Norwich bulletin., 1916-11-11
Ralph Hartley's Worthiness Testee

Clara Ransom sat sn her pretty bou- doir lounging in an easy chair, while she meditated on her future life. Her parents died in her infancy and her aunt. Fannie Graham had been both father and mother to her. Although Mrs. Graham was not wealthy she had given Clara a college education and by making little sacrifices had sur rounded her with a few luxuries. Her efforts,
 Clara was now busily engaged in thinking of the new life which was opening before her; for it lacked only of her choice, Ralph Hartley, she gave a deeper love than she gave her aunt or she could never have consented to go to live with him in the town of Lenox one hundred miles from home.
 Clara's nature was warm and no- Die, but lately at times she was de- pressed when thinking of her future. She felt afraid when she thought of the risks & young girl runs in uniting herself for better or for worse to husband. for some of her friends had married unhappily and she dreaded lest she might do likewise
 As she pondered, she thought mar rage Is lottery and I haze only a chance among many; but if I did not truly believe that Ralph Hartley is a other I could not marry him. When Ralph is with me, my fears vanish, but when I am alone they return. "There!" And she sat bol. upright, NO mere of this! I do trust him, and will suppress these fearsi" and her strong willpower enabled her to do so.
 It was happy but tear-stained face that looked up to her aunt as they bade each other goodbye ere Ralph Hartley led his bride away and they boarded the train and travelled to their new home.
 Seven happy :~ars passed and Mir. Hartley had proved himself worthy of her love. For one reason and then another Mrs. Hartley had never been Aunt Fannie visited them twice a year. Their home was in the large and pleasant village of LenoX which contained seven thousand inhabitants with outlying farms and farmhouses in the suburbs. Along the main streets were stores and public buildings. and the houses were built so closely to- gether that it seemed quite like a city. The people from the surrounding country towns for many miles traded here and sought amusement ar con- certs, movies and the theatre The people themselves were social genial and well educated, and Clara Hartley felt that she was. indeed, one of them. Two children had come to bless them and to make their married life hap pier.
 NIT. Hartley's income had not only supported his family. but he had been able when they were first married to lay aside hundred dollars or so a year. A depression in business throughout the country had prevented his employers from raising his salary as they had promised to do. Their family growing larger. and the sick ness that had come to hem had caused them to withdraw their surplus money, yet they were not troubled over their financial problems: but they were troubled about Aunt Fannie for during the mast year she had made one excuse after another for not mak- ing her regular visits to them.
 They were about to find out if they could, if she was sick although she assured them that she was nos, when they received . iefter telling them that her mine stock had become worthless and she had sold her home and that owing to the business depression many banks had failel and among them the one where she deposited her money and with the exception of a few fur nishings she was dependent on work to support her. You may think me foolish, she added, but i could not bear to sell my furniture and as i would never need it again, and you did not need it. I gave it to help to furnish the new old ladies' home here I did not wish 10 trouble you with my losses until I knew I could sup port myself. She added: I have been a private secretary for lawyer for year. l c9nn"t afford 10 visit you as often as in the past. I am aware of your anxiety concerning me now so have told you all. my dear children but don't worry about me and in just six months you will see me for two blessed weeks. This knowledge shoulG keep us cheerful and happy.
 At the close Mir. Hartley exclaimed Well. I never" and before he per ceived that his wife was weeping he was looking through a time table, say ing: Yes, I can make it.
 Looking up. he saw that his wife was convulsed with grief. He gath cred her in his arms and soon she nestled closer to him and her sobs ceased as she murmured. Dear Aun- tie,' and mother. too." said her hus- band, and then added. "I always said it was foolish to run two houses but Auntie did not then want to leave her home permanently, but now"
 Why. Ralph. what do YOU mean ?' hastily interrupted his wife.
 T mean" placing her on the floor three days be back with Auntie if you will get me a lunch and pack my suit case while I dress"
 The sleeping children were kissed