Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1892-04-20
CHAPTER Xu1.-coxrrxuEn.

the tears of the homeless" And these
very words may be spoken of this spot
to-day, SO green and fresh Is the grass
and 50 beautiful are the trees The
place is unchanged, and the familiar
figure Of the chaplain, known and loved
by everybody, is still constantly seen
in ms old haunts. The surroundings
are altered; 1.-THE simple dwelling
houses. with their white doorsteps and
green blinds" have been swept away;
but the coaiies still touch their SOU
wcstcrs 10 him rs he glides about" and
the children's faces brighten Mt his
greeting
The churchvard was quiet and de-
serted when Olive ventured in and sat
down "a rest upon seat under the
trees. She was in perfect harmony
with the tranquil. lights and shadows;
and the grave beauty of the old gray
walls, on which the record of centuries
was written 50 legibly, yet without any
sign Of neglect or decay. The chapel.
in its venerable strength, stood in the
midst OF all the active life of to-day,
and linked the present to the past In
that old church, the good and peaceful
Fuller spoke loving words 20 those who
sat within the walls, and crowded
about the windows and doors to get
within reach of his voice. And there.
too. he preached his last sermon 10 the
wedding couple, who were members of
his flock. and was carried ont of his be
loved sanctuary TO die. There were no
regrets for the dignities so lately be-
slowed upon him, no troubles about
worldly things; but only "au humble
thanlSfulncss and submission 10 Gods
welcome providence"
Olive sat there and mcditatcd. and
saw the yellow leaves dropping slowly
~ the still sunshine Watching them
idly At first. she began, after time. TO
remember that these very leaves had
taken the sun and dew of spring: and
all the freshness and fragrance of those
earlier days came back TO her with a
sudden thrill. stirring her with emo
tons which she had believed TO be al
most dead. How soon the autumn OF
her life had come. 1t was tranquil: IL
might be sweet; but the gladncsS of
springtidc Is the one recoverable iov
that. in this world, can never be granted
70 Us again.
She was no longer bitter and desc
late, vet the sense of lost youth
(which comes oftener TO those still
Young, than to the old) was too strong
for her 1T this moment. Something
arose in her throat; the tears filed her
eyes. and She thought she would allow
them 70 flow without restraint. They
did How and plcnteously. Once set
flowing they would not stop. Tor
thoughts and memories came crowding
after them. Every scene in her bricf
experience seemed TO be suddenly re-
vIved at this moment; voices, long
hushcd. were calling TO her from the
past and drowning all the sounds of
the present. The habit Of self-rc-
straint, SO constantly cultivated for the
sake OF others, was broken through at
last
When at length her bowed head was
lifted, some one spoke to her in a calm
tone that she had heard before. She
looked Up, startled and yet strangely
quoted. and met the gaze of the speak
er. IT was Mr.. Sidney, the chaplain.
You are in trouble" said the quiet
voice. with its penetrating sweetness.
on are in trouble, and you need help
and comfort"
As he stood there, tall and of digni-
fed bearing, she found courage 20
EAaAAA~N CT AAAhA = bffNlalA llLtlt. He was n
man who looked as If he could stand
alone without single prop; and al
though be had most benign face, it
wore an expression Of authority.
While he was speaking Olive had dried
her last tears, and she answered him
with "a gentle franl,ncss that touched
him
o.! have had sorrow, but IL is over"
she said. 81 came here because the
place Is so still and rcstful; and then
began 10 cry unaware"
You are looking tired" He was
watching her narrowly. and read the
signs Of quiet patience i'm her beautiful
young face. "Do you live far on?"
oh, mol live with my uncle who
j. o bookseller close by Last Sunday
came here for the first time. It was a
surprise 20 come suddenly ON this green
spot. had been longing for "a sight OF
grass and trees FOR ! was born i'm the
country
Tire chaplain knew wen enough that
this shady nool. had been q refuge 10
many who were "b1ru iu the country. r
BE had seen men and women come
here 20 renew the youth of the spirit
under these trees. There arc few SPOT.
leit moss iu the heart ~ London where
old memories muy live and grow
Then De talked to Olive a. the ancient
cfnr.hrari ard its history: and Of other
thnr-. a-I She listened and wondered
lftic 80 beer own perfect uurc. frafut I'm
IBIS rrc snee. Nh. would not have won
derca. perhaps, bad She realized tf1t
Dc ftd Dozen directing peoples liv. FOR
tf .Hn'r rr. r.. .nd u.i irH-