Pittston Gazette

              ■ 5 , s E Saalr mm i D Kxtubliiihed 185(1. | Vol. XLVII, No. 34. ( Oldest Newspaper in the Wyoming Valley. PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1897. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. i #1 .OO jier Yea "j in AdvsviKc came to the tavern to and board, iney said they would pay |4.50 a week if church welcome and ask ner name, aua the other yonug ladies showed her respectful attention. Maud found it all rather cold and disagreeable, and was glad when it was all over. But Aleo was a little proud of his acquisition. ing from the old pnly in that the look of paC» was gone.jand her maimer had the same regularity and precision and strict regard for d|ity, though now she never scolded and was almost indulgent to other people's suits. Between her aud George no eifaearing glances ever passed and a casaaf observer would have thought him only* good friend of the family. But his &oe, like that of Lisbeth, seemed to be of one wholly satisfied with his lot, which it bad nat been before, and A1"0 Narrowly observing it concluded that that was enough. very white. "Your mother sent me to fetch you home," Mr. Bennett went on after a pause to look about, in which his eye met Alec's, though it was hastily withdrawn.though assuredly it would not have shocked her. to his burses and was gone, and ujbbeth was handing out to the waiting ones all tbo letters that had not been delivered as they came to tbein in sorting. Alec tore open his letter, while 'Lisbeth glanced at him nervously, wondering what the letter could mean. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL*. Sn the JPeart they oould each have a room. Similar But the next, day they fell to work again. Mand was but the servant and Alec was virtual master. He was a good and courteous master, but master is a cold and formal word, and Maud felt it, though she did not complain even to herself. As for Alec, he reproached himself with having made no progress in introducing Maud to some eligible young man, as he had meant to do. applications had been made to Joe Hig' gins in years past, but he had refused LESSON VI, SECOND QUARTER, INTERNATIONAL SERIES, MAY 9. them because he wanted to sparo Lisbeth, and the idea of having a hired Everybody spoke to Alec nowadays, and the young fellows shyly congratulated him on becoming the master of the store. Some of the older men shook his hand heartily and remarked on the weather, which Alec also interpreted as a congratulation and an expression of hope for his success. He moved about among tbem all with an ease which was peculiar to himself. They recognized his superiority, but still felt that he was one with them, and that was enough. "Iain 18; I a in of age. You can't take me a\*iy against my will," said Maud in hurried tones, drawing back a little behind the counter as if she feared her father might try to reach over after her and take her away hy foroe. girl had not occurred to him, - of the jfeilts. Alec was delighted and went at once to tell 'Lisbeth. She came to see them. They were clean looking fellows and said they had traveled with the sawmill for three years. After half an hour's parley they were taken in, aud Alec immediately wrote to Maud, asking if she would come and work for $2 a week. It was brief. It said that Alec's father was dead, and he must come home. It also inclosed a check for $ 100, bidding him pay up his debts and buy some clothes so as to come looking as decent as possible. Text of the Lemon, Arts xill, 20-30- -Mem- ory Verse*, 38, 39 Golden Text, AeU xill, 38 — Commentary by the Rev. 1». M. Stearns. "I don't want to take you back," Caid Mr. Bennett hurriedly. "Do you say you won't go?" BY SHERWIN CODY. But, though he was for the most part very busy, Alec, too, had fits of loneliness and melancholy, when he would 3limb the attic stairs to stand before the little window that looked out on the balcony and the mountains. There the mountains were still, but different now, yet huge and vast, stretching inimitably away, the blinding white expanse of their sides broken by patches of dark pine woods or brown bare ledges. But as the eye traveled upward the glittering summits seemed to blend insensibly with tbe gray clouds above them, far, far above the white valley that lay be tween. And always a vague icy mist seemed hanging over them, lest in tbe keen, cold air their mysteries might be revealed. 26. ' To you is the word of this salvation sent.'' By invitation of the rulers of the synagogue at Antioch, in IMsidia, to which place they came after leaving Perga, where deserted them, Paul is preaching on the Sabbnth day (verses 14, 15). His opening words are, "Men of Israel, and ye that fear God" (verse 16), and this, in substance, he repeats in this first verse of our lesson. He begins with the deliverance from Egypt and mentions the period of the wilderness, the judges and the reigns of Saul and David, then passes at once to Jesus, the Saviour of Israel, of the seed of David, who is the salvation of God prepared for »ill people, a light to lighten the gentiles and the glory of Israel. 27. '' They knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day." As it is written through John, "He was in the world, and theworld was made by Him, and the world knew Him notfsHtMBHDe unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John i, 10, 11). It was the complaint of the Lord through the prophets that His people did not know Him. "Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider." Copyright, tiy the author The days that -followed were filled with hard work, and Maud took hold aud did her part with faithful energy. The whole stock of the store was moved out and the woodwork was all painted, while the floor was covered with a sort of hard, washable paper, which was almost as smooth as a hard wood floor. The tavern was thoroughly cleaned also, and then a large amount of cooking had to bo done for the "opening. " Indeed 1 Evidently they thought he bad bjeu wallowing in the gutter np here. How conld he ever go back to such a home as that, and how could a mourning mother write such a cruel letter? 'Lisbeth could not have done it, with all her hardness. Impossible! He hurriedly told 'Lisbeth that his father was dead and hurried away to think. He must at least go and follow with the mourners to his father's grave, and after all he loved his father's memory, and he would always cherish it. He had been a good man, but mercenary and bard. "Yes," said she, the color coming warmly in her cheeks again. CHAPTER XX. MAUD COMES AFOOT. There was a little silence, aud then Mr. Bennett motioned with his head toward Alec. CHAPTER XIX visitors, but tbe cider was certainly consumed by the townspeople. There bad been much talk about tbe matter. The minister had come to argue with him, and some qf the deacons too. Tbe ladies of the Women'* Temperance alliance had visited him more than once, and collectively and individually scolded him for hours together. But it was his custom to bring out a glass of cider or a bottle of beer and offer it all around, of course to be indignantly refused, and then to drink it himself in their pree- A FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION AND A PEPTJ- The deputation of temperance ladies did not again make their appearance, and the matter was not referred to. Ku liquor was sold at the store, though the small stock was not poured on the ground in the back yard. One