Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1894-06-22

tiers as they were and view the sitIa-
ton with that calmness and eampla-
cency that Pat exhibited. BJ' that
same storm which wrecked tn. first
vessel delayed the mail steamer ana she
arrived three weeks behind her time.
III.
1t is n beautiful summers morning
The clear waves fall softly upon the
beach though they are leaping at the
lighthouse out ut sea. The cattle are
browsing upon the rich pasture in the
distance and on yOnder hill is the rec
tors UNCOVERED church. beneath which
rests his lost wife. The old man is
upon the shore; his daughters arm is
within his; they are watching the tug
that has been 10 relieve those watchers
ct the lighthouse. Mabels beautiful
face is deathly pale and one little hand
is clasped to her heart. Tlds is her
lest hope and she feels how weak it
is.
Some Of the passengers in hat Ill
fated vessel may have gained the light
house.
Presently boat is lowered, men leap.
In her; their oars fash in the sunlight
and TIL, boat speeds toward the shore.
The rector places his arm round Ma
bcl'S waist and she sobs aloud. The
fishermen walk from them ard watch
the boat draw near. But they know
too well there is TO hope
At last the news arrives. None lpnd-
ed ut the lighthouse that stormy night,
every soul was lost. Mabel hears 1t
and sinks In her fathers arms; ihe old
man places her upon the grass fhd
kuecllng beside her, with ciaSpCd hands,
plays with al the fervor ot his soul.
His faith is strong still ana rs those
rough ilen look upon that old mans
face, turned 10 the silent heavens, they
learn lesson that even his words could
not teach them.
Days pass by. The moon IS rising
over the rolling sea, flashing over the
waves in myriad lights. The earth
Is very beautiful this peaceful night.
Strolling along the shore ere father
and daughter, but Mabel is sadly chang
Ell and the old man looks older. He
is talking in that soft hopeful voice
that somehow always brings Mabel
comfort in her grief. His hat is in
his hand and his silvery hair waves in
the gentle wind. Mabel thinks he is
very beautiful; and so he is, with that
brave faith which no trouble will
shake.
mabel, for the first time in my life
i feel how weak my words are. / feel
that were your mother in my place she
could comfort you as l can never hope
to do. Yet even your dear mother
could not sorrow with you more than
l."
Papa. you are very good. No one
could comfort me more than you; but
there is no comfort for me. All hope
is gone now. Oh, Herbert, why did
love you so dearly?"
"All will come right. It will; indeed
II will"
You bid me have faith even now,
papa?"
Il do. bid you have faith and hope.
See, darling! Look at that glorious sea
and the earth. Their presence should
always raise your hope and faith"
But papa, what are they to me,
when / have lost Herbert? Oh, it is
cruel. 1t is wicked"
Hush, darling! You do not know
what you say in your grief Kne4l
down, my child; and we will pray dat
he shall come to you"
Softly the waves break upon the
shore and the moon streams over father
and child as they kneel side by side,
uttering their silent prayer. Then a
step falls upon the ground, a voice
breaks the silence:
"Mabel.'
Mabel springs to her feet NE neXt
moment she is clasped in h3r lovers
arms, her lips meet his and sue lives
again.
The silvery light of the moon falls
upon the lovers clasped within each
others arms and upon the old mans
upturned face. as he kneals beside
! them.