The Lamar register., 1898-04-02

kiss given to seal
the union. She was
his own at last.
his highest ambition had been grati-
he'd With words OF congratuiation
his friends crowded around him; it
WIS a joyous atmosphere indeed. while
his wife Eazed at him with the love
light IN her eyes.
Dearest he exclaimed, suddenly,
as he Withdrew with her for a moment
TO corner Of the apartment which
overlooked the garden with its wind
ing paths. from which strains of music
arose. inviting all to the dance; dear
est, I must leave thee now"
20. Abner.'' the bride half sobbed in
reply. ~woulds, thou leave me at this
moment Of ali moments in the world7
Why. the echoes Of the marriage bless
ings stfli rcsound In the air. Whittier
wouidsf thou go. dearest? Surely"
she added. with look OF reproach.
thy place is now at my side. Wouldsi
thou for<ake me on our wedding day2
Nay. my beloved; make no close
Inquiry. nor seek to restrain me.
must 20. have sworn TO go. Only
u lt3< II MT anu QbhuN hoA ny
mes. i shall return within an hour.
and then explain all to thee. Have no
fear for my sake And without fur
ther farewell than quick embrace,
Abner left her ane hurried into the
open air before her astonished guests
could realize that the bridegroom was
missing.
III.
OF al the youth in Jerusalem Abner
aud Caleb we're the comeliest lads. and
their friendship had grown into
proverb. Ciose companions at school
from boyhood to early manhood. no
love could have been more tender. no
sympathy more profound. than that
which made them kindred spirits. They
were foud OF the same pleasures. they
shared The same dreams. their studies
! and cccnpations were alike. their as
pirattoes Identical They loved to
give free rein to their fancies with
youths npt enthusiasm and build such
.drezm-paiaces that the magic splendor
: of Soioron's creations paled In com
parison What daring architect is
youtht II knows not the impossible.
II briders the chasm of Infinite time;
II rcax1 structure to the highest hca-
ven u summons to its aid principal
tiles and powers. and never acknowl-
edges defeat Love and hops and faith
sro the patient genii who at Its exult-
and bidding transform earth and sky.
Amouk the topics which Abner and
Caleb were fond OF discussing as they
grew to maturity the future life and
x-.-~-<-tt,,x an0aatsa 10 than most
strongly The fact that Il was but
dlmly foreshadowed in the law and the
prophets added TO its fascination. and
are rnrs references to II in the debates
Of tho schools only increased Its hold
, upon them. One day. IN .he heat OF
their Arguments. Caleb. more impas-
stoned than usual. had seized his com
panion's hand.
.Abner," he exclaimed, 'wouldst
thou know the secrets OF eternal life?"
why. Caleb" Abner rejoIned. moved
by his friends earnestness, what
strange question to ask7 How can we
mortals understand aught of immor-
tality, Docs not our law say that the
secret things belong to the Lord7'"
d Faith can pierce all barriers, dear
friend" Caleb answered impresslvely,
a.and love. though buried from sight.
an make its own revelation"
2.what dost thou mean. Caleb, by
fcse mysterious words and thrilling
&nes7- Abner inquired, deeply stirred.
for he felt that never before had their
conversation been SO earnest.
(. l.Dost thou not believe. Abner. in
dnimortality
Surely. Caleb. l do, as the central
conviction OF my nature"
III this is thy belief, then. may not
Ithe Immortal spirit seek converse with
=, mortality and minister to the wants
rand desires OF mortal flesh on earth? ?"
Caleb, thou shouldst not speak in
0this brain. 1t is almost blasphemy.
fThinh Of the fate of the sons of Aaron.
who brought strange fire into the sane
! 'tuary,''
Nay. Abner. am guilty of no bias
phemy. / am convinced that those
etyho pass from life do not become as
r G1rffied as the slabs that cover them.
aarhey hover around those who loved
them and whom they loved on earth
and :mingle in their joys and sorrows.
h III must be so, Caleb. If thou think
est so.r said Abner after a pause.
\ "Come Abner." Caleb solemnly ex-
Il claimed 'let us swear by the eternal