117

He

The man and girl walked some way in silence, the shadow of sorrow on their faces telling of the sympathy existing between them-telling also that their last words had been saddening ones. was so much taller than his companion that she could not see his expression unless she threw her head right back and gazed upwardsand this she did as with mutual impulse they paused beside a bridge that crossed the river. The sunshine played upon her upturned face and glinted in the gold of her hair.

She was Jenny Milbourne, and the man was her betrothed, Ralph Scott.

"It is no use deceiving ourselves with false hopes, Jenny. It is a year now since poor Ambruster was sentenced, and what good has come of waiting? If you nad married me then, as I begged you to do, we might have persuaded your sister to leave Felwich. I am not so much attached to my post in the bank that you need have hesitated to accept my offer, and I could easily find work elsewhere. Since Mr. Soames behaved so badly to Ambruster, I have hated taking his money."

"You have no concern with him as a private individual-you are merely secretary to a bank manager. Ralph, I cannot leave my sister, neither can I let you share our disgrace."

SP

There was a may-tree growing by the bridge, and the young man ruthlessly stripped it of its sweet white flowers: his nervous hands scarcely knew what they were doing, for in his mind was the bitter knowledge that he had mistaken the promise the future had seemed to offer him. He had planned how he would overcome Jenny's scruples, and persuade her to leave Felwich, where her brother-in-law's disgrace was matter of common talk; he had pictured a happy home to himself, where she would learn to lose the half proud, hali-humbled, wholly-pained look which her eyes had worn since John Ambruster's imprisonment. Now he had pleaded, and her answer was always the same: "I will not leave my sister, neither will I let you share our disgrace."

It was hard upon him; yet Jenny felt that she was doing no more than her duty. The love of the two sisters had been great since their childhood, and now Helen had need of all Jenny's fond sympathy and encouragement.

She had moved from the old home, the villa having been sold to pay John's debts, and was living now in lodgings with her children; and the young aunt helped her to train Jackie, Milly, Nelly, and Tom in the love of the God who was the mother's best Comforter.

This May-time, verging upon June, young Scott had pressed his suit constantly, and it was with the intention of giving him a final answer that Jenny had come out with him into the peace of the open

fields, where there was no murmur of human voices or gaze of human eyes, only the song of the Fell, and the innocent faces of the summer flowers.

The girl's heart was full of sorrow, but her courage did not fail her.

"You speak too confidently of finding work elsewhere, Ralph. From your present position you may rise to be a partner even in the bank, but if you go where you are not known you lose all you have gained. I cannot spoil your prospects."

I am

"Oh, Ralph, don't think me hard, unfeeling! unhappy too, but I dare not yield. How could we build our happiness on the misery of others? If you can wait for me-when John comes home I can leave Helen not till then; though I shall still bring shame upon the man who marries me !"

No, no, dear; even if John were guilty, it would be no fault of yours."

"But it is not fair that you should be bound by a promise; you ought

"Jenny! Jenny!" he cried quickly, "don't speak as though I could ever part from you. We are bound by the love we share, more than by any word or vow. No time, no trouble, can be strong enough to snap that tie. my darling.'

So Jenny no longer tried to shake his constancy, nor thought it her duty to give him back the engagement-ring which shone upon her finger.

She thought, as she went home, how much heavier the trial would have been had she been less sure of her lover's fidelity, and while she thanked Gcd for this, she realised yet more keenly how terrible was the sorrow of her sister. John would return some day-that was true-but with a blight upon his whole life, a stain upon his character. Would he ever be proved innocent of the crime for which he was paying the penalty? To hope so seemed too sanguine.

That evening she told Helen of her talk with Ralph, and the two women tried to comfort one another.

her

Little Mrs. Ambruster seemed to have aged many years, though only one had elapsed since husband's trial. Even Jackie noticed the change in her, and asked, with childish vexation, why "Muvver look so dweadfully tired now? and why she didn't sing any more pwetty songs?"

"Mother will be happier when papa comes back," Jenny used to answer, in a whisper.

Next day an event occurred: an event of great importance. Helen was out walking in the town, when, as she passed her old home, she saw two gentlemen come from it. The villa had been to let for some time, and now the bills were being taken from the windows.

