The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-29


clning years. and son who had been led 70
expect fortune as his inheritance.
The little clergyman behaved with singular
dignity and straightforwardnes. He told
the whole story frankly, and seemed to de-
velop fortitude for the trial. We were
pleased to hear now from his lips some Of
those phrases about trust in God and resigna-
ton to the dispositions of providence at
which we had sometimes felt inclined to smile
when the sleek little fellow spoke them 1.-The
pulpit. Indeed, so deep was our commisera-
ton for the rectors misfortune that we-who
are neither a church nor, ] fear, very chart
table people-summoned meeting of lead
ing parishioners, at which we resolved, by
annual subscriptions, to raise enough to pay
the curates; and thus, without directly pau
perizing our clergyman, we hoped to enable
him to hold his living In this way Rector
Brent was put in possession OF about three
hundred year-not a bad allowance, you
may say; but consider how he had lived
hitherto. The carriage must be put down I;
the gardens must be laid out in grass; the
coy dinner parties must be given up; Rector
Brent must, for the rest of his life, walk the
ways of genteel poverty.
Among the first to hear the bad news was
Mrs. barbara Temple That excellent little
woman had maxim for every change and
| chance, and upon hearing the tidings she re-
marked that such was the world-up and
down. IF the ups were always up" she
continued, straying for an instant into philos-
ophy, "the downs would never have chance
There was only so much money, so much ease,
so much luck, going. What one lost fell to
the lot of another" At the same time n , ex-
pressed and felt genuine sorrow for Mr. Brent
and for his son, who had always appeared To
her most promising young fellow
Shortly after hearing all this, Mrs Temple
rang for her maid, and sent for Sophia, who
came in with light dancing step, rare with
her; her face was full of glee
81 know what it is, mamma: YOU want me
| to look at your dress But saw it before Won
| did. Frightful, it isl You shan't wear it,
| dear not if | wear it myself
Sophia, you look very pretty this morn,
| ing, the mother said, with much fondness
and admiration, and touch of sorrow too,
as she thought of the disappointment the girl
| was about to have. @Never mind the gown:
have something to say to you"
Sophia looked wondering into her mothers
serious face, as she took seat beside her.
| Life is full of trials, Sophy," the kind
hearted little wording began @No one is fl
to live who is not ready to meet small vexa-
lions and disappointments, that perhaps al
first don't seem small, and meet them with a
cheerful face. One great thing is to remem
ber-what is undoubtedly true-that mosl
disappointments have bright as well rs q
dark side Indeed, if one looks over one.
life, it is surprising to notice how many mis-
haps which we either cried over or felt we
would like to cry over, only we restrained
ourselves, become on review matters of con
graduation. Do you know, Sophy, think
sometimes, when look back over my life
that what l called my misfortunes have in
three cases out of four become either directly
or indirectly sources of happiness after 6
year or two. l don't wish to talk boastfuily
dear; but think some of that is due to my
own good common sense.
She drew herself up with self-satisfied
air, but instantly resumed her compassionate
tone, while Sophia looked little anxious
not knowing what was coming. She saw
that her mother watched her closely, as she
delivered herself of these philosophic morsels
/ 1
Temple went on, stroking her girls hand
kindly. Il have heard something this morn
ing which renders your marriage with young
Brent impossible"
Mammal" Sophia cried, in great agitation
These things happen, Sophy," the mothe.
continued, these things often happen.
| never told any of you girls before, but as
sure you the first man that proposed to me
and to whom | was on the point of being
married-had to fly from England to avoid
transportation
mammal" Sophia cried again, but now
| springing to her feet, with face white witt
fear and pain "Tell me; what is it, H,
can't, o, he can't have done anything
wrong"
i Nothing wrong, DEAR she answered q.
only mentioned my case as in some respects
like yours No; the Brents are honorable
people, but they are beggars this morning
Sophy-beggars.
Then, in as few words as she could use. tn,
little woman, with most perfect lucidity, tols
the story of the disaster, remarking, whe1
she came to the maneuvering widow, that tn,
rector ought to have kept a sharper eye OIL
his brother
because We all know, Sophy, that there ar,
always widows who will do these things i
they can. should as soon think of leavin.
my jewel box all night open on my from
doorstep as of leaving a rich relation un
guarded-if it was my policy to get hi
money Now, don't cry. dear" she added
seeing her girls tears flowing fast; thing
might have been much worse"
=. Il am not crying now, mamma" Sophi,
said, sobbing, however, while she spoke. e
was frightened at first by what you said. A
least, these are tears of relief, / mean.
really felt afraid Of don't know what Blu
it is only money Percival has lost-not char
aeter, not honor"
40, no; his honor is untouched" the mothe
replied His character is as good as ever
and that will, of course, stand by him whel
he goes in search of employment Besides,
am glad on your account, dear; for even tn
most transient connection of your name witt
person who had done anything wrong woul,
be disagreeable"
II Sophia said nothing. She was drying Of
her tears with great brisknsss and assiduity
1t is pleasant sight to see a pretty youn
woman wiping her tears away, and feather
ing herself into cheerfulness again
Excellent good sense, Sophia" the mothe
said, looking at her with great approval g
always knew, with your sound judgment
you would come to this view of the matter
but was prepared for little temporary n
} luctance and a little girlish romance, and
was prepared to bear it kindly, dear, and I
: wait for the return Of good sense, which
knew would not be delayed long But yo
are wise girl, Sophy; nothing like facin
the inevitable boldly, and at once
But, mamma Sophy said, ''it is not sue
} great trial Percival can work We ca
, both wait"
20, then have mistaken your exclaime
, the mother. Now, 6ophy, my dear, yo
must not be absurd. This marriage is simpl
impossible. Wait as long as you may, Il
: young man cannot make fortune such Z
, you should expect and require You will 81
) this some day"
> II promised him would love him always
! Sophia said, with artlessness which in 81
other woman might have seemed affected
) 'and am to break my word because II,
, poor fellow is unfortunate2 He has dor
nothing Is he 10 lose his money and-an