Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1895-11-29
THE LOST BANK NOTE.
by Mrs. Henry Wood.
CHAP NlI-CoNTINUED.
The CLOUD.

Ing as she had been about lively
months before, her Thoughts full O
sorrow and her eyes fun of tears
Mr. Lister came Unexpectedly III
before she could clear her counter
ance.
Now why is this?" he asked Z"
shall take to scold you, if You vii
persist in thus INDUCING in gloom
Your heart must not be right, Maria
or you would not thus lose YOU
trust.
Ny youth is passing away from
me before its time," she murmured
"My heart is worn, my spirit almost
broken. pray that | may be clear
ed; but | can not always pray in faith,
for | seem 10 be utterly forgotten:
and yet at the very bottom of my
soul there does lie hope"
"Maria, you must be content to
wait Gods own time for your clear
ance. You must acquire more
peceful trust. thought it had been
yours"
81 will try" she answered, forcing
back the tears.
"Belieye me, you will not try in
vane," he fingered to say. God
will surely give it you if you pray
for it,"
as passed on his way, and a feel
ing like ray of light darted into
Maria's heart. Was it possible that
she had all this while only hoped in
God, not trusted Him?
A strong, irrepressible desire began
to take possession of her as the
weeks went on. 1t was to 90 to
Briarly and see personally how
George and. Oswald were doing. But
Maria had no money-at least, moth
ing like sufficient; and since the
disgrace had fallen on her, she had
quite revolted against asking her
uncle. AT the changes of the seasons,
Mrs. West had seen articles of dress
were needed by her and had supplied |
them with comment. 1t was nearly |
two years her brothers had been left !
TO themselves, and Maria felt that 90 !
she must-that it was positive duty |
demanded of her. A little falterino |
hesitation, great deal of prayer for
guidance and help, and then her
mind was made up to apply to her
uncle. For day or two there APP
peared to be no opportunity; but on
certain Thursday Mrs. W9st was
out, ane they were taking tea alone.
Ounce, | have great boon to ask
OF YOU" she began, her heart beat
ing. 81 have though of it for" some
time, but could not make up my
mind to speak to you. | want you to
give me little money"
whats it for?" returned Mr..
West. 81 desired your aunt to see
that you had suitable cloths pro-
vided."
eyes, thank you; | have every
thing of that sort, think shall want
as much-as much-as--two pounds" ,
she added, blushing very greatly at
the enormity of the demand from
one who was supposed to have help
ed herself to hundred-"if you will
kindly give it to me-"
Mr.. Vests thoughts were no doubt
pm the hundred pounds also for he 4
somewhat roughly retorted; "Why
amt you supply yourself out of the ;
money you have got eoncealed?"
The check to her hope was great, I
md caused painful emotion. "You =
vii! sometime be convinced, uncle,
,now you will. / never had a
ingle pound of the money, and | do
lot possess one of my own. If [
id would not beg of you"
Mr.. West gave a cough of incred-
lily. What do you want the
loney for"
81 want to go to Briarly to see
|eorge and Oswald. Oh, uncle" she
ontinued to implore, before he
ould speak, edo not deny me. Only
mink how long it is since | saw them;
My think how they are exposed to
ne snares of the world-no counsel.
o protector. Night and day | am
aunted with fears that they may be
I'd astray 10 wrong. But for my
,cessant prayers for them, | should !
ave little hope that il could be
therwise; they were so young when
1T to be their own masters. Suffer
he to 90 and stay with them for -
w days" e.
81 don't know what to say about a
)" cried he, obviously. Il
"Uncle they are your brothers In
brother whom you loved e
ell. feel that | must 90. If YOU y
i'll not let me have the money, ar
ust try and walk the distance. oh, fir
ncle, do not deny me this. Think e es
the little comfort / have in life" tn
1t was upon Mr.. Vests tongue 70 70
* her who, saved herself, aud mar GO
al the comfort of her life. hut tho a.,