fellow insinuatingly asked Alec if he couldn't "get a drop of something, you know," and when Alec referred the matter to Lisbeth she said there was nothing on hand that was for sale. One thing alone troubled him. He felt that Maud seemed to make a claim upon him that he was not pi epared to recognize. He would take good care of her, he would be a good friend to her, but he was determined to set certain limitations which neither should cross. He would do it gently and kindly, and in such a way as not to hurt her. Above all he would not deceive her, for she should understand from the start. TATION OF LADLES. "Is he going to marry you?" As Alec thought about the advertisement und an assistant for 'Lisbeth, it flashed across his mind one day that here was a chance for Maud. It bad troabled him to think that such a good girl should lead such a confined life, and that, too, at the hands of her mother. But would her mother let her go? Or would sba come without her mother's consent? What penalty had been visited un her for that visit of his which be still recalled with peculiar pleasure. He bad kept the dollar bill as a sort of remembrance of her, and now he was inclined to think be had hurt her feelings by returning it in the first place. He should have found some more delicate way. "He's been a good friend to me/' said Maud hastily, as if in answer to an accusing tone in Mr. Bennett's voice. Alec heard and turned away. His heart thumped ominously as he realized the perfect faith she had in him. But he said to himself over aud over: When the goods Alec had arranged for arrived, toward tbe end of the week, they were displayed on tables and otherwise in the great hall The books, with their bright bindings, were airanged picturesquely in one corner, and .Tim was to t*ve charge of tbem. Ho was very proud of the assignment aud devoted all bis leisure time to learning the prices, which were nevertheless marked inside the covers. He learned something about them, too, in order to give a description, should occasion demand, and with this object in view followed Alec about so constantly, asking hiin serious questions, that he had to to} asked to restrain himself, which be did, much crestfallen. "I am only her friend. She understands it." His plans were maae to go in a ween, but now he changed them and decided to go the next day. 'Lisbeth told Maud at supper that night, and Alec spent the evening in packing hie bag. Mrs. Higgins came to his room and begged him not to leave them. He said he would come back, and even gave her a filial kiss that comforted her. Then Jim and the little ones came and stood respectfully by as he packed his few belongings.Two days after the posting of tbe letter to Maud, Alec looked for a reply. But none came. He waited another day in vain and began to think that nothing would come of his plan and he had better advertise. But near evening on the fourth day a figure appeared in the doorway ol the store. The sun was setting, and tbe bright light from behind her made it impossible for Alec to see who it was as he stood alone behind the counter. But he noticed that the girl's shoes were very dusty, and her skirts, that scarcely came below the ankles, were dusty too. Moreover, she had a remarkably graceful figure that was finely outlined against the bright sky beyond. Before that day was over she did understand. Yet the fact seemed to trouble Alec more than anything else. He looked at ber again and again, and could not resist the fact that she was a wonderfully fine country girl, so strong, so finely bnilt and yet so shy and sweet. If he were always to be a countryman, he would marry her. She would make a wife faithful to the very last drop of her blood, and gentle and affectionate and intelligeut too. But to wed her would be to wed the country. Time alone conld tell whether that should be his lot or not. A little later he went up to Mr. Bennett and shook bands with him. He spoke about Maud as if she had come in the ordinary way, and before they parted Mr. Bennett seemed to brighten considerably.And the wide valley between stretched its white expanse as far as the eye oould reach, broken here and there by farmhouses and barns whose roofs were heavily snow laden, or by rongh thickets of bare trees, or the dark evergreen woods of pine and spruce and hemlock and fir. It was a cold and forbidding prospect, yet fascinating, too, a mysterious monotony, a wideness and a gulfing infinitude, from which perhaps the countryman gets that blank calm eyed expression of his that the men of the city can never understand and whioh sometimes i« mistaken for stupidity. The city enthusiast is at times astomsned at the apparent blindness of the countryman to the grandeur and beauty about him, but if he does not look and admire it, it is because his bones have become imbued with the sights, and his fingers feel them, and his nerves are tuned to them. Take him from their presence, and he would die of loneliness.The collation was soon brought in and eaten with hearty relish. When it was finished, one of the young men stood up on a chair and amid many awkward j«sts moved that a vote of thanks be extended to Mr. Howe for bis very fine display aud fine collatiou. The motion was carried with loud applause, when his place was immediately taken, as had been arranged beforehand, by a young woman, who . moved a vote of thanks to Miss Lisboth Biggins and Mrs. Higgins, which was carried with as much earnestness. The undertaking had proved an immense success. Nearly $300 worth of goods had been sold for cash or credit, and the management of Alec and Lisbetb was firmly established in popularity among the young people, while the older ones looked on with approval. That "store opening" led the way for a general revival of social interest throughout the town, and its significance was regarded on all sides as decidedly more social than mercantile. Another tie in the indissoluble bonds had bound Alec to the couutry. ' / *  28, 29. "When they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a sepulcher." Although they knew Him not, yet they unwittingly fulfilled the Scriptares containing Him. Both Herod awl Pontius Pilate, the gentiles and the people of Israel, with all their indifference to or hatred of Christ, only fulfilled what God had determined liefore to butane (Acts iv, 27, 28), and yet they were all free agents. Spurgeon cncesaid, "My God can rule free agents, leaving them absolutely free, and yet effecting all His purposes with them." I do not understand how this can be, but I believe it. In his delight at the idea be bad conceived he wanted to write to her at once and ask her ... she won Id come. But be decided to wait nntil things were more sett led in relation to the financial standing of the store. 