As the two men came along the narrow pavement behind her she heard them discussing the terms upon which they had taken the house, and a slight intonation in the voice of the elder sent a thrill of excitement through her. She had heard the

tones before, and she had good reason to remember the occasion.

Entering a shop door, she turned, and eagerly scrutinised the men as they passed her by unconsciously; one was clean-shaven, but she recognised the pronounced features. He was the elder stranger who had called to see her husband about a patent on the day preceding the robbery at Felwich Bank. The young man with him was unknown to her.

For some seconds the little woman's heart beat tumultuously fast, and her brain refused to do its work, but she recovered herself quickly, and thought clearly upon the subject of the discovery she had made.

Was this merely a coincidence? Was the man innocent of all she suspected? Yet, why was he beardless now? Why had he taken the villa?

Suspicion mastered her mind, and she acted upon the belief that here was indeed the man for whose fault John was imprisoned. She sought out Ralph Scott-it was the dinner-hour at the bank--and persuaded him to come for a walk with her; and then, in the solitude of open country, she appealed to him to aid her.

CHAPTER IV.

A WIFE'S WISDOM. "I KNEW you wouldn't refuse me. I believe you would consent for my sake; and there is Jenny to be considered."

The young man's gentle, respectful sympathy had long ago found its way to little Mrs. Ambruster's heart. He pressed her hand as they parted to-day, while the clock from the Town Hall struck two.

"Thank you for trusting me. A man who would refuse your request would be a mere brute. But, dear Mrs. Ambruster, don't let yourself hope too much. You know that a clever lawyer failed to find the least proof against this man before, and the fact that he has taken the house may mean nothing." Helen closed her lips firmly.

"I will remember your caution and you will let me know all you do? I suppose the new-comers will not take possession until midsummer?"

"You shall know everything," said young Scott reassuringly.

It was now the first of June. The twenty-four days passed as slowly as days do for the end of which a woman longs. Helen's hopes and doubts kept up a continued struggle for supremacy over her; sometimes the one triumphed, sometimes the other.

She did not confide her secret to Jenny, and Ralph also abstained from doing so, for neither of them wished to subject the young girl to a possible disappointment.

Ralph hoped less often than did Mrs. Ambruster. He knew that justice does not always appear to be achieved by events as mortals view them; while the wife wondered every hour of every day how it was possible that her John's honesty should remain unproved how it was that every man, woman, and child did not cry out, as her own heart did, against the

great injustice which, in this case, had been perpetrated.

But at last midsummer came, with its glory of perfect luxuriance; flowers were lavish of their perfume, only the balmiest of winds ruffled the rich foliage of the trees; there was a wonderful atmosphere of satisfaction about the whole warmed world. It was a time when Hope seemed natural; and Helen, forswearing discretion and Ralph's warning, let herself rejoice in the happiness which she felt must be coming.

Even young Scott's prudent scepticism as to the result of his exertions in Mrs. Ambruster's cause was shaken somewhat when he heard that the villa had been taken by a gentleman-a widower with an only son, of the name of Calmour. and this was indeed the same heard addressed as "Ardern' change of name would tell assumption of his innocence.

If Helen was right, man whom she had only a year ago, the greatly against the

On midsummer day the new tenants moved into the villa, which had been furnished, under their orders, by the local tradesman. Ralph, through the bank windows, watched their coming.

That night Mrs. Ambruster amazed Jenny by her unusual gaiety.

"Nell darling, I haven't seen you like this sincesince our poor John went away!" cried the girl, startled into speaking upon the usually forbidden subject of the sorrow which neither forgot for a

moment.

Helen kissed Jenny's pale wondering face, and cried over her a little-not tears of absolute grief this time.

"Deary, we may have John home again soon, with his character cleared for ever from the stain bad men, have dared to cast upon it! My poor, brave, noble John! I feel certain that God will not let him suffer

much longer. Help me to pray, darling, and He who is all-merciful will surely listen!"

Mrs. Ambruster could not rest that night. She sat alone in the dark, and waited in trembling eagerness for morning; as dawn broke she crept softly into the nursery, and bent above each of her sleeping children. How peaceful they looked-Milly especially, and little Nell.

