Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-04-29

It was the ianitors fault. He had
goue into the stocllroom witk a
| lignted candle, and, started by the
| spriuging Of a cat, had let it fall too
| near basket of waste paper, and an
| instantaneous cCnAagration had been
/ the result. And what was worse, the
insurance had run out on the evening
OF the previous day. and Mrs. Jarvis
was q ruined woman,
Yet she was not easily discouraged.
| She tried again, and rallied her forces
with true muscular energy, but it was
all IN vain. There is a tide Of fortune
in the affairs of everyone-and hers
was on the ebb.
Ten years afterWard a poor, shabby
old woman. bent and bowed and
! dressed in rusty black, was shown
into the sllk-hung reception-room of
the wife of one of our New Yorks
wealthiest merchant princes. Mrs.
| Tressilian came in, wondering. She
was fair, pretty young creature of
about 20, Mr.. Tressilans second
wife and idolized darling.
You sent in no name" said she, as
! she beckoncd the old woman to a seat
near the ruby-shining CRATE. And
do not think | know your face. What
is your business with me?"
81 am very poor, madam" pleaded
the old woman. a sent in no name
because | am an utter stranger to
you. My only claim is my wretched-
ness and poverty. l have heard that
you are good and generous-that OF
your allowance you give to those who
are less favored by Providence"
Mrs. Tressilian. deeply touched by
the haggard pallor of the bent old
woman and the tremulous faintness of
her tones, had taken out her purse and
was unclasping it, when a light touch
fell on her arm.
stop a moment, my daughter" said
soft. low voice, and, turning, Mrs.
| Trc5silian saw at her side a lady with
| hair white and lustTous as silver and
superb diamond cross glistening in
the lace at her breast, while her black
velvet dress trailed noiselessly over
the crimson pile Of the Administer car.
pet. 81 believe I know this person. II
l am not mistaken it is Mrs. Jarvis
"My name is Jarvis" said the old
woman looking rather surprised.
YES" said the other, quietly. 81 see
you have forgotten me. | am the Mrs.
Pennant who. years ago, was turned
from your employment because, tied
| down to a sick child, she could not be
quite punctual to your orders. This"
laying her hand on Mrs. Tressilian's
shoulder, 'fs the very child-my little
Jessie-who lay so ill at that time.
God has prospered us since then. But
you"
81 am a begsar." burst out poor
Mrs. Jarvis. shrinking back from the
others stern, questioning eye. "Heav.
en- help me! l have nowhere to lay
MY head"
And you come here to beg of us,
forgetful of how pitiless you once were
to met" uttered Mrs. Pennant, sternly,
"Oh, forgive mel Re merciful and
forgive mel" faltered Mrs. Jarvis
kneeling at the others feet.
q vowed that day, within myself
that | would be avenged said Mrs
Pennant slowly.
Mamma pleaded the young wife,
Took at her! Sick, old and poor. God
has taken the bolt Of vengeance into
His own hand, al that remains to us
is to he mericful."
my love, you are right" said Mrs,
Pennant. Rise, my poor woman. You
shall be fed, sheltered and aided with
money. For the present go to the
| hOusekeeper's ROOM"
And Mrs. Jarvis cCept away, with a
! choking sob in her throat.
The great circle of fate had accom-
plshed its revolution. and the widow
was indeed avenged-avenged all the
more completely IN that she had
learned the lesson of forgiveness
/ New York News.