'Lisbetb refused to take any step whatever nntil the books were examined and they knew just where they stood. Alec was impatient with her and scolded her a little, bnt she remained stolidly obstinate. That night he tossed restlessly in bed. Never before was his heart so full of problems. What should he do? What should he not do? He did not know, and uo voice seemed to tell him. And yet perhaps in the book of fate it was all decided long ago. With that thought he fell asleep. The confectionery was also to have a picturesque corner opposite that of the books, and Maud was to be in charge. She was also to serve hot cocoa and several other drinks at exactly tho prices of the materials. A cup of cocoa with milk and sugar cost 1 cent, and a bottle of root beer, which had been previously prepared, was given at the same low figure.Now that 'Lisbei'n nad help they decided that Aleo shonld go to Pavonia She paused a moment and looked at Alec, and he stared back with sunset blinded eyes. At last she took a step forward and said in a low, almost faint, t a new sn store ryj-* .aid be cleanedund pi.mod, iind Alec iad a dream of a sort of exhibition or 'opening." The next morning he was busy in the store till nearly the time for starting. There were eo many things to talk over with George Marston. The work 'of sorting, calculating and reckoning up went on busily. ence, delivering as he did so a long and hnmorous argument in favor of alcoholic drinks. So they went away in despair and disgust. Of course tbey might have summoned the law against him, but he had shown all of them too many generous favors for tbem to do that. In his miud be laid oat his career. He would work hard in the store this wintor and get the trade that now went to neighboring towns and villages. With the money saved he would improve the tavern and provide suitable aooommodations for summer boarders. Perhaps voice On Monday morning bo started by the coach, but he was mncli afraid Maud's parents would come and take ber away in his absence. It would be a relief when she was 18 years old and the law conld not be invoked to force her to return. It was agreed that Mau 1 sbould not be seen in the store or at the front of the tavern for the present. "I am here." "Why, Maud!" he exclaimed and was immediately embarrassed to think be bad called ber by her first name, but she took it as a matter of course. Tho Saturday before the opening was Maud's birthday, and though they were in the midst of the work and excitement of the coming event 'Lisbeth took time with her other baking to make her a frosted birthday cake, and Alec gave ber the white lawn dress which she was to wear the following week. No one spoke of. the birthday till supper time. Then before Maud's place was the cake and hanging over the hack of her chair was the dress. She was a little later than the rest in coming to her meal, and when she came hurrying in she stopped beside the chair and looked at the dress in amazement for a moment Then she lifted it and asked naively: And his mind kept wandering back to his father. He did honor him. He really loved bim. Had he been left alone he would never have driven his son from his house. Perhaps he would excuse his stepmother's nnkindness and forget what she had done. But he finally felt how impossible.it was ever to go back except to follow his father's body to the grave. Poor father 1 He, too, had struggled and conquered, and Alec was proud of having followed in his footsteps.80. "But God raised Him from the dead." See also verses 33, 34 and 37, and let this fourfold emphasis given by the Spirit in this lesson to His resurrection from the dead show you the importance of this great truth and recall to your mind the fact that by His resurrection from the dead He was declared the Son of God with power (Rom. i, 4). Our I»rd Jesus was dead, but is alive for evermore, and has all power (Rev. i, 18). We, believing in Him, are one with Him, as children and heirs of God and joint heirs with Himself. some time a great hotel might stand on the spot of this old store. "I didn't recognize yon against the bright light. Bow did yon come?" suddenly thinking that there was at this hour no coach or even train to the nearest railway station from which site might have walked five miles. Alec learned these lessons slowly, but surely. The country was absorbing him, though he rebelled at times. That was why he held aloof from Maud. She was the last strong link that wonld George came over the next evening and reported the results of bis visit to But now the ladies had their chance. They knocked at the front door of the tavern, and Mrs. Higgins received them. 6be gave them a cordial welcome, but was somewhat overcome with dismay when the six filed in. She showed them into the parlor, and they took chairs about the room in prim dignity. Mrs. Higgins was overcome, and remained eilent. Miss Mary Ferguson, a maiden lady of 60, who devoted herself to managing town affairs as much as she was permitted, was spokesman, and began: It was November .now; the days were sometimes chilly and the sky leaden. Old weather prophets said that snow would come eurly and stay late and be unusually heavy. All the leaves had fallen now, and tbe landscape was bare and dreary. Down in the valley columns of smoke rose straight up to heaven, and tbe whistle of engines was clearly heard. But all the gorgeous hues of October bad faded and tbe rich whiteness of the snow had not yet come. Pavouia. Be said it would take several weeks for the probate court to move, and he brought foims for 'Lisbeth and Mrs. Biggins to sign, petitioning for tbe appointment of himself as executor. He thought there would be no trouble, bowever, and he advised that Mr. Biggins' books and papers be thoroughly examined at once, and after that the business be carried on as seemed beet, without waiting for legal formalities. Whatever was done could be legalised afterward."I walked." "What! All tbe way?" 81. "And He was seen many days of them which came up with Hiin from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses unto the people." Ho was seen at least ten times during a period of 40 days after His resurrection before He visibly ascended from Olivet, to which same hill He will in dne time return with all His saints (Acts i, 3, 11; Zech. xiv, 4, 6). The one thing for a believer to do is to he a witness by life and testimony to the great fact that Jesus Christ is His living Lord and Saviour coming again to fill the earth with righteousness. When we are ready for this, He will fill us with His Spirit to this end (Acts 1, 8). 32. "And we declare unto you glad tidings." The angel at His birth brought "good tidings of great joy for all people" (Luke 11, 10), and we are commissioned to testify the gospel of the grace of God and the gospel of the glory of the blessed God (Act* xx, 24; I Tim. i, 11, R. V.). We are allowed of God to be put in trust with this gospel, and we are to speak it, not as pleasing men, but God, who trieth our hearts (I Thess. ii, 4). But it is a trust committed to us for all people on earth. Are we faithful to our trust? "Yes. I've run away. It was the only way I could come, and I was bouod to come. I showed your letter to father, and he said I couldn't go. It was useless to talk about So I didn't speak to mother, but this morning early I came away." CHAPTER XXIL WINTER. He intended to walk over to the railway station because it was such a pleasant morning, and 'Lisbeth could not conveniently go to drive him and bring the horse back. He went to say goodby to Lisbeth, who was in the kitchen. The winter had settled down early, ts the weather prophets bad foretold. The mow lay thick over all the ground, ind the roads had a packed and icy bed. 3arts disappeared, and sleighs, sleds and jutters took their placee. How lightly the iroiD shoes skimmed over the ground, and the horses, stimulated by the crisp air, flew as if they had no load at all. And soon the heavy bobsleds, drawn by double teams of horses or oxen, lame from every direction loaded with •ough timber for the sawmill, or high lorded piles of firewood which had been waiting for the bujw to be hauled into the farmyards, where it could be sawed at leisure, wnen there no possibility of other work. , "Whose is this?" Jim grasped the situation aud promptly replied "Mis' Biggins, we come to express our deep sympathy for your loss. Be had his good qualities, and was a gen'- rous hearted man. Nobody ever said be wan't. We hope you bear np under the grief as well as conld be expected." "You ran away?" queried Aleo In astonishment so manifest that Maud shrank back as if she thought he were condemning ber. CHAPTER XXI. ALEC MAKES A BUSINESS BIT. "I think she's gone out," replied Lisbeth. But when she 6aw the blank look on Alec's face she added, "She said you would never come back and went down that path toward the woods." "Where is Maud?" he asked. 