The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1886-01-01

NAyS oi Noulu Dc hliOWll, dIiu Ills
credit, reputation, fortune swept
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
hve 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.
He was q proud man too. and as
honest as he was proud. He could
not bear to think OF any loss inflicted
In his name, and vas 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
iess-and to support so great n load
without %herloving sympathy to share
1T was about as hard q fate as hecould
bear.
He 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
volved. 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 a 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
chlldren'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
fort and his sweetest blessing. They
were all the dearer to him now, and
the n of their united love would
make the trial easier for all. 1t might
be but a short one in the end. He
would work with greater ardor than
he ever had, and in a little while-a
few years at the latest-he might re-
cover all his present losses. 1t would
be 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 ofhis brighter
heart and feelings, he quickened his
pace, and struck out manfully for
home.
He arrived at the door as it was
striking g O'Clock. His younger
children ran to meet him, andclimbed
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, re~proachfully. I'VE expected you
two hours ago. There is nothing
wrong, is there?"
81 will tell you by and BY" he
answered, forcing u smile. "Wait till
the children are in bed, and we can
have q 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 a trouble in his heart. "Well,"
she replied, "don't think about lit 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
Lander had prayers. Heprayed with
special earnestness that evening, and
several times his voice faltered. Even
baby was impressed, and, after pray
ers were 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 his ear
AT length they We're alone-and then,
in a calm and manly way, he told her
all.
The tears started 20 her eyes, and
she would no doubt have broken
down; but rememberinghis own heavi-
ness, and anxious to avoid him any
further pain, h esmiled andkissed him
tenderly. "And why did you not tell
me this before?" smiling sadly through
her tears.
81 had not courage" he replied,
speaking more at case, 'and 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 alone2" she said, reprov-
ingly. my poor love-"
He drew her to his heart and told
her that he had not known. till
now, thedepth other devotion and her
love.
"Apd now" she said, eve will send
away the servants and rent a cheap
apartment elsewhere; and ! will give
music lessons, while Evastays at home
to attend to the children.
He told her, with a thankful smile,
that things could never be so bad as
that.
And then he told her of his future
hopes and plans.
.We areconfronted by a heavy trial,
and our duty will involve much bitter
sacrifice. But let us trust in God, and
and be brave. And it will all come