Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1922-12-22
THE BLESSING
BY ARIA E. CUTTING


'Therel Everythings all over
within cried viyacious JUNE as she
hurried into the library.
whats all over with?" inquired
Aunt Beth, who sat reading by the
fire.
Aunt Beth was loved by everyone.
She was a woman of talent and OF
worldly experience and in her travels
at home and abroad she had made
many lasting friendships.
June often went to Aunt Beth for
consolation and advice. Her mother
was so taken up with social duties that
JUNE had always, seemed to be left
dangling somewhere. And it really
was lucky for JUNE that Aunt Beth
made her home with them some of the
time.
1--WE broken the engagement Jack
was so angry because l danced with
others at the dance the Forbes gave
the other night. don't see why he
should be so silly"
81 think you're both wrong, at that"
interrupted Aunt Beth, with great firm
ness. He was wrong in one sense for
being selfish, for he has not the final
claim. But the blame really rests upon
you. for you probably leased him.
know you, JUNE. I'm afraid you did
wrong. He has a right to be selfish. l
think Jack is fine man, and you know
1t. You're rather temperamental, JUNE.
Think it over"
Junie sighed, opened her mouth as
II to speak, but changed her mind. She
sat down very decisively In the win
dow-seat and glanced out Of the win
dow. Suddenly Junie looked toward
her aunt. and what she saw in that
face made her speak.
Aunt BETH I'll-admit I was
wrong. oh, Aunt. Bethl You make me
feel so ashamed How l need you'll
Just think of what I've done-sent him
away! But it's over now. Aunt Beth"
and JUNE suddenly stood erect. I'm
not going to worry about 1t. But it'll
be so hard. l spose I'll be an old
maid now. No one could ever take
Jacks place."
She stopped speaking. Was Aunt
Beth listening? What did that far
away look mean?
Aunt Beth. why didn't you ever
marryY'
well, to make long story short, I
was In q far-off country when / met
him--we were to be married-we quar-
reled-just the same as you and Jack
did tonight. Well, we made up, but
he went to war-and the next thing
knew he had gone to the land of
the unknown. So, you see, l never was
claimed. / suppose l am what they
call an old mgid' or as your father
puts 1t, unclaimed blessing However,
all but the blessing"
1Why. Aunt BETH But I'm glad you
told mel How sacred it all Isl Why, 1
really wouldn't mind being an I'M
claimed blessing If / could be like
you'll"
Long hours after Aunt Beth had re-
tired, JUNE remained In the library.
Try as she might, she could not stay
awake. She went to sleep, and dreamed
dreamed of wonderful book open
ing before her-a gold-leafed book,
with printing of gold Then it sud-
denly came to her that this must be
Gods own book of lives Yesl
There were names there that she knew
and loved. And then she read with
amazement:
Your dear Aunt Beth.
One of many of My children
A happy, sacrificing woman
A life dedicated in My name
An unclaimed blessing?
No, claimed In heaven and in earth,
though not wife Of mortal man.
My child Beth
Startled, JUNE awoke. The fire had
gone one. She sat in the great arm
chair perfectly rigid. not daring to
move.
But she may be Ill. must go and
see If she's all right" she said over
and over again to herself.
She rose and turned on the lights.
At that moment who should enter the
room but Jack How haggard he APP
peared JUNE shrank away in fright.
"What-how-why are you here7
How did you get INF" she stammered,
II just couldn't leave at once.
was passing through the garden there
under the window when you and your
aunt were talking hours ago. After
that I fingered. don't know why,
Then / heard sudden cry of some
one IN pain. You see. couldn't help
answering that call-being doctor
!. And I got along WE'LL didn't need
you at all. So let you rest"
ooh, jack How wonderful! Tn
20 gladl Is she all right?'
"Yes-and guess what found under
her pillow. A little book entitled
The Unclaimed Blessing. I won
der"
He held It forth.