The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1901-02-21

ClMc SOMc SHARES OI railroad stock in
which he had invested, proved worthless,
He was powerless to remove the debt
which hung over him. The burden
Welghed heavily upon him, and his
health declined visibly. At about this
Ilme Florence's marriage occurred.
Her home was near, but her SUNNY
presence was sadly missed. Patience
SympathiZed in all their family inter
ests and could not avoid sharing in the
general depression, yet she toiled brave
ly on and wrote cheerful encouraging
letters to her sister Grace, who had al,
ready become student at the semi
nary, and Patience practiced continual
self-denlal that she might send to Grace
the means to continue her studies
Grace hoped soon to be able to teach
and thus tighten the burden of her sis
ter. Though still child in simplicity of
thought and manner, she was ambi-
tious, but her physical strength was not
equal to that of her sister, and conse-
quently she could not maintain so brave
and hopeful spirit.
Mr.. Reed continued in great feeble
ness until at length paralysis finished
his life story. He was lamented by his
Borrowing family as only the good are
lamented, and at the end of six months
his wife followed him. Patience had
all along been regarded by the family as
one of them and in their bereavement
was doubly endeared to them. Then it
was that John had asked her to aid him
in keeping alive the home left so DESC
late Florence with fearful, pleading
eyes had said ''Dear sister Patience.
you will not refuse to be my sister in
deed" Patience in the experiences she
had met since leaving n. E. had gained
in womanly instinct and in knowledge
of humanity. She acknowledged to her
self that John was lacking in strength
of purpose. She knew with financial bur
dens resting upon them that life would
be one of struggle; but was not her own
energy sufficient for both? Could she
not by her influence cause him to become
strong? She reasoned with herself, '"To
reject his hand in marriage would mean
the forsaking of all the dear associations,
the going out again, alone, into the
world. Could she 60 away and be happy
without him? The thought sent feel
ing of blank misery to her heart, so if
she must toll and sacrifice she need not
toll and sacrifice alone. Then she fol
lowed the instincts of her own heart,
and accepted what had all along seem
ed her approaching destiny, and in this
acceptance she felt hopeful and happy
Patience had never been accustomed to
spend time on work of little profit.
Life had meant to her continual service;
hence she cared nothing for an extern
sive tronsseau. The usual accompain-
ments of a wedding were to be dispensed
with, for frugality must be practiced in
every movement. There was, therefore,
no need of delay and following so soon
the death of the parents quiet MARI
age seemed more fitting
Thus they entered the old home, and
in the sacredness of their love consecrat-
ed it anew with their united, fervent
prayers. John had passed youthful en-
thusiasm, and Patience. though still
young, had been sobered by her earnest
living. Yet in the depth and purity of
their affection they felt that they were
strong to meet whatever life might
bring. A few months after Patience's
marriage she had re-entered her school,
caring also for her household duties at
the same time. The school authorities
were glad to find they had not lost SO
valuable a teacher She wrote thus to
Grace: ''You will be surprised that [
am again teaching. John does not wish
me to, but we had payments to meet,
and | knew no better way to raise the
money. Itgrieves me that l cannot for
the present aid you in your school ex-
penses, but my first duty is to my hus-
band John was honest when he asked
me to be his wife. He told me he was
poor, but we hope by earnest effort and
by the blessing of Heaven that we may
prosper, and trust that before much
time has passed that yourhome may be
with u.s."
CHAPTER II.
=, His noble brow the impress wore
OF honOr'S sacred shrine,
Such brOWS as fame from richest store
With laurels loves to Irvine.
Oh, cruel death! thou hast thy share,
Time ever grants thy DUE
| And could StthOu not in pity spare
| The young, the pure and true?
| In the meantime shadow was falling
upon the home of Florence Carol
possessed a nervous organization with
consumptive Tenderness; his mother hav-
| ing died of that disease in his infancy.
His cold, unsympathizing childhood had
been struggled through with an ener-
getic courage which could not be repress-
| ed in after life. The tolls and hardships
which followed were bravely met. He
| had an aim in life, and pursued it as per
sistently and hopefully as the traveller
would make his way through dense for,
est knowing surely that the border of
civilization would be reached if hesbut
continued an onward course. But the
constant strain upon his nervous ener-
gies was not without it's effect upon a
constitution not strong, and now just as
he is entering actively upon the duties OF
his profession, with prospect of emf.
nence there are unmistakable signs of
failing health. Florence watches every
look and movement with apprehension
Daily he comes from his office and
throws himself languidly upon the sofa
! Brave and strong as he has always been
he cannot overmaster the feeling OF
WEAKNESS and lassitude. The once erect
form becomes bent. The hacking cough
cannot be suppressed. Medical aid is
summoned. His physician recommends
entire rest from business and holds out
a hope that voyage to the old world
may aid in vitalizing the now wasting
energies. The preparations for his
speedy departure are begun by Florence
with fearful forebodings, while Caro- fol
| her sake, seeks to dismiss the doubts
and fears which haunt him and talks
hopefully of his journey and returning
health.
The weary, anxious waiting at home
was to be the lot of Florence. In Car