Passing into an inner room, the mother found a pair of round blue eyes watching her. Jack stretched out a beckoning hand at once.

"Muvver, I thought it was you cweeping about,' he whispered, rubbing a rough head of golden curls against her encircling arm; "an' I knew you wouldn't go away without comin' in to me. Has anythin' won'erful happened? You do look 80-30-nice again!"

She laughed softly, and laid the little head back on the pillow.

"Go to sleep, my boy; it isn't time yet for young eyes to be open: even the birdies are still asleep; only before sleeping say just two little prayers, dear -one for mother, and one for papa-poor papa, who has to stop away, but who loves us all so dearly!"

Little Mrs. Ambruster went back to her own room, and, pulling aside the corner of the blind, sat by the open window, looking out into the street. There was

a smile on her face such as it had not worn for months.

Gradually the town began to awaken with the sunrise; smoke rose from cottage chimneys, and men passed down the street on their way to their work in the country.

One quick step stopped before Mrs. Ambruster's window, and recognising it, she looked out, showing her face in the early rosy light.

"So it was you who set Scott to watch all night in the bank-you who recognised the man? Oh, Nell, what a lot I owe to my wife's wisdom!"

"No, dear; for if Ardern had escaped, people would still have known that you were not to blame for the first robbery. But yet I like to think that God helped me to make your innocence undoubted. The confession of the thief is the very kind of justification I would have chosen for you."

For John Ambruster was home again, the hero of the hour in his native town, the possessor of all the neighbours' goodwill. He could choose now what position he would occupy for the future, for many were the posts and situations which were offered to him. His return had been publicly celebrated. yet the welcome which was dearest to him was expressed in Helen's radiant smiles, and in the clamorous rejoicing of his children.

"Papa's comed home for evver an evver!" cried Jackie, in his shrillest of blithe tones; "and muvver will always look nice an' happy, an' never cwy again about anythin'!"

"John and Helen, I want to tell you some news!" Jenny was the speaker; she had stolen into the cheery parlour of the villa to which the Ambrusters had returned, and was leaning over the low sofa where Jackie was seated between his parents.

"Ah, Jenny? the news is not novel, is it?" "No." laughed the girl, blushing at the same time; "but I think it will come true at last."

"She means that Mr. Scott is goin' to be my uncle!" explained Jackie sagely.

DECEMBER 17. THE GLORIFIED SAVIOUR.

To read-Rev. i. 9-20.

Golden Text-Phil. ii. 9.
This book

NTRODUCTION.

was written by St. John, the Apostle and Evangelist, in the Island of Patmos, where he had been banished by the Roman Emperor Domitian about the year 96 A.D. At the beginning there is a description of the glorious manifestation of Christ, and His message to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor.

I. THE MESSENGER. (9, 10.) Who was he?
John, the beloved disciple, Bishop of Ephesus.
A brother to all Christians in tribulation.
A sharer in Christ's sufferings and patience.
An exile in banishment in lonely Patmos.

A sufferer for witnessing to Jesus and His word.
A hearer of voices of spirits in heaven.
A witness of visions of another world.
Was in an ecstasy, or trance, on the Lord's day.
As was Ezekiel when he saw Visions of God.
(Ezek. i. 1.)

And St. Paul caught up into heaven. (2 Cor. xii. 2.) II. THE VISION. (11-16.) The voice.

Alpha and Omega-first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet-i.e., the beginning and end-the Everlasting One.

The appearance. (a) Seven golden candlesticks. Remind of the seven lights of the Temple. (Ex. xxv. 37.)

These represent seven churches of Asia Minor.
Christ is with them to keep their light alive.

(b) The Son of man. Long garment as of a priest. (Lev. xvi. 4.)

Golden girdle as worn by kings and priests. Head and hair white and bright-mark of purity. Eyes like fire-piercing sight-noticing sin. Feet like brass-shining with glory. Voice like much water-loud in judgment. Seven stars-angels (or ministers) of churches. Two-edged sword. Word of God to pierce the heart (Heb. iv. 12) and avenge His servants'

wrongs.

Face like sun-utmost possible brilliancy.

All this together marks character and work of Christ.

His Person-holy, pure, and glorious.

His office-as Priest to atone and plead for men. As Judge to condemn wicked, