Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1902-05-23

! PiCsufe was VI pIStsy wedding, tn
bride looking so sweet in her whit
dress and veil witt = wreath O.
orange blossoms on her head; tn,
bridegroom was handsome and the,
seemed listening to the words of tn,
minister who was making them on,
for life.
Arthur McArnold came to he,
side and as he looked at the picta
shiyer ran through him as he said
81 see no happiness there, but III
tell you what | do see. That brid,
standing there wear smile on hel
face, but there is 10 smile in hel
heart, she is simply getting hom,
where she can reign mistress with.
out any mother or older sister
to dictate to her" Clara frowned
and said: "Since you have read the
BRIDES thoughts, now tell me OF
what the bridegroom is thinking?'
swell, | dare say he feels relieved
to know that old maids, young
maids and fat widows will no longer
set their caps for him; he is re.
lieved to know he can now go where.
ever he may without being bowed to
by so many fall hats and spring
bonnets."
"Oh, Mr.. McArnold, such ideas!
Where did you get them? From the
city? But sir, are they all miser-
able thereg Surely there are some
happy marriages" he bent forward
aud looked at her, all his soul in his
eyes, saying: "Tell M, if you can.
what constitutes happy marriage?''
Quickly she dropped her head, a
deep blush overspresding her fair
face, but in moment looked up and
said: "Loye." He gave her a long,
tender look and they said no more.
The next evening Arthur Near
mold found the girl on the lawn.
After a few remarks he said: "Miss
Naming, | beg you to tell me more
of what you really think awaits MS
beyond The grave" why, l under
stood that you were a Christian and
you must have Your own ideas about
the Great Beyond" 81 think |
simply said | belonged to church
and that is about all know, except
that ] have always seen finely dressed
folks walking up the aisles and
kneeling in their pews, with prayer
book held timidly in the tips of
their kid-gloved fingers, and their
eyes toward the ceiling. This is as
far as my knowledge goes. Indeed, /
really want to learn more of the
world to come and want You to be
the one to give me my 6rst lesson.
Will you?"
"Very we'll, l will tell you all l
know, which | am afraid will give
you but faint idea. First there is
an all-wise, just and merciful God,
who lives in the Heavens, and He
has promised us home with Him.
In this world We are often thrilled
with the beauty of the handiwork of
God, how much more beautiful will
Heaven be- Oh, what a glorious
sight we will view when the nine
pearly gates in the Heavens unfold.
and thousands of poor forsaken
beings will inherit mansion pre-
pared for them by the Son of God!"
McArnold took up the violin and
played softly and sang:
will sing you song Of that beautiful
land,
So free from all sorrow and pain;
With songs on our lips and harps In our
hands,
We will meet one another again.
81 thank you for telling me what
you have. You have told me much.
yet / would learn more. Tell me.
Miss Naming, il you can, what will
become of the man or woman who
goes on from day to day with lie
in their hearts! Is my creed a hard
one when l say don't believe there
will be any pardon for liar?"
"Oh, sir, you know God will for
give all who repent and forsake their
SINS"
"Thank you again, am glad to
know just what you think. Good
night, may ask you to remember
me in your prayers?" With that re-
mark he left her.
CONCLUDED IN NEXT IssuEA
strength Enables You co Stand the Heat.