'Lisbeth agreed th«t an immediate examination of tbe condition of affairs "It's a birthday present.,f She looked at it with evident admiration. Then she saw the cake. Alec returned on Wednesday and bad a sense of intense relief when he went into the kitchen and saw Mand still safely there. was the first great thing, for she wanted to know just how much or little money there was. If there was little, she didn't want to waste any of it by spending it at first as if it were much, and if there was more than tbey expected it would be a relief to ber mind at "Won't they follow you?" "Is tbis mine, too?" she asked with still tnnro wonder und doubtfulness. "Yes, Joe was a good man, and as kind to his family as there ever was," replied Mrs. Biggins, melting in tears. "Tbey don't know where I've gone. I didn't tell them where you were working.""Yea," replied Bessie at once, determined to anticipate Jim with her knowledge this titue. "I saw 'Lisbeth making it, and she said it was your birthday cake." Aleo walked to the door and looked stupidly down the path Maud had taken. After a moment be turned suddenly and asked: Be noticed that her lips were quivering and tears stood in ber eyes. She had pictured a very ditterent reception trom this cold, quizzical one. Alec understood in a moment how heartless be bad seemed. 'Lisbeth was baking, but she came with ber bare arms all covered with flour and sat down at the table to listen, for Alec bad news Mrs. Higgins came, too, and Jim, wbo bad happened to be at bome from school rather early. Even Maud paused in her work and stood respectfully by. "But be had bis sbortcomin's," said Miss Ferguson promptly as soon as she saw the tears. People came even from the neighboring towns. "What's the matter?" Something in the manner of 'Lisbeth seemed mysterious, and he could not guess its meaning. least to know it "We all have, "assented Mrs. Biggins, checking her tears, for sbe perceived that they were ooming to the heart of the mystery. Maud looked abont the table in bewilderment, examining the faces of each one, especially those of Alec and 'Lisbeth. At last tears filled her eyes, she bung her bead and left the table hastily. In a moment she had washed the tears away and came back with a smiling face, her hoart and eyes fall of tender grutitude. She had seemed a little suspicions of 'Lisbeth, bat uow that was all changed. Tbe next morning George Marston came over early, and Alec shot the front door, pinning np a half sheet of note pa- bind him, country girl that she was, and not yet wonld he yield himself wholly. All that winter, day after day, they went abont their work, no word spoken, no glance exchanged, that was not of the commonest order. And yet each day be verged imperceptibly nearer and nearer, and from time to time he realized how the distance had lessened, though even now he stubbornly resisted, and, going np to the attic window and looking over the snowbound balcony, berated the mysterions mountains for their subtle witchery. " You must be tired and hungry. But I'm glad you've oome." And how the sleds, loaded with rosy faced boys and girls, went shooting lown the east hill and past the watering trough and church and store, and then lown the ledge hill far along the forest road. They came before school, and at noon and after school, aod sometimes in the evening with bigger boys and girls whose arms bad good excuse for clinging closely abont each other, and girls' hands had to be warmed in boys' pockets."Don't you know?" replied 'Lisbeth slowly, while a faint smile gathered round the corners of her lips. per, with the words written: "Closed lor examination. Open 12 to 1." The opening of an boor was for the mail. "Well, what did yon bay?" asked Jim, and the eyes of 'Lisbeth and Mrs. Higgins asked the same question. Going to Pavonia was always au event. "And one of them," went on the good lady, "was feedin the devil in his own lair. "Yon can't deny, Mis' Higgins, that be did that most scandalous." He held ont his hand, and 6he placed hers within it He gave it a warm and cordial pressure that made her face brighten immediately. Then Alec understood everything. Without a word he turned and flew down the path. On he sped into the cool woods, over the slippery pine needles, stumbling on the rocks and branches in his path. But he had not gone many rods before he stopped short, for there she was, lying at the foot of a great pine tree, stretched npon the ground, with her face buried in her folded arms, while sobs shook her whole body. He stopped abruptly, then cautiously approached. But she bad detected him. He knew it because the sobs stopped, and she lay perfectly quiet. Alec finally threw himself at full length beside her. His arm stole round ber shoulders, bis hand touched her cheek, but still she made no movement or sound, only under bis arm he could feel the regular coming and going of her breatb. 83. "As it Is also written in the Second Psalm, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee." The Second Psalm tells us that, in spite of all the rage and vain Imaginings of the ungodly nations, God will yet set His King upon His holy hill of Zion (Ps. ii, 6). And verse 7 is here explained as referring to the resurrection of Christ from the dead to that end, and not to His birth in Bethlehem, as some might suppose. It is a great inspiration to believe that notwithstanding all hindrances and delays every promise of God shall be fulfilled; not one can fail (Joshua T-r»i 14; I Kings vili, 56). 84. "I will give you the sure mercies of David." These sure mercies are set forth in H Sam. vii, 12, 18, and I Chron. xvii, 11, 12, and are more fully stated in connection with Israel's future glory in Isa. lv. 