Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-12-20
BORN TO CERDE
By CHARLES NJ SHELDON
Asnes ct TN HIS STEPS" JOHN
EDWARD Eto
BY CHARLES M. SHELDON.
(cepyrisA,. isOa. By Charlie. n. sA.ld..I

when she learns that am going to ge
her hired girl, she will never forgiv
me-"
Then Barbara's face grew grave.
DO you realize, Mr.. Morton, wha
you have done? Can a young ma
with your position and prospects af
loru -to-to-marry 'hlred glrl
Oh, If you had not compelled me to Sa,
Yes so soon. | might have savet
you from making the mistake Of YOU
life"
barbara" he answered, with sud
den sternness that was assumed
without answering her question, III
you ever call me Mr.. Morton again
shall he left his threat unfinished:
but he had possession of her hand as
he spoke, and Barbara looked up al
MN and said softly: what shall |
call you?"
Say"
Yes. What" Barbara asked, inno-
Gently. as he paused.
Wen. then" he went on. joyously,
say: Ralph, love you more than
anyone else IN the world. And will
walk with you through life because |
love you-because we love each 9th
err"
You have taken advantage of mel"
she exclaimed, brightly, and then,
with glowing face looking into his,
she repeated the words, whispering
them And, when she had finished.
they were both reverently silent,
while her eyes were wet with tears
OF solemn JOY. They did not either of
them realize all they had pledged TO
each other; but the God given, hui
man-divine spell of love was upon
them, and the blessedness OF il swal-
lowed up all fears Of the future. Once
Barbara had given herself 10 him, is
meant an end of doubt or fear. She
might discuss with him the probable
results 10 his social or professional
standing. but she would never torture |
his mind or distress her own by vain |
regrets or foolish anticipations. The |
great truth OF their love for each other
filed them both.
They were SO absorbed in their talk
mat they did not hear Mrs. Clark
when she came into the room. Then
Mr.. Morton was suddenly aware of her
presence, and he instantly rose and
went over to her.
Mrs. Clark" he said, az took ad-
Of your absence 10 take your
daughter from you. But l will try to
make up for it in part by giving YOU
loving and dutiful son, If you will
accept me as such"
without NaitiDn
which he easily read in her smiling
ace, he turned to Barbara, who had
,ome TO his side.
What did you say, Barbara" Mrs.
lark asked as she faced them both.
linking TO herself that she had never
cen so much real JOY in two faces ,
nywhere in the world. ,
oh. mother" Barbara cried. 81
ave given him my answer" She laid Q
er head on her mothers breast as :,
he used to do when she was a little >,
irl, and Mrs. Clark felt with the pain a
dl JOY of good mothers heart that .
he worlds old story had come into 8
er daughters life, and that hence =
birth this man had become TO Bar !
ara all in all without displacing the
other from her rightful share Of af- r
'otion,
lney had many things to say now, T
Id neither Barbara nor Mrs. Clark 81
Tered serious objections to the earn 4
It request of the young man that the cl
'riod OF engagement might be . brief
ie.
we know our minds quite we'll, I ar
n sure" he said, while Barbara. II
ushing, nodded yes. 1T will be best TO
every way for unto begin our home 70
~ soon. Barbara, you will have to hi
70 Mrs. Ward notice that you must
ave. Poor Mrs. Ward! She IL the o.,
~ person 1 Am sorry for right now!" ALI
lhey were all silent for . moment, all
len Mr.. Morton said: THE servants' M
Aining-schooi will have TO be a part
the social settlement now. You've bs
It your independence" No
I've gained something better" NO
rbara, gently. Her love knew more os
'ic,ions, now that it was returned, ne.
her heart ieaped up TO his in all his CIV,
EDITIONS for helping 10 make a better tol
rid.
When he rose to go, Barbara went &"
the door with him. He had opened liz
and was about TO step out when he inc
ned and said, with laugh: 'Thaye VIII
gotten my hat" Wa
he missing hat was not found Mt Ba,
e, and Mrs. Clark unblushinelv ed
j; Perhaps it is in the sitting ira
m" and walked deliberately out VIII
re. ~,
he hat was lying on a chair behind eng
table. The minister took il upand yea
ked TO the door again. Then he the
ned and said, while Barbara looked bad
at him: 81 forgot something else" "a
hen he stopped and kissed her. and ans
1T out into the night, and it was "N
the glory of Heavens brightness boa
about him, while Barbara turned I'm
again met her mother with anem- and
&c where both mingled their tears | sh
the divine romance of this earth any
re. God bless the repetition of the 81
love chapter in human hearts. lang
N 1t is deeply Christian, as In the have
OF Barbara and Ralph. it is APP I'D