Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-11-22
THE LOST BANK NOTE.
By Mrs. Henry Wood. !
CHAP VI-CoNrlNUED.

entirely up 10 the sei'lCes' S"N
found a comfort in them wholly new.
Never is the heart so open TO heavenly
messages as in the season OF tribula-
ton and affection.
MIR. West fastened out OF the
church at the conclusion TO JON
a farmer whom he wanted to see;
but Mrs. West remained till ever
one else had left 1t; 1t was her
custom. When they reached the
churchyard it was full of lingerers,
and Mrs. West and Frances Cham
bers walked on, greeting her acquain,
tances, and leaving Maria behind
and alone. Her face, white from It's
recent illness, became dyed As with
hictic, for all around were gazing at
ber-the thief! She staggered up
the path, wondering if she should
fall, wishing she might catch hold
of a tombstone for support, or to SIT
down upon a grassy mound and hide
her face, thinking how hard her lot
was. None had compassion on her;
her uncle had forgotten her; her aunt
and Frances Chambers were ashamed
of her; her cheast was heavlng, her
breath was short.
at is the cross laid upon me" she
murmured. "Lord, do Thou be with
me-, for none else will" But ere the
words were we'll spoken her arm
was taken and placed within firm
support.
She supposed it to be her uncle;
she felt strange reVulslon OF feeling
of thankfulness toward him; she
looked up, and saw Mr.. Lister
81 perceive you are not very strong
yet, Miss West; and you will be the
better forlmy arm"
The tears of gratitude welled uf
TO her eyes. "Strong neither IN body
nor in spirit" she answered.
"You will be stronger in both 10y
and by" be cheerfully said; and he
led her through the crowd, noddlng
to one, speaking pleasant word t'
another, and then they walked on II
silence. Maria felt unequal to break
it. and Mr.. Lister did not. At the
gate of the Glebe Farm Mrs. Yves
and Miss Chambers turned and saw
who was bringing Maria Maria
even at the distance, and through
her Grape veil, perceived their ges
ture of surprise.
GLOW shall ! thank YOU" sh(
impulsively cried to her companion
"Thank me for what"
ooh, you know, you know, Nh
Lister. All Stunned me; even IN.
aunt and uncle would not be seen t.
walk with me; but you have brave'
the opinion of the world, and done al
act of Kindness. shall remember
to the last day of my life"
"Truly a little matter" he replied
as they Joined Mrs. West, who ha'
waited at the gate. care you stron!
enough to proceed alone throug
the GARDEN" he inquired as h
declined Mrs. Vests invitation t
enter.
ooh, yes, thank you. Thank yor
very much, Mr.. Lester"
He released her, shook hands, anC
departed.
"What strange man be must be.
exclaimed Frances, who could no
recover her astoDishment. A clergy
man walking with one lying unde
the ban of suspicion was an mex
plicable mystery. Gle must hav
been taken with tit of chlvalry,
she added, unable to suppress tn
sarcasm of her tone.
The curate, as he returned, encoun
tered Mr.. West, and the latter stoPpe
him. at is very good of you TO be
friend my niece" be began; "bu
NAV you not be rendering her NOR
harm than good? So long as she ca
find anybody to uphold her,especiall
one in your position, she will persis
in her obstinacy, and refuse to col
TESS"
81 still adhere to my opinion tina
she is innocent" remarked MI
Lister.
"But, my dear sir, how can you s.
fy in the face OF common sense
If Maria did not take the money
where did she get the ten pounds
She took it, and she has got he res
Of it laid by snug till the hubbub'
over"
"Let it be as it may, she should b
treated with compassion. 10 leav
her to come through the church-yar'
alone, weak with her long Hines
and shrinking from the gazers, wa
really not human. But for my arr
I believe she would have falleI
Harsh measures never brought
sinner to repentance yet, while kim
ness has won over thousands. Bu
Mr.. West, suppose it should turn OF
by and by that your niece was inn'
cent, moi guilty? How you WI
rorroacb vourself for every act an