The Press., 1891-09-03
silver lining, and papa will look through

I
 They went In hand in hand, as they had done before in the days when the strong brother had aided and abetted the little sister in some mischief which called for pardon.
 The cheerful home seemed darkened when they entered, and 1t required an ef- fort of Maida's joyous spirit to say, "Phil, all will be well, never fear" It was Maida who removed Phil's hat and brushed back his hair tenderly, and Maida who said to the mother, when she expressed her surprise that @ five mile race had so quickly ended, "We have re- turned, dear, because something troubles us, and we feel that you can make the trouble lighter" .,.. -. "If I can, children" said the mother, with a little smile, fondly fancying that the fastidious Phil had objected to some lof the arrangements for the approaching wedding, or even to Maida's graduation tdress.
 Mamma, dear, it is something serious for us all; something cruelty serious for dear Phil; and he dreads to tell you, lest it may make you suffer more than now. Dearest, we must be very kind to our Phil"
 | Mrs. Hale looked at her sons face, which was gradually growing paler. "Phil," my dear boy" she said, as she held out her arms, "your mother does not know what this trouble is, or may be- come, but she does know that there is al- ways rest and peace next his mothers heart. Tell me, dearest; even crime could not separate us, and folly of yours will be my folly also."
 l Phil threw himself on his knees beside her bed and kissed her tenderly. "Oh, mother, mother" he exclaimed, "your great, brave soul shames me for my cow ardice. Tell her, Maida, little sister, can not"
 Mamma, Phil has been to some ocu- lists. and they say,-they think, they fear that he may become blind, unless he goes away and has perfect rest; per haps, even then"
 A close observer might have seen lit tie spasm of pain contract the face of the invalid for one brief moment, but neither personal pain nor repining was voiced as she said:
 Philip, my boy, my dear, only son, we can endure all things together. Better sightless eyes than sin-stained soul. We will hope for the best. You shall go ! away and you shall have the best treat ment science can give you, and then, then, my darling, when all is done, we will say again, That all God sends Is just Gods best.'"
 Was it remarkable that Philip Hale grew hopeful and cheerful? Was 1t mat ter for surprise that Maida stole away to her room, leaving the mother and son to talk softly of this sorrow so unexpected and so grievous to be borne? The lovers were all unconscious of the sad hearts in Mrs. Hale's room. MT. Calcott was discussing the propriety of side of his study, and MT. Hale had not returned from the city.
 Maida felt instinctively that the mother and Phil should be left to themselves, and as dressmakers and workmen were about, preparing for the wedding, which would take place only three days hence, or i'm mediately after the exercises at Bradford, she easily arranged cozy tea in the sick room, which Phil tried to enjoy for his mothers sake.
 "We will bear this burden," she said, ''until after the wedding. Our gentle Bess must not have one shadow on her path, and, after that, papa will do all that can be done."
 It was a pretty home wedding that took place at Glenridge, three days after Phil's announcement, and Bessie made a model bride for 8 young minister. It was Mai da's whim to dress the bride herself, and as she draped and patted, and pulled Bes- sic about, uttering meanwhile the drollest comments, no one dreamed that great sorrow, all the deeper because it was not her own personal suffering, was weigh ing on her heart. Phil, too, was very brave. Bess detected little sadness in his tone, which she attributed to her leav- ing home; and MT. Calcott was unusually attentive to him, thinking how hard it. must be for them all to have the first break in the family circle.
 Everything that wealth could do was done to make this daughters new homo bright and beautiful. Some of the carp try minister's wife, but MT. Hale never heard critics of any kind. thad cost thu parish nothing, therefore the parish had no warrant for interfering.
 l After the young couple had driven away and the last guest had departed, Mrs.
 Hale told her husband Phil's sad story. It was 8 cruel blow to all his ambitious ! plans for his only son, and it was long time before he could conquer himself sui. ficiently to mention the matter to Phil. Mrs. Hale waited patiently; she knew
 the depths of his great nature and his
 cautiousness. In good time all would be
 well. Two days later Phil found the foi lowing note, in his fathers handwriting
 laid upon his desk. Even with his strong.
 est glasses it was difficult to deciphel some of the words
 MY Boy :-H it is hard for me to bear
 this afdiction, how doubly hard it must b,
 for you. Make such plans for travel a. you will and command my purse as yo, choose. I only regret that cannot leay.
 your mother to go with you, nor can sh, , spare your sister. I am going into thu city to consult the oculists whom you saw and on my return we will confer together
 Hope for the best my boy, for God reigns "Your father, MATTHEW HALR.n ITO be continued.l
 BUOKLEN's ARNIcA SALvE.-The bes | ra l,ro in tho uorId for o,,tc br,,innn no.o.