'Lisbeth decided to serve the family with cold meals and give her whole at- George Marston had given Aloo a check for $ 100, telling him to use it in Pavonia if he had a chance and to say nothing to 'Lisbeth or Mrs. Higgins. And this had something to do with the result of Alec's journey. tention to this business. All the books of the store were spread out on the counter, and 'Lisbeth brought the little tin trunk that held Mr. Higgins' most private papers. The old deal desk he wrote on. which was built upon the end "I won't hear nothin agin Joe," protested his spouse, weeping afresh. "We'll take good oare of you," he added kindly, and sbe even smiled. "Come out in the kitchen and 'Lisbeth will give you something to eat and show yon to your room." "You can't deny that he made drunkards," went on Miss Ferguson, a little maliciously. That Saturday night, too, a big notice was tucked on the front door of the store where everybody coming to church could see the announcement of the "opening," which till then had been kept a profound secret. "You know. Mis' Higgins, we did everything we could to stop him, and he wouldn't stop a bit," put in a very fat matron at her right "He drunk a glass of cider right in my face one time and I sh'ld think you'd be so 'shamed of it you wouldn't know what to da Yon was always a cburchgoin woman, even after you merried him." She followed him meekly, and as soon as he had presented her to 'Lisbeth Alec made her sit down. Not till then bad she realized how tired sbe was. When she heard that the girl had walked 25 miles, 'Lisbeth said with quick solicitude:"We are going to have a grand show here in about a fortnight," said Alec with the enthusiasm of a boy, and the spectators looked on with open mouthed interest Every day the school children, as they climbed the long hill back from their ride, stopped at the store as at a sort of half way house, to warm their nnmbed hands and toes, for Alec always kept • roaring fire in the big ronnd wood stove. of the counter next the postoffloe boxes, was emptied of its contents, a most miscellaneous mass of papers, and then the Every morning be rose at 6 and kindled the fire in the kitchen for 'Lisbeth and then that in the icy cold store. He broke the ice in the water backets and went to tne pump lor iresn water, tie washed his face and hands in ice cold water in the kitchen sink and pulled Jim oat of bed when he had not the courage to get up. Sometimes he even felt it his duty to pound loudly on the door of the room where 'Lisbeth and Maud were, because they were more than half an hour late in coming down. The notice remained up all the week, and the turnout the following Saturday was such as to fill the hall to suffocation. It had been a dull November day, and as darkness settled down the first snow of the season began to flutter down in great soft flakes. Soon the ground was hidden under an ermine mantle of exquisite richness. work of sorting, calculating and reckoning up went on busily. They found a deed of some land in Dakota that might or might not be valuable, but it proved to be mortgaged for nearly as much as "What is it going to be?" asked Jim, when Aleo seemed not to hurry on as he ought But winter was especially the time for social gatherings and lyceums and mtertainments in the hall by the ladies' sewing society. Thanksgiving soon came, and what family gatherings there were! For a full week beforehand the women were engaged in making fat mince dies and pumpkin pies and squash pies and cranberry tarts, and then at the last chicken pies and cranberry sauce and preparing the big turkey. No house was so small or poor it didn't have a feast of some sort, and if there were any brothers or sisters to come home, they always came, and abandoned themselves for one daj to old country cheer, spiced sometiinen with cleur hard cider. "You must go right to bed after you've bad something to eat, and yon mustn't think of getting up till day after tomorrow or you'll be sick." "I got a consignment of dress goods and ready made clothes and some tailor's samples—three big boxes of things. We'll spread them out in the hall up it cost There was a deed of the lot in the cemetery where the owner now lay buried, and that was all the real estate Mrs. Higgins was now weeping copiously, and the visitors remained grimly silent. As Miss Ferguson was about to lreak it by some further remark, 'Lis I eth pushed open the door and stared at them all in amazement She had come in quite accidentally and had not known before of their presence. She looked sweepingly about the room and saw the stern features of Miss Ferguson and the tears of her mother. 85. "Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to st* corruption.'' That David in Ps. xvi, 10, spoke of Christ and not of himself is made very plain in Peter's sermon at Pentecost, and also that David saw In the promise of God, not a mortal man, but an immortal man, risen from the dead (Acts ii, 23-31), in whom His throne and kingdom would be established forever. be seemed to possess. There was a rec- Maud smiled, and protested that she wasn't tired, but it was too evident that she had dragged herself on mile after mile at last when she could barely stand. ord of (100 deposited in a savings bank in the name of 'Lisbeth, which be had evidently provided for the emergency of his death. Then there was the store By half past 7 the people began to arrive. The men stamped the snow roughly from their boots, and the girls and women shook their dresses as they came up on the veranda. The hall was brightly lighted, and there was a cheerful open fire which Alec had arranged expressly for this entertainment. As it was not very cold, no other heat was needed. "Maud," said be. But he could find uo other words, and the sentence he would have spoken died away in silence. Instead be passed bis hand caressingly over her head and hair and finally gave a gentle pressure to turn ber face toward him. In a moment it yielded. She felt all the time that be was looking at her, and she knew that her face was stained with tenrs. But she did not care. He saw at once the tear stained face, the quivering lips, the moist eyelids, and then he looked into those round, brown eyes and saw that tbey were looking into his. Slowly he drew the face nearer and kissed the cheek and lips, and then she gently raised her damp lips and kissed him. About once a month he went to Pavonia, and sometimes with a sled in order to bring back a load of grain. The work was monotonous, but not disagreeable to one who bad something in his head to think about, as Alec had. The living was rough, and sometimes he longed for the dainty comforts of his city home, but at the same time he felt his body growing more and more rugged, and physical health is a great boon. business. Mr. Higgins bad kept a small bank account, and there seemed to be a little over f 100 now on deposit, but nearly the whole of it was owing to the wholesale dealers from whom he bought bis stock. There was a mass of bad Supper was just ready, and when she had washed ber face and bands in tbe kitchen sink Maud sat down with the rest. It was a pleasant family gathering, and she seemed to feel already tbe difference between the atmosphere and that of ber own home. She brightened all through the meal, and it was evident that she was much pleased to think of having a polite young man like Alec and a kind young woman like 'Lisbeth for her employers. Alec noticed that sbe was a little shy of 'Lisbeth, and wondered if the two would get on well together. Instinctively she looked to him for protection, and be resolved in his heart to be a good friend to her. 86. "For David, after he had in his own age served the will of God (margin) fell on sleep." Being a child of God by faith in Christ Jesus, the thing for us then to do is to let Him accomplish His will in us in serving His purpose with us while we live. Let the question search us, Am I fully in His will for His pleasure or living for my pleasure? "Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Bom. xv, 8). "What hare you been saying to mother?" she demanded a trifle fiercely. debts owing from tbe country people for groceries sold cm account, but George Marston knew very few collections could be made. The quarter's rent of $40 was overdue, and tbe only provision for its payment seemed to be the deposit in the savings bank. Evidently all that was left to the family was the