The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1892-04-08

yOnd which she had not before looked
Now she was brought face to face with
Darkness. Whittier should she wan
der through it, and what should she
strive for? She asked herself these
questions, for it was borne in upon
her that the old desire was a thing of
the past, being gratified, and that she
must discover a new one. Through
anticipation, her hope had mirrored
brightly, and now she found its reverse
side dull and with the disappoint-
ment mingled bitter surprise that it
was SO.
The widow broke in upon this con-
jured up sadness with real living sor-
row of her own. She was crying, and
all Abby's heart tenderness went out
to her at once, for the widow was a
proud little woman, and had kept her
griefs at home until now, fairly driven
for consolation to Abby's kindly arms.
And there she lay and sobbed her
story-how Jim had been placed
under bonds and had broken them,
and could not pay and must go away
to some prison. Little by little she
laid bare the trial of desolate years,
and Abby listened sympathetically.
Jim could get away" said the
widow, "he would go into the navy,
as his father did. Jim always wanted
to, but l couldn't let him go he is aa
| have. He can do nothing else, and |
would not let him go. Twas SO selfish
i kept him against his leaning
now he must go to prison. It's a
Judgment on me.
And Abby consoled her distress and
lulled her to rest as gentle as she
would grieving child
The next day Abby strobe down the
white road to the village, and drew all
her money from the bank. The cash
Ter joked her upon extravaganza.
'Going to buy gold-heeled shoes
now, Abby ?"
She looked up smiling. eyes, my
gold-heeled shoes. Took long time
to pay for them, didn't it %
II wish we might all get them if it
would make us look as happy as you
do now" said he.
Abby marched from the bank into
the presence of the town officials sit
ting on Jim Barker's case The con-
stable was there, ready to conduct
him to the State reformatory.
What will it cost to get Jim off p
she demanded.
lone hundred dollars" said the
clerk. r
Abby counted the amount ON the
table, while all the room stared.
Come, Jim,' said she.
Jim came from his constable guard
ed corner, and followed her out. He
was amazed. His malodorous career
had not brought him many acts of
kindness at the towns-people's hands.
haf hi
he said, huskily.
She smiled at him reassuringly.
Just this, Jim-gold-heeled shoes.
And, Jim, go home now, and say good
by to your mother. Then be good
sailor-and man."
Quickly he stood bareheaded. BE
fore God, I'll try" he said.
That night the widow again lay in
Abby's arms. ''Jim's gone; he told
Inc ALL she whispered. How could
you? Abby, Abby, here I've lived
beside you for years, and Inever knew
you"
81 haven't changed speck," said
Abby, in affected grimness, her face
turned away.
"Abby, don't turn away; you've
saved Jim. You've saved me. And
think what it cost Oh, Abby, your
gold-heeled shoes ~
"There don't mind. Leather is good
enough the rest of the way"
Il can never pay you back, Abby,
but while have a crust-Oh, Abby, l
can't tell you all l think" she cried,
for the event bore a poetic fancy into
her plain-furnished mind. But do
believe your gold-heeled shoes are lay
ing up for you to walk the streets of
paradise.