The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1896-12-19

This must be my door,, he thought,
as he put the basket down on the mat.
CHOW for my key
He felt in his pockets, but found nc
trace of it.
''How stupid of me | remember
unlocked the trunk in the room before |
came out. and left my keys in the lock.
The only thing for me to do is to go down
stairs and get the extra key from the JAM
tor. I'd rather wake him than arouse my
wife" he unused, especially as | am In
rather unpresentable condition. - As he
turned he stumbled and fell fat Quickly
regaining his feet, he turned and went
down the steps in double-quick time.
Stanley had passed the night in far
different manner He refused to eat.
His wife tried to make his burden lighter,
but in vain.
GOTHIC trust to the good Lord, and all
vet will be right We have had bitter
experiences before this. Let us be thank
full that it is not worse We have our
rent paid. We have fuel to keep us warm,
and if the Lord sent the ravens to feed
Elijah, certainly he will not forget us.
Stanley muttered something, but his
wife did not listen. When she finished
her meal she washed the dishes and put
them away. Taking out her Bible, she
read for some time Stanley got up and
left the house. He wandered around the
street for an hour or two. His feet led
him aimlessly. He cared not where he
went. 1t was midnight before he returned.
He went slowly up the steps and stopped
outside the door. Inside he heard a
voice. 1t was raised in supplication and
prayer.
He stopped and listened. His wife was
praying to the Lord to aid them in their
suffering and to send them relief. As he
listened, she finished
Again say, Thy will be done. Help
me to bear my burden. Amen.
Tears sprang to the mans eyes. He
sank upon his knees, and from his heart
came the echo of his wife's Amen. He
arose, but did not have the courage to en-
ter. He went again into the fresh air.
But he was gone but Il short time. When
he again mounted the stairs his heart was
light. He unlocked the door and entered.
His wife was sitting in the little low rocker
before the dying fire Her Bible was in
her lap. There were traces Of tears on
her cheeks.
Il am selfish brute. said Stanley
Forgive me, dear, for leaving you here
all alone tonight. =
II was not alone, she replied, ''for |
had the best of company" laying her hand
on her Bible. 'Do you feel better? she
asked.
He kissed her on her forehead and NUT
tered .'Yes, dear, | feel as if the clouds
were clearing. She arose and put her
book away, found his slippers, and brought
him pipe and tobacco.
Rather luxurious, he said with Il
smile as she gave it to him, rather luxur-
iouS for starring people.
He smoked aud thought for half al
hour, and then prepared for bed. TIVE
u clock had sounded from the clock in Il
street nearby. Stanley heard ii as he
turned restlessly in his sleep. Suddenly
noise outside their sitting room door fully
aroused him. His wife too, had heard
it. Hastily he arose Thinking, as ;
man naturally would, aroused suddenly
from slumber that some terrible catastro-
phe had occurred, he lighted light, and
was making his way to the door when hi
wife head appeared. \ puff of vino
made him shiver as he opened the door,
but he forgot that in his surprise at the
sight outside. He closed the door, ant
turning 10 his wife, said Your prayer
has been answered The Lord, indeed
has been kind Come and see what He
has done. They opened the door to
sether. and saw outside Hills well-flleC
basket. Carefully they lifted it inside.
The Lord certainly moves in myster
ious way" said the wife, as she examined
the contents.
Certainly, the donor did not want tt
be seen. for the way he went down stair
was Caution was Stanley's reply,