depleted stock of the store and the good will of the business, which migbt together be reckoned at $300 perhaps. But half that sum ought to be spent at once to pat the business in good shape. The ac- "Ob, don't say anything rash," protested Mrs. Higgins. "They've been accusin your father after he's dead and gone." On one side were displayed all the bright dress goods and made up gowns, which 'Listotli had charge of. She was dressed herself in a very pretty bright calico, which very well became her precisely cut but kindly face. Those who saw her thought they had never seen her look so fine. For a week just before Christmas Alec had a grand sale of holiday goods in the big hall, and people came even from the neighboring towns for miles about, and the sales were really very large. Alec decorated the store and tavern plentifully with evergreens, and they had a little Christmas tree, with all the pies and puddings and candies the children, big and little, could poslibly eat. "We didn't come to say nothin about Joe Higgins that you didn't know yourself already," put in Mrs. Fairley, who was a tender hearted little woman. "We only wanted to say we expected you, as a church member and bein a woman, to stop tbe iniuitqy that we couldn't make him stop. Joe Higginn wan't no church member and that made a difference." CHAPTER XXIII. DEATH AUD LOVE. 87. "But He whom God raised again saw no corruption.'' That body, although for us it tasted death, was as free from corruption as from sin. We are comforted by believing that even though our bodies see corruption "This corruptible must put on incorruption," and if we tarry till He come, "This mortal must put on Immortality" (I Cor. xv, 63). Death, which smites the body and makes it sleep and pass through corruption, is an enemy which shall be destroyed (I Cor. xv, 26), and concerning which God has said, "O death, I will be thy plagues" (Hos. xiii, 11). In May the first six months of the new management of the store were completed, and Qeorge Marston advised a balancing of accounts. He and Alec and 'Lisbeth worked steadily at the account books for three days, and then the result was known. The profits exceeded by $300 those of any previous Eix months in the history of the store. There was a great jubilation of a quiet sort among the three managers, though Aleo received the most of the congratulations. "We are (jolng to hare a yrand show here In about a fortnight," said Alec. On the other side wero the ready made suits for men and boys, the overcoats and the tailor's goods and place for measurement Alec wore his tailor made suit and was a walking advertisement. The young fellows seemed almost overcome by bis elegance of manner and looks. At last Maud sat up at the foot of the pine, leaning ber back against it stairs and Berve lemonade and sandwiches and invite everybody to come and see. If we don't sell tbe things, I have the privilege of sending them back." When supper was finished, 'Lisbeth said in a tone of kindly command to Maud: "You've lost your train," she said. But her face was happy and smiling. But 'Lisbeth was roused. She wouldn't be forced to do anything by anybody, and she declared that if sbe was as good as her father she guessed she'd be good enough for anybody. Christmas evening was a clear, oold starlit night. The day had been a gloriously joyful one, and Jim brought out bis big new double runner and wanted the whole family to go and slide down : bill with him. Alec was ready at the nrst word, and Maud soon consented, aud after awhile 'Lisbeth said she would go. Only Mrs. Higgins held out, till every one turned against her, and they fairly earned her off, placing her on the sled and pulling her up the hill. When they were ready to make the descent, Jim sat in front to steer, Mrs. Higgins came next and took a firm • grasp of her young son, while 'Lisbeth, immediately behind, did more to secure her mother's welfare than her own safety. Then the little ones sat close up between 'Lisbeth and Maud, who was behind them. Alec pushed the sled off. How they did whistle through the air, while fences and houses and church and store and woods went scudding by tbem. Even Alec caught his breath and held it bard as they rounded a sharp corner, leaning in to balance the veering sled. What if they should all go rolling in the mow, and what if there were broken bones or cracked skulls? "Now you go right upstairs and take a bath, and then go to bed. Then I will ooine and rub you. I know how you must ache. And we can't have you getting rheumatism. I will show you tbe way.'' "There'll be another," he answered. "You'll come back?" she asked, not as an inqniry, but simply to hear the words that he would say. counts showed that it bad paid $700 to II ,000 a year net profit "What did you get?" queried Lisbeth, as much interested as Jim was. "Calicoes and things?" Mrs. Higgins, in her best silk dress and an old fashioned little white lace cap, went about among tho guests, overflowing with hospitality, aud praising liberally the enterprise of Alec and her daughter 'Lisbeth. Which was the greater wonder was not satisfactorily settled. Flo and Bessie were allowed to b? present, too, and trotted about in the highest glee, having the very best time in the world, till they fell asleep in some kind neighbors' arms. They did not finish tbe examination till late that night, bnt for some hours the approximate outcome was apparent As a matter of fact 'Lisbeth detested the liquor selling as much as any of her visitors did, and possibly more, and had determined from the first to do away with tbe small stock that remained. Sbe had even contemplated that very day taking it all out into the back yard and pouring it out on tbe ground. But she wouldn't be forced to do anything. "I may be back in a week," he said cheerfully and took ber hand in his and kissod it. No country lover would have done that,she thought to herself proudly. "Yes, and cheviots and shawls and toothbrushes and frying pans and fashion plates and patterns and luces, ana everything I could think of that the folks out here would want. I ordered a suit of clothes for myself made t« order. There is a company has an office down there who mukes clothes to order for as low as $12 a suit. I paid $15." Alec had been saving his wages for this suit But one success is only a stepping Itone to another. It was a good beginning, but what next? 88. "Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." We are sure that the kingdom will come and the nation of Israel be all righteous, and the earth be filled with the glory of God, but what is the present benefit of the work of Chrlstf The forgiveness of all sin. By sin came death and every woe. Our Iniquities separate us from God. But in Christ there is full provision for the complete blotting out of all our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. One of His last commands was that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke xxlv, 47). About 9 o'clock George Marston. after whispering to Aleo that be was willing to advance $100 if 'Lisbeth would accept it, went home on foot with scarcely any other goodby. Alec was disappointed, for he fancied he saw all his dreams fading. Certainly his plans would have to be readjusted. 'Lisbeth was simply stolid, and said it was about what she expected. After George was gone she left the store, and Alec shut np the blinds and locked the outer door. When he came into the dining room, sbe took up a small oil lamp and said sbe was going to bed. 