The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-11-14

my WI n 10 IL idllIiS Z, II VIII llOt D'
through lack OF earnest consclen
tious endeavor.
| see by your faces that | have
your sympathy and good will, SO
shall resume my work with new yea
and fresh courage.
A loud cheer vas heartily given
and the examination was over.
You have had a grand victory
Miss St. John, said Norman, as they
climbed the cllflpath together.
Yes, she aswered, smiling brightly,
| expected it.
Why should you? quizzically.
Because when we are in the right
we may always expect success or
victory, she answered confidently.
wish | had your faith, he re-
marked moodily, and the walk was
finished in silence
Going up to his "den," Norman
sat down TO study a model. He
believed he had invented a valuable
machine.
In the right2 he murmured.
Yes, | know | am in the right
but must | wait for success till neither
defeat nor victory would have power
to stir my dead heart? No, no;
this year must end the struggle.
And Junia, flushed with her own
success, was recalling a little con-
temptously his last words to her.
Wishes he had my faith! What a
grand sucC ess he might make of life.
| believe he lacks energy. Whatever
he is trying 10 do in sciences can be
better done in a city than in this
out-ot the way place, where there
can be no assistance of any sort
But still he buries himself here
very contentedly | fancy-and cries
for more faith Her rosy lips wore a
scorniul expression, and yet she
could not help giving this earnest
thoug man her hearty respect.
Autumn, winter and spring came
and went, and it2was summer once
more. The year was nearly gone,
and it had been a happy one for
Junia. Her Vacations had been spent
in the city, where she enjoyed So
ciety with a new zeSt. But the sum-
mer was unusually warm, and she
began TO long for much needed rest.
One hot, Sultry evening, when even
the sea seemed faint and still, Junia's
low room was oppressive. She looked
Ioneingly down on the little box of a
balcony under her window, which
shadowed the front door, and wondered
if it would bear her weight. Knowing
that the lattice work beneath was quite
substantial, she threw out some rugs
and ventured out upon the boards.
Although they creaked with every
motion as if resenting her freedom, she
curled down on the rugs and delighted
ly drank in the quiet beauty of the
night.
Presently there were footsteps along
the hall, and Norman, evidently in an
unusual mood, threw himself down on
the bench W ith so much emphasis as to
shake the neat little portlco, very much
to Junia' S terror.
The den must have blown up? she
declared mentally. IDever knew him
to spend an evening out of it. What
can be the matterp
For an hour or more she remained
almost motonless, for the creaking
structure might betray her, and she
could not compromise her dignity by
letting any one know she had climbed
through a window. With sense of re-
lief she plainly heard the wido1, shut
ting doors and windows for the night,
approach the hall.
Why, Norman You here? l came
near locking you out. Why aren't you
at work as usual?
l can't do any more until get some
money that's all there is about it, was
the low reply.
How much will do, Norman? |
have $40 laid by.
will not use your money, mother !;
besides, nothing less than hundred
dollars will do. I'm tempted to self
Prince.
Oh that colt is just like one of the
family. Have you had any chance
lately to sell the farm? Her voice
trembled as she spoke.
Mother, Eye told you repeatedly
that III never sell your old home un-
less you wish it sold.
But, my boy, can't see you wear
ing your lite out all for nothing.
O mother if you only had some
faith IN my work. I'm certain of sue
cess now, and SIoo would show you
that my labor has not been in vain. IT
l had but SIoo2
If | could feel sure OF your success,
Norman. l would sacrifice anything.
But if the farm should be sold, we
would have nothing left But we might
sell part; now that twenty acres on
the Point, I'd be glad TO sell.
Mother, dear, no one would buy
that it is scarcely more than great
rock. But we'll dismiss the subject.
I'm sorry l mentioned it. l was SO
annoyed to be at a complete stand still.
If you could spare me for while, l
could
O, Norman, you're all I've got.
Don't leave me yet, wait little longer,
and | am sure if it Is right tor you to
succeed, some way will be opened.
A suppressed Sigh was the only an
swer, and they both entered the house.
II