The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1907-02-21

We owe deep debt Of gratitude to the Old World
for much that exalts and embelishes modern life.
From it have derived literature the
and sweetest sentiments the highest ideals the noblest
patriotism the most enduring elements OF church
and state Poetic beauty prophetic ferVor mpassoned
oratory, infinite compassion and submes of
divine love fellowship their footing
in this ancient soil There were first taught the
beautiful laws and customs that adorn and govern
home life of the world making it possible for the
members of the family to sit under their and
fig tree amid the spendors of peace and plenty. From
the border line where the eastern and the western ciy
cations have often deadly conflict charm
ing story breathing sesame spirit fal devotion
enjoned by the Book of books which says Honor thy
father and thy mother"
Near historic center oriental in setting, surround
ed by comfort that heart could WISH Margaret
alone in her luxurious room, gazing pensively into the
glowing CRATE Her family parician in rank of the
weLtodo class All that wealth and cultured society
could bring had bestowed upon from earliest
years. She had diligent her opportunities,
for in addition to the accomplishments that regarded
necessary the girls of her station she had acquired
knowledge of three languages besides beautiful use
of her mother tongue.
Hitherto she had known nothing but the most I'M
stinted happiness grhood had been exceptionally
years Eugene, neghbor boy of equal family rank had
been her constant and devoted playmate process of
years their friendship had rpened into the sweet fruits
of love- With eyes uped to the skies that the heavens
might be auspicous they pghted their sacred troth
Their true right hands casped together binding in the
twinking of eye their souls into and in their
heart of hearts each without hesitation mental
ervation" said: For life until death"
Of a large family Of children Margaret the only
one remaining unmarried Shortly before the advent Of
the happy hour wished for by day and dreamed OF
by night the unexpected happened and in instant the
skies full of clouds Calmly and wisely pursuing
what seemed to them the "only way they, by mutual
consent dissolved their solemn covenants leaving Mar
gare free cherish her aged parents much desired
When they had to the parting of the ways it
was arranged by mutual consent that all missves re-
ceved during the bright and happy days of courtshp
should be destroyed wonder Margaret felt pensive.
burning the messages of love she looked again
into the eyes her old hero and with the last dying
fame hope seemed to fade into the deep darkness
AS she beheld the fingers of fire reaching anxiousy
upward for invisible something and shower after
shower of brilliant sparks ascending their charios of
great curling wreaths of smoke that crcled upward
through the wde-throated chimney to be
side darkness, she sighed: What objective epome
of the hopes of In the buoyant days of youth upon
hearhstone of the heart the fires of love- hope and
ambition knded the flaming fingers of passionate
affection eagerly upward and the bright scinta
tons of happy day dreams upon their circng wreaths
ascend high be swallowed up in the dead of
notbngness. The last fagot is consumed the last en-
Der with dying brilliance goes out the heat vanishes
from hearthstone and then the fearful tragedy Of
life appears"
Margaret had her fondest dreams and her bright
hopes vanish had the flame and heat from the CRATE
and hearthsone. 1t crisis in her life. Can
young woman delicateIy brave the and