Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-12-27
"Is hep rejoined the farmer impet-
uously. ave shan't welcome him
with a good grace

IL hope you will; aud ike him al
so, however worthy he may be-
rrinined the clergy man. an amused
smile on his face. Mr.. West, il is
myself; I'm not 20 leave You; the
bishop has been 80 kind a. 10 be-
Il. ov upon me the living
"Oan uttered the farmer; and M
ria sirated al the news.
In deed he has. | received note
from him summ0nine me 10 the pal
ace today. He was kind and said
found the Pensioners wantei me to
remain
Then for once be bishop has
done both Kindness aud duty
said she farmer.
But how lonely you will be in
hat gresI vicarage house, exclaimed
Mrs. West.
"Perhaps | NAV ge; somebody to
live with me, returned Mr. Lister
Gay, perhaps you may; but not
curale,' she replied usunsploicusly.
mo, should like-if can pre-
vail upon her-to have-Maria.'
Maria uttered the startled Mrs
West. They turned around to look
AT her. She was bending her head
down, her eyeiids dropping, and her
face flushed. They saw how it was
eve cannot spare her. cried her
uncle breaking the silence. eve
must keep her with US 10 make much
of her."
That can be done at my house as well
as yours" replied Mr.. Lister
What a strange thing il is, broke out
the farmer, after some minutes thought
actually an absurd thing. when you come
10 reflect upon it, that that unfortunate
note should have bren laying all this while
close under our hands and eyes, Us "A
tale that cold scarcely be believed"
Uncle, If You had but permitted me to
use that Bible. as | wished exclaimed
Maria
"Ay. ay;" he retur led, there was a
fate IN It,
There is fate. as you call it in most
everything in this word, said Nh Lister;
"A fate for good or a fate for evil; but IT
Is for our own actions that we are rcspon-
sible. think this particular inst .nce may
be turned To very good account sir if you
will but suffer ii.
In what way1' asked Nj West
should it not teach you chat 10 neglect
iho Bible. Coos holy work and couuseis
must oring Ill? May you not learn that
that book contains spiritual treasures
which YOU must make youts, # You would
attain sa'vatiuuZ on. lot me bcSet ch YOU
TO allow this event To be lesson | DO
believe that ii i sent ss one Open your
Bible daily; lei ii lie idle 10 longer: sees
9nd find the comfort acloscd in it, What
else but the Bible has supported Maria
under her aillictiOn?'
Mr. West looked very seri us; il was a Sc
ri0us night with him. You will be near
er 10 our family soon, Mr. Lister" he
presently said; you must teach how this
comfort is to be sought and found"
by Gods good help. was the inward
aspiration of Mr.. Lister
The following day came, and the Glebe
Farm was besieged, for Mr.. West had been
busy with the news, ard the whole parish
! locked up. IN lis hearty way. TO crave par
don oil Maria for having allowed them
selves TO suspect her Now, that the truth
was come 10 light. they wondered how it
was possible they could ever have deemed
her guilty. Some of them declared that
! the parish was 10 retain Mr. Lister, or that
he was to retain Maria.
Maria. child, her uncle said TO her
that same evening when they were alone
how can | make up 10 you for what has
passed? | must do something 10 ease my
conscience. Have you any wish In the
/ world that you would like to crafty? If
so, II shall be done let II cost me any
, thing, up 10 thousand pounds and | shall
/ be- glad ] can not offer you money. for
/ you would reject IT; but may be able to
help you with some wish
\ thought. "A hope flashed into Mariss
mind and Illuminated her cOuntenance
| Her uncle saw it,
Speak out fearlessly child; must DO
something. or shall never sleep quiet on
my bed.
Uncle if you would give little. not
( the ridiculous sum you name-tO help Os
valid, and move him from where he Is
Oswald? Ay. he wants II be clergy
man. does he not? And you wish it?
Il wish it because be does; because
/ believe II Is The calling IN HE ne Is wei
suited for: one that. with his convlctots
he will strive earnestly to do his duty III
Then he shall be one, and he may 90
to the university 10 morrow; there's my
hand upon it, No thsnss, Maria; thanks
from you TO me would be out OF place
Maria sat down TO think: her whole
heart overlooking with thankfulness The
week previous she had heard from her
brothers What joyful news she should
write 10 Oswald on the morrow
Maria, exclaimed Mrs West. bow
could you have borne up under the accu
sation, knowing il was false
Il could have borne up less well, aunt,
| had il been true
Il suppose that. A clear conscience Is
wand rful help Sill am surprised
when look back
II did not bear up very couraf eously
at first" replied Maria. When the
months went on, and on, and my hppe Of
being cleared WAS not realized | gave way
to despondency, 1 ear rebelIed | had
only hope. you see, aunt; | had not trust