Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1894-03-03

III.
1t is a beautiful summers morning.
The clear waves fall softly upon the
beach though they are leaping at the
lighthouse ont at 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
hat has been to relieve those watchers
at the lighthouse, Mabel's beautiful
face is deathly pale and M little hand
is clasped to her heart, This is herlast
hope, and she feels how weak it is.
Some of the passengers in that i'll
fated vessel may have gained the light.
house.
Presently a boat is lowered. men leap
in her; their oars flash in the sunlight,
and the boat speeds towards the shore,
The rector places his arm round Ma
bells waist, and she sobs aloud. The
fishermen walk from them and watch
the boat draw near. But they know
too well there is no hope.
At last the news arrives. None land
ed at the lighthouse that stormy night.
every soul was lost Mabel hears it,
and sinks in her fathers arms; the old
man places her on the grass, and kneel-
ing beside her, with clasped hands,
prays with all the fervor Of his soul.
His faith is strong still, and as those
rough men look upon the old mans
face, turned TO the silent heavens, they
learn a lesson that ever his words could
not teach them.
Days pass by. The moon is rising
over the rolling sen, flashing over the
waves a myriad of lights. The earth is
very beautiful this peaceful night.
Strolling along the shore are father
and daughter, but Mabel is sadly
changed, 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
feel how weak my words are, | feel
that were your mother in my place, she
could comfort you as | can never hope
TODD. Yet even your dear mother could
not sorrow with you more than J."
Papa, you are very good, No one
could comfort me more than you; but
there is 70 comfort for me. All hope
is gone now. Oh, Herbert, why did |
love you so dearly?'
IAN will come right, 1t will; indeed
it 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 hopes and
faith"
But, papa, what are they to me
when | have lost Herbert? Oh, it is
cruel, it is wicked
Hush, darling. You do not know
what you say in your grief, Kneel
down, my child, and we will pray that
he shall come to you"
Softly the waves break upon the
shore, and the moo streams over ia
Their and child as they kncel 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. The next
moment she is clasped in her lovers
arms, her lips meet his, and she lives
again,
The s%ilvery light of the moon falls
upon the lovers clasped within each
others arms, and upon the old mans
u%pturned face, as he knecls beside them