Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-02-18
LOSS AND GAIN.

near her window, but she heard them
not, although her head rested against
the open easement. The delicious fra
GRANGE Of the flowers was waited 10 her
DOstrils, yet she scented 10 not The
sun east its bright CLEANS across the
room, but there was no responsive ray
OF light IN her heart. Later friends
dropped 10 aud laughed and chatted
about the last opera, aud discussed the
coming society event Of the season, but
she felt no interest in 70 all.
To-day her women acQuaintances en-
We'd her position, for who among the
vast thrOng could compare with her 10
beauty, grace and talent? Who more
nearly approach in ease OF living the
lily OF the field which tolls not, neither
does IL spin?'
All this for to-day, but tomorrow
tO-mOrrOw-her past life would be but
a dream. Her former friends would for
get that they had once knelt al her
shrine, would, perhaps forget that
they had ever met her. Worst OF all
ag0nizing thOught-She must give ~
her 0etrOthed. She loved him with sll
a passionate Woman's devotion, but she
could not, no, she ought not, although
he might will il so, be united 10 MIN, a
bel pless burden on his hands. These
were the thoughts that she INDUCED in
the privacy of her 0oudoir
But, people whose grief strikes deep
ly rarely parade it before the public,
and thus it is that we know little of the
sorrows Of many with whom we come in
daily contact. Such people, however,
are Ottentimes cOmfOrted in ways that
we common folk wot not There are
times when Joyous song is but the
voice Of one from the other world,
striving unCOnsCiOusly 10 cheer the SUI
ierer, cen while she wonders how she
can sing while her heart is breaking.
The poor blinded bird pours forth its
richest melodies after It's sight S gone,
as IL ia defiance 90 the allictiOn which
has been brought upon 10. Gay laugh
ter is sometimes so nearly approaching
/ 90 tears shat some sweet memory OF the
/ past, sympathetic word or mayhap
/ che perfume Of some favOrite flower will
I break down the defence so bravely put
I up between the suffering heart and the
world.
Thus 10 was that on the very eve OF
what this maiden considered the end OF
her social reign, to her acquaintance
seemed rssp.endent, Never had her
I eyes shOne more brilliantly nor her
I cheeks assumed q more beautiful rosy
! tint. But her mead thrOboed with pain,
I her heart beat violently; her hands were
cold, her throat and tongue dry and
uarched. IL sue could but weep-but,
I alas, the fountain OF tears seemed 10 DO
/ forever dried. She was on the very
verge OF losing faith in humanity and
/ To God. The Master had fOrsaken her,
I she thought, else why this great sorrow,
I this fearful punishment? She was moth
| ing more 20 him than withered leaf,
ana like IL would soon be tossed hither
and thither by the cruel blasts. On, her
very nature seemed 10 be turning 70
| stone.
This night came. She SAL again at
/ her open window. Hark, what SOUND
J is that borne upon the breeze TO her
duued sense OF hearing? She bends
ner head 70 catch the strain, for 1t
\ seems familiar TO her. Clearly and
\ softly the pathetic harmony rolls out
\ 60 her. The rich chords Of the harp
aud the willing sound OF the violin
| blend In one great tore Of sympathy,
I inst in touch with her feelings. IL is
his. her lovers favorite air. The spell
I is broken. Tears roll down her cheeks;
! she drops uBon her knees and offers up
an earnest petition Tor help 10
hear with fortituds the worst
that may come. She seems 70
/ feel the hand OF the Saviour resting in
benedictlon upon her bowed head, aud
after awhile, with a feeling entirely
new 90 her and a sense OF peace such
as she had never before experienced,
/ she rises and goes down TO meet her be-
/ tnr0thed. Calmly he listens while she
reveals 20 him the fact that tomorrow
/ she will be Denuiess. He does not iu-
terrupt her during the recital AT
\ length she pausss and strives 10 hide
/ the struggle going on with her. Then,
/ with q voice that seems 10 be not her
own, she says: ~ give you your free
I dom"
His countenanCe is aglow with love
aad pride-pride for the woman who
would sacrifice her own happiness for
what she deems best for his social and
business career, and for answer he folds
her IN his strong arms, saying: Never
have you been so dear to me as now.
The fortitude with which you bear up
under this loss and the phi.Osop
view YOU take OF the matter has reveal
ed 10 me the rich depths OF your wo-
manhood, which is beyond compare with
the fortune you lose. Your friends In
name only will pass you with averted
face or cold Indifference, but out Of the
dross will shine the gold with greater
brilllancy. Stripped OF your Jewels, yet
will you be my greatest treasure. Her
ewes will outshine the most precious
stone: the color OF your lips will not be
surpassed by the choicest coral nor the
Wilderness OF your teeth by the rareSt
pearls" ,...,-
Eut be could say no more, for a little
white hand prevented anything further
in this line.
The crash came on the morrow, but
She was prepared; and now when her
friends say: What pity she lost her
fortune. How much happier she M z nj
have been 10 the possession OF II, they
did not realize that she has gained by
experience, not only in the knowledge
that she is loved for herself alone, but
also that there is much happiness TO De
attained which wealth cannot give
Chicago News.
L.