
s-straddle Of his chair, his chin on the
back, staring steadfastly in the fire.
Tony's round face was as boyish as
ever. but there was an infinite depth
of longing and pain in his dark eyes.
Hard luck, Brashier," said.
"1ou don't know the worst. Here
is a letter from my mother, counting
the time until | shall be minister;
doing something for the glory of God s
gospel and the good of the world.
How can tell her am thrown back
another year? ought to be at work
now supporting her"
Il thought you did that now"
81 work as u farm hand during tae
summer, and earn enough to help US
both; but it is very poorly. Other
men of my age would have profes-
sion. She is growing old. She ought
to live like lady
will you persist here:?"
81 will stay the four years Us ] have
promised her."
| could not reach him with any
courage or comfort. Tony was tread
ing the depths of misery where no
usn could come nigh to him
But after that day there was sim
gulsr change in him.
He Was regular and attentive in his
classes rs be had been before; but out
side OF them he withdrew himself
from his old companions, gave up his
fishing and his club. He was seldom
seen on the ball or cricket grounds ;
be scarcely gave himself time for his
meals
HIS door WAS always locked, but
vague reports crept out that ''the
Babe" wa. surrounded by piles Of new
books. sheets of drawing paper. ncn-
tells and queer utensils.
By degrees this order Of things be-
came habi,ual and ceased to provoke
remark. There WAS u gravity aud ear
nsstness in Tony never seen before.
Sometimes he took u holiday. came to
the ball.feld, and thin his wild "Hur-
rahs.' drowned all the others.
Time passed. Men who began with
Tony were now seniors. He was only
beginning his sophomore year.
The college stood in the suburbs OF
large city, aud the BOYS naturally
took keen interest in all public e.
vents. Among these was the erection
of large church which was to be the
mos, stately and beautiful in the city.
The money to build and endow it had
been left by man Of great wealth
who requested that it should be kept
forever for the use Of the poor.
All the leading architects su admitted
plans to the committee. One was
chosen, and the work Of building was
pushed with energy. 1t was near the
college, and the boys were so interest
ed in the matter that the new church
became . place of daily resort. and rs
its massive dome and airy spire rose
in the air, each lad felt that he per-
sonally had y share in it. Tony es
pecially was in the habit Of going
daily to the building and spent hours
in watching its rapid growth, and
talking to the workmen.
be consecrated the day before COM
mencement.
Mrs. Brashier came up to the CO...
lese that day. Her reports nf Tony's
progress had been vague. She came,
full of despsiring fears to :erify them,
and made her way at once, to Prof.
Tyndall's room.
IL have not Tonys confidence" she
complained. "He writes to me that
he is trying faithfully to satisfy my
wishes, but that he knows it is use
less He does not go into Details
The professor went into details, end
ling with, 1T ia folly to dec i've your
self, madam. You must see that the
effort Tony has made to become a
minister is useless, as he says Are
you not willing even now that he shall
take up come other work in life?'
The poor woman sobbed miserably.
"Oh. yes, I'm willing she gasPed at
last "Anything to earn u living
But did hope he would do come no
ble work. W ere is the poor boy?"
The professor ros quickly, glad to
end the interview. 81 have no doubt
he is with all the college at the conse.
Grafton of the new church. will 60
with you there"
| The ceremony WIS partly over Whsil
they arrived. The great marble build
ing, with its vast alsles aud upsprlng
ing arches, stood beautiful rs u visible
hymn of praise. The religions ser
vices were over. The building had
been dedicated to the worship of God.
Now the great mass of people stood
outside on the green slope Of the hill
surrounding it. while the executor Of
the will formally delivered the church
into the hands of the trustees who
held it for the poor of the city. He
told in few words the story Of the
}, will, the sacred purpose to which the
church was forever devoted, a temple
; wherein the poorest Of Gods creatures
should come to worship Him.