The Prescott daily news., 1908-01-03

weeks to John. Everything about the house was changed; the plain furnish ings seemed to brighten and take on new aspect if Laura but laid her hand on them.
 The new country, new faces and ex- periences were interesting to the young minister's wife, but soon the novelty wore away, leaving a void 8 dreariness and unrest John was too full of joy and happiness to notice 1t at first. her heart grew greater and showed in her voice and manner. John saw 1t aud said to himself:
 Tt will be all right soon; she Is only little homesick"
 But things were not right One cold, dreary Saturday in November the minister was called away to the home of one of the miners in a remote part of the settlement. The husband had been drinking freely and in passion had struck his wife, who now lay un- conscious. The neighbors had sent for their pastor in haste. He was al ways friend and counselor in time of need, and went gladly. With few words of explanation to his wife, he rode quickly away
 A wild resolve took possession of Laura as soon as her husbands form was lost to view Why should she not in h{s ahconan0 ifn in tolerable to heri The eastern bound train would be due in 20 minutes. If she could but reach the station with out delay all would be well. Once aboard the train and nothing could stop her She moved about quickly, packing a few necessary articles in small valise. Cloak and hat were donned hurriedly and with a swift farewell glance at the room behind her she walked out, only to hear her husbands voice saying to Betty: Where is Mrs. Brooks? I want her"
 Lapra's heart beat almost to suffoca- tion and her cheeks were scarlet with excitement.
 Laura" he called "Oh, you are here as his glance fell upon her. 'T met one of the Bentley children be fore I had gone far, and she said her mother needed you badly I have re- turned for you. Will you go?"
 She stood a moment irresolute, the { hot blood surging to her cheeks. Her lips moved as if she would speak. John took her hand tenderly and said
 My Laura will not refuse the re- quest of this poor woman, who per haps is fin great need of a woman s tender hand"
 With bowed head she stood.
 T will go," she said at last, but there was no smile in her face and her voice trembled. She dared not meet her husbands eyes.
 They had reached Bentley's door and entered noiselessly. The poor woman was suffering but conscious. She smiled feebly when she saw the minister's wife, and stretched out her thin hand. Laura pressed it kindly and asked after her needs.
 Late in the afternoon when the sick NOLldA NdS COUllOIldDle anu COulu DS left with her children, John came to take his wife home. She was silent and constrained, and even her hus- bands kind words and affectionate manner failed to bring the desired smile. His tender heart was grieved, and that night long after she was fast asleep, he sat thinking. What did 1t all mean? Why was she so changed. so cold and silent? Thoughts came to him that were banished instantly and almost fiercely. Laura was his wife and with a prayer on his lips for her, he slept.
 When he awoke the sun was shin ing, and the pure air and balmy fir trees spoke peace to his soul. A holy Sabbath calm seemed to rest every where.
 He was busy with thoughts for his morning sermon as they walked on to- ward the little church In the valley. He knew Dick Bentley would be there on the front seat as usual, for he never missed a Sunday. no matter how hard he had been drinking. What should he say to him? How help him? Bent ley was a man who liked to have peo- pie rely upon his word, and he must show him in some way how he had broken his promise to his wife.
 An unspeakable joy came to the minister as he opened the Bible upon the little pulpit, and his eyes bright ened as he announced his text, Until death do us part" The words came easily as by divine insDiratfon He