The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1908-01-25

her voice and manner. John saw
and said to himself:
ut will be all right soon; she il
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 hao
been drinking freely and in a passion
had struck his wife, who now lay un'
conscious. The neighbors had sent
for their pastor in haste. He was al
ways a friend and counselor In a 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
escape in his absence? Life was In
tolerable to her! The eastern bound
train would be due in 20 minutes. II
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 behint
! her she walked out, only to hear ne
husbands voice saying to Betty
4 where is Mrs. Brooks? l want her.
: Laura's heart beat almost to suffoca
, ton and her cheeks were scarlet witt
r excitement.
Laura" he called. "Oh, you ar
J here" as his glance fell upon her.
( met one of the Bentley children bt
4 fore l had gone far, and she said he
! mother needed you badly. | have r.
e turned for you. Will you go?"
She stood a moment irresolute, tn
: hot blood surging to her cheeks. He
g lips moved as If she would speal
e John took her hand tenderly and said
e my Laura will not refuse the r
quest of this poor woman, who pc
n haps is in great need of woman
tender hand"
I With bowed head she stood.
| 81 will CO." she said at last, b'
there was no smile in her face and n
voice trembled She dared not me-
her. husbands eyes.
III Late in the afternoon when the sic
| woman was comfortable and could
| left with her children, John came
| take his wife home. She was sile
1 and constrained, and even her hu
i bands kind words and affectiona
manner failed to bring the desir'
smile. His tender heart was grieve
, and that night long after she was ia
Il asleep, he sat thinking. What did
all mean? Why was she so change
i so cold and silent? Thoughts came
a him that were banished instantly a
Il | almost fiercely- Laura was his wi
Y and with a prayer on his lips for h
4 he slept.
j When he awoke the sun was sh
II | ing, and the pure air and balmy
II trees spoke peace to his soul. A h
NJ Sabbath calm seemed to rest eve
Vi where.
He was busy with thoughts for
= morning sermon as they walked on
ward the little church in the vail
He knew Dick Bentley would be tn
,n on the front seat as usual, for he ne
m missed Sunday. no matter how hi
he had been drinking. What sho
nd he say to him? How help him?
civ An unspeakable Joy came to
minister as he opened the Bible vi
20 the little pulpit, and his eyes bris
ened as he announced his text, III
:. death do us part" The words ca
easily, as by divine inspiration.
~. forgot everything but his subject
- the man before him, and preached
..,,, never before. His eyes glowed,
80. fine face was spiritualized.
His audience were eager, expects
while a few heads bowed in meek
he ognition of his powerful words.
for Dick Bentley's face showed sign
,aa anger, then gradually the look chan
and the great tears welled from
cot. eyes and dropped upon his coat sic
rife and his heart grew tender.
vas On the other side of the room a
nm young face was bowed in grief. Sha
regret and supplication were wri
no. there. 1t was the face Of Laura,
tod minister's wife. She had listeneS
div tently to her husbands words,
ont heart rebelling, till at last her
put was broken and she saw her VIZ
and IT'LL death do us part" Had she
mo. promised that? How was she fulfil
hin her vow?
nv The minister knelt in prayer. A
, IN of light stole in and seemed to
rts. upon his head in benediction.
,gly When the prayer was ended an,
told arose from his knees two figures
EN-. side by side at the altar steps.
woman's lips moved in prayer.
am. "Oh, Lord" she said, "our sins
/ L =