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40
WOUSE THAN WAR, WOIIBK THAN PfiSTIMSNCK.
fools tlio sting of your dishonor," said
Mrs, Abbott, after recovering from borsobs.
Mrs. Abbott was nn unusually modest
person, but these remarks seemed more
than she could endure.
"Whatdishonor?" exclaimed Mr. Heart
less, with angry countenance.
"The dishonor of being a rumseller,"
said Mrs. Abbott in n tremulous voice.
"A dishonor!" exclaimed Mrs. Heart
less. " How can it be n dishonor when
we move in the most respectable society
in town. At our last party we entertained
the wealthiest and most fashionable citi
zens of Straightorook. And we have been
invited to a party to-night at Squire Hos
kon's."
'Madam, you would not insult me in
my own house?" gruilly exclaimed Mr.
Heartless.
"Bog your pnrdon, sir," said Mrs. Ab
bott, "but would you wound a broken
heart?"
Adjusting her appnicl which had long
since been out of fashion, Mrs. Abbott de
parted. She hesitated at the gate to pon
der what was the next best step to be
taken. She had always entertained much
expectation from the world, but her faith
now began to waver. At tlrst she thought
eho would return home, and then again
that it would be better to see Mr. and
Mrs. Sherwin, their old friends and sym-
paUiizers.
" It bus been several mouths," reflected
Mrs. Abbott, "since Brother and Sister
Sherwin have called on us; but as I have
not attended services lately, and have be
come isolated from the members, ho or
his family may bo ill. At all events, I
will call. They may give me a few words
of comfort in this hour of aflliction "
So she hurried on, for the sun was low
in the western horizon. She labored up
the steep ascent of the lawn in front of
Mr. Sherwin's residence, and feebly rang
the boll, for she was much fatigued from
the toils and troubles of tho day.
" Is Mrs. Sherwin in ? " sho interrogated
of tho servant who answered tho summons.
" No, mum," answered tho servant.
" Sho has gone visiting to Squire Iloskon's.
Will you come in?"
Mrs. Abbott walked into tho sitting
room.
"Would you like to see Mr. Sherwin?"
interrogated tho servant.
"If it would not be interrupting him in
ins studies," said Mrs. Abbott.
" Not at all. For ho is always pleased
to see tho brothers and sisters of his
church."
The servant immediately ran up stairs.
She knocked long and loud at the door of
tho study, but received no answer. Sho
returned, telling Mrs. Abbott that Mr.
Sherwin bad. probably, gone down street,
Mrs. Abbott then turned her steps home
ward witli forlorn spirits, it was Satur
day evening and pedestrians were huny.
ing to their hearths and homes. Many on
horse back and in vehicles were enjoy,
an evening ride. Mrs. Abbott with tears
in her eyes recalled tho happy days in
Tennessee. She tlunight of their pleasant
home and many friends.
Mrs. Abbott had gone but a short
distance when a fine carriage passed by,
containing Squiro Hoskon's family and
Mr. Sherwin's two children. Mrs. Abbott
chanced to glance behind when ahc saw
tin' vehicle stop in front of Mr. Sherwin's
house, and the children alighted. But
to her great astonishment sho saw Mr.
and Mrs. Sherwin coming down tho walk.
It was strange to her how they could have
returned so soon. But tho secret was,
Mrs. Sherwin had entered tho house, un
known to tho servant; and when Mrs. Ab
bot came up the walk sho was observed
from the window of Mr. Sherwin's study,
while ho was listening to his wife read
ing. As thoy had deserted tho Abbott
family, they preferred not to be disturbed
through her visit.
(to bo contlnuud.)
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