'Lisbeth bad told Mrs. Higgins tbe result and she had already gone, muttering to herself that Joe never was a good manager. The next morning after breakfast Aleo decided that the first thing that ought to be done was to circulate a petition addressed to the postmaster general, asking for tbe appointment at 'Lisbeth as postmistress. He told 'Lisbeth what he was going to do and asked her to look after tbe store while be took it around to various influential persons. Maud protested against the rubbing, and said she was not very tired. Lisbeth 's kindness em bai rassed her, and sbe did not yet know just how to view ber. But sbe followed 'Lisbeth and did not even say good night to Alec, who returned to the store to think over in wonder the strange tilings he had heard. She was really beautiful, he thought, and much less angular than most of the country women. As the summer was approaching the old plan for summer boarders was revived, and Alec suggested spending the $300 they had gained in getting the old ball into bedrooms furnished for the boarders. The plan was well talked over and at last decided on, and Alec was to be sent to New York to buy the furniture and arrange for the necessary advertising."What time is it?" she asked, better be going." "You'd "Goodby. I'll be back soon,"hecried a rod away. "Goodby," she murmured and stood watching him down the forest path, for he meant to cut across the fields to tbe railway station. He looked back several times, and just as be was turning the corner of the trees to go out of sigbt he stopped and waved his hand. Tbe contest was fierce and long, and was finally ended by 'Lisbeth bursting violently into tears and rushing out of the room. The strain upon her mind of the last few days had been too heavy. George Marston stood near 'Lisbeth's corner, smiling in astonished wonder at Alec's idea and in pleasure at the inevitable result in helping on 'Lisbeth's business, which in one sense was his own as woll. The older men crowded about him and talked grain and crops and the milk market and an arrangement which Alec had made for selling their butter. They laughed when he enumerated tbe incongruous articles. The next morning Mand did not ap pear for breakfast. 'Lisbeth da id fbc bad been very restless all night, and bad seemed not to sleep till after midnight Bat she was sleeping at breakfast time. She said she meant to keep the girl in bed all day. She simply wondered how she ooald have walked 25 miles in so short a time. Mnnd had said that a farmer had given her a long ride, but it ooald not have been above five or six miles, and all the rest of the way she bad walked. She had started long before sunrise and bad kept steadily on to her destination, scarcely stopping to test or eat, and all day she bad only had to eat a few sandwiches she had brought with her. When Alec came home soon after, he found tbe visitors taking a frigid leave of Mrs. Higgins. He went into the store as they came out the tavern door, and not finding 'Lisbeth went to the kitchen in search of her. He found her sitting at the kitchen table, ber head resting on ber outstretched arms, and sbe was sobbing. He went to her in surprise, and resting bis hand on her shoulders asked anxiously: "Did yon get any nice Christmas books?" asked Jim. It was tacitly understood that in the following autumn 'Lisbeth and George would be married. If Alec remained and took charge of the store for Mrs. Biggins, 'Lisbeth would go to live at the house of the Marstons. It seemed to be taken for granted that he would stay, and when George spoke of the matter he always assumed that he should have 'Lisbeth with him very soon, though of course his and her share in the control of affairs at the store would continue as long as there was any need. "Goodby," he shouted, and she murmured "Uoodby." But be heard it 89. "And by Him, all that believe are justified from all things.'' The law cannot justify any one, for the law is as holy as God, and all are sinners. But since God in Christ has taken the sinner's place and borne our sins in His own body, suffering the just for the unjust (Isa. ltii, 6; I Pet. U, 84; ill, 18), a full justification is granted freely to every sinner who receives Christ (Rom. Ill, 24). "Yes," said Alec, "200 or 800." "My!" said Mrs. Higgins. "They'll never buy all that lot" How the birds sang, how soft the air was, how bright the son! As he hurried along he remembered that he had said goodby to nobody, not even Mrs. Higgins or 'Lisbeth—only Mand. But it did not matter. In a week he would be back again—home again. "Well, all we can't sell we will send back. Freight doesn 't amount to much." He had also procured a choice stock of confectionery at a very low price, and he decided that at the opening Maud should be in charge of it dressed in a protty ready made gown he had bouKht, made of lawn with ruffles and rucliing, with full waist and skirt and a belt He had also Iwught some cheap jewelry. Indeed everything was well adapted to the country folk. There was also a great oonnter of toys and knickkuacks, as toothbrushes, bootjacks, kitchen utensils and so forth, of which he had nominal cbiirge. Bnt lie usually referred questioners to 'Lisbeth, who stood near, aud she with energetic activity attended to both, disregarding him apparently on the ground that he was a useless incumbrance. But ae looked on witl pleased admiration «t her industry. "What's the matter?" But tliore was no casualty. The sled came to the ond of its journey in a leisurely glide, and there was the long tramp back again. When they reached the store, Mrs. Higgins wouldn't think of going again, and 'Lisbeth cried off aud took tho, little ones, though they wept for more. But Jim said he was going if he had to Blide alone, and Alec Invited Maud to join him in keeping Jim company. So off they went, Jim tugging at the sled in front, Alec and Maud following leisurely behind. He slipped her arm into his and helped her gallantly. It was the first time he had ever paid her any special attention, but tonight he helped her and tended her as if she had been a child or a young lady from the city. He sat close behind her on the journeys downward and held her firmly with one hand about her waist, while with the other be grasped the side of the sled. Once, Indeed, they went rolling in the snow naar the foot of the ledge hill, and Alec had to pick her up and wipe the 6now gently from her face and eyes and brush her skirts and cloak and warm her cold hands in his. It was very sweet, and she was very happy, and so was Alec, if the truth be told. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, but he didn't, and she never dreamed of his desire, Alexander Howe is now the rich man of the town of Ashton. He made a considerable fortune in his business and owns a large farm, which be intends turning iuto a private park—private, but open to all his townspeople. Tbey call him squire, and it is be who makes the big subscriptions for the minister's salary, and for the town poor, and for patriotic celebrations, and the old men tell how he came to Asbton years ago a poor lad without a penny in his pocket. Serving Others. "Go way," said 'Lisbeth brokenly, and he took a step back. She raised her bead and wiped away the tears, and at last controlling berself by a great effort told him what had happened. Since he knew her own views and previous intentions he could not help smiling. The moment be smiled she poroeived her inconsistency, and smiled faintly too. But she immediately rose as if to dismiss the subject, opened the oven door and closed it with a slam, and set to work to get sapper. It was with a thrill that Alec heard the proposition to go to New York. It was a year since he had left his home, as ho now suspected forever, aud not one word of news or affection bad come to him. Even the irrepressible Miss Dora Thistle seemed to have forgotten him. Should he go back to his father and say: "I have succeeded. Give me your blessing?" Or should he forget, as be was forgotten? Those wore painful, bitter thoughts. The old conception of personal Christianity was that it meant hardly moro than securing one's own salvation. This was its principal aim. Being of spiritual use to others was involved, but was secondary in importance. But now the purpose of service to others has assumed the greater prominence, and it is held that the surest way to secure one's own salvation is to spend oneself in loyal effort to win others to Jesus Christ. The personal aim is not lost to sight, but it is pursued from a new point of view, and its relation to other motives is altered. This result has come about as the result of study and imitation of Jesus, who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister"—that is, to serve.— Congregationalist. The first man he went to was Jonathan Finch ley, who grumbled at being asked to sign a petition against his own political party. "But 'Lisbeth is strictly nonpartisan," «id Alec. Alec fancied 'Lisbeth was taking a real interest in Maud as she had in bim, and he thought that augured well for their future relations. "When will the opening be?" asked 'Lisbeth. It was strange how they had fallen into the way of taking directions from Alec and asking him every time they did anything. 'he young men rowded about Maud's .Aimer, and Aleo 'ooked in her direc- "I suppose we'll bare to say so," be inswered. '' If my conscience rebukes ne for the act, I'll say that." Of ocmrse all the members of Mr. Biggins' political party signed readily soongb, and a number of tbe opposite party signed because Mr. Finch ley bad. When all tbe names were secured, be would send it witb a letter to tbe senator who knew Mr. Higgins personally and got his appointment before, and laisbeth's appointment would be a certainty, though there would doubtless be ion viry often wiih envious eyes. She The day bat one after Maud's arrival was Sunday. She came dowu to breakfast looking rather pale, bat with a bright face. Her shyness and l}omesickness seemed rapidly wearing away under thogenial kindness of Alec and 'Lisbeth. "A week from Saturday would be a good time, don't you think?" had a fine color this ovening, and in drws certainly was a beauty. Every one noticed her, the girls came and spoke to her, and she sold a large amount of confectionery. Many of the young men tried to joke with her familiarly, but she became so cold am,' silent that they goon stopped that. And he has the handsomest wife in the state, and all the town is proud of her. She loves her husband just as she loved him in those old years, and when he holds her hands and looks at her he glances on to the mountains, for li« believes that her love is as unchanging as they. Silence gave consent. For a minute or two no one spoke. They were simply recovering from the surprise of it. Then 'Lisbeth started sternly up, remarking in a sharp tone as if rebuking herself: But one day toward the end of May a letter came. It was 'Lisbeth who found it. "You're all used up, and you ought to take a vacation," said Alec. "How can I?" she inquired a little shortly. After breakfast she insisted on helping to do up the work, and fell to with an ease and deftness that gave still further assurance to 'Lisbeth. "Here's a letter for you, Alec," she said, holding out a great square envelope edged with a wide band of black. "I think we ought to have a girl." "Sitting here will never get those pies buked. If we are to have a sort of fair here a week from Saturday, there will be a pretty pile of work to do between now and then.'' Just before 10 o'clock Alec glanced hastily over the crowd, thinking it was about time to briiiR in tho collation 'Lisbeth had proposed, but his eyo was arrested by a strange figure near the door. It was no other than Mr. Bennett, Maud's father. He had just come in and was looking about in bewilderment, but just as Alec saw him ho in turn saw Mand, and she saw him. Slowly he made his way toward her. "Should we starve to pay for her?" Aleo glanced at the address. It was his mother's handwriting, aud he trembled for the news it must contain. Six months before he had written her and sent his address, but till now he had heard nothing. THE END. But Alec ignored her irritability, and said he thought she might easily be made to earn her way. "Maud is a very good girl," she said to Alec. "You must be good to her." The Truth of Chriatmas. □er Suggestion. Considering the interpretation of the ft month's delay. But while Alec vu attending matter Mrs. Higgins and 'Lish receiving a deputation of ladies ben of the Women's Temperance ■nee. It was notorious that Joe * M always kept • stock at Whi&ky and beer, though it wat —is■! Use law. Hesaiditwai "If we could get some boarders, perhaps we might," she said more mildly at last. "I am used up. I shouldn't, act bo like a heathen if I weren't" They all went to church together and nearly everybody looked to see who the strange girl with the Higginses was. She was so tall and fine looking that some thought she must be a relative of Alec's. But it was probably George Marston who set afloat the report that ahe was the hired girl. After that less interest was taken in her, but all the old ladle" «DD»» »» Ku give her a kindly Maud followed 'Lisbeth's example and fell to work, and Aloe went into the store, followed by Jiui, who had a lot more questions to ask. Ho—You are as sweet as sugar. I had courage to kiss you. I wish ordinary and the extraordinary in the truth of Christmas what a sense of rev- 10 thia Lisbeth were mem- Alii- She—What is sugar without sand?— erential estimation for God's trcmen- Town Topics. dous mercies overwhelms the religions ; soul! What new firo is enkindled in tho old conviction that the one thing which makes life worth living is His relation I tons and ours to Him—a relationship so astounding)? actualized in the word uiadc :. !- -L.; v 3C (t !:• Tiiccy. Of course the mail had to be distributed before he could read the letter, so it lay on the board shelf before him as be worked. But soon the last bag was thrown over theconnter, and the mail man bad snatched it up and hurried into bis hi£» ttn-en seated v."v»"n. f'tin*"'!. The paiii Lad gone out of 'Lisbetli's life uow, for she saw George Marstou every day, and she knew they would bo married within a year if everything went well. Higgins cider and entirely tear ait* That very evening three men came into the store and applied to A leu for board. Tb«y were lumbermen attached to the steam sawmill that bad been set ■n in the neighborhood, and naturally Whnt ardent friends were you and Grayt Brief I'Halm of IJfe. "Well, Maud, a fine place this!" Aleo heard him say. He raw Maud's lips answer •'Ym" Knt bo tbciT!rDht she was You wore iDneh other's collars. But you lust him when one luckless day Yuu lent him forty rf.ilhtr*. • Cl:( fro** wna rain) and nlaoid. differ- Tr'1iirDc