The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-04-22


in apology: ut is not against the law
to remember it at Christmas"
This sentiment was received by the
little doctor with beaming smiles.
"Well said, Mr.. Wyrner, well said;
but it is not againse the law to remem-
Der it at all times"
81 referred only to Christmas" said
Mr. Wymer. guardedly.
''Well, be it so. 1t is good, then, to
feel that the law of kindness and good
will reigns tonight, at least, and that
when we wish each other a merry
Christmas and happy New Year, the
words are not uttered unmeaningly."
With many more good wishes, the
party was about finally to break up,
when Dr. Bax took small cotton bag
from his pocket, and, opening it, held
it out to the company.
For the poor" he simply said.
81 beg your pardon" said Mr..
Wymer, looking into the bag, which
happened to be blue bag.
'.For the poor" repeated Dr. Bax.
"Whose poor?" asked Mr.. Wymer,
judicially.
"Mine-yours-God'sr'
Mr. Wymer's face instantly lost its
judicial aspect.
Pardon me-" he said, dropping a
coin into the bag; and Dr. Bax's eyes
glistened at the flash of gold.
Miss Wymer contributed a small
packet, saying, stiflly:
''Six and eightpence. I never give
more; 1 never give less"
Every one, from high to low, gave
his mite, William Fairfield being the
last. Dr.. Bax gently nudged the young
farmer, who sullenly flung some pieces
of money into the bag. His ungracious
manner drew the attention of the little
doctor upon him, and from Williams
face his eyes wandered to Laura's. The
trouble depicted there startled him,
but he made no immediate reference to
it.
''This is good" said Dr. Bax, drawing
the strings of the bag together. Il am a
rich man. am happy man. Thank
you, friends. in the name of the poor. -
A dOg-cart was waiting outside for
the doctor; he stood at the side of the
pony until William came from the
house.
. Here you are at last" he cried;
'.jump in"
But William turned away, saying he
was not in the humor for company.
Doctor Bax laid his hand gently upon
the young mans arm.
THAT is Just the reason why COM
pany should be forced upon you; I'M
less, indeed" said the doctor, with an
upward glance at William white face,
1.-The impulse which urges you to shun
your friend springs from pure happi-
ness. There are feelings so sacred as to
demand solitude-feelings with which,
when our souls are stirred by them,
only the spirit of Nature can have com
muniOn. When l was a young man, |
was at intervals for brief space under
such spell. Then l would wander
into the woods, where no human eye
could behold me, and my soul would
pour out its gratitude for the Heavenly
happiness which melted me into wor-
ship. William, when was your age,
[ loved"
And now?" questioned William, in
a tone which exhibited no sympathy
for his friend. His grief and despair
were overwhelming in their selfish
for other sentiment
"And now" replied DR.. Bax, with
simple pathos, II am alone in the
world. All, no.' he cried, with swift
correction of himself; chow can a man
be alone when humanity calls out to
him, holds out its hand and says: Give
me of your heart; double my joy by
sharing it with me; lessen my sorrows
and troubles by sympathizing with
thcmn No, am not alone. though the
woman | loved was snatched from me
by death. Upon her grave ] can lay
not only sweet memories, but such
daily duties as it is in my humble
power to perform, and which it glad
dens her soul TO see, as she gazes upon
me from the spirit-world with eyes of
love"
You are fortunate in your memoir
les" said William, moodily.
''If | had not the evidence of my
senses, should think that it was Ste
phen WinkwOrth who makes that re-
mark to me, not the William Fairfield
who has as true cause to bless his lot
as any man dare hope for. Yes, thank
God, | am fortunate in my memories;
they are the stars of my life. William,
| have some visits TO make and you
must accompany me. Nay, l will not
DE denied. You need companionshiP.
/ am doctor of the mind as we'll as of
suffering" He paused for awhile, in
viting confidence, and, cliciting none,
continued: Gloomy thoughts come to
all men at times; and although do
not desire to intrude upon yours against
your wish, shall not allow you to
brood over your shadows and magnify
them out of all reasonable proper
tons"
William started at the word ''shad-
ows," and considered for moment.
1t was but a few minutes past ten
o'clock, and the appointment which
Stephen Winkworth had told him that
Laura had made with another lover
was not to take place until an hour
after midnight. DR.. BaX was his
true friend, and he could not shake
him off without resorting to subterfuge.
He had time to accompany the doctor,
and return to witness the false girls
treachcry, if Stephen Winkworth had
not lied to him.
Il will go with you," he said.
Away they sped to the adjacent vii
lage, the pony throwing up the snow
merrily with his hoofs, as though he
knew upon what errand they were
bent. Dr.. Bax lived in the heart of the
village, and he drew rein at his house.
4 pretty maid ran out to hold the
pony, between whom and herself an
intimacy of an afectionate nature evil
IDENTIFY existed.
Come in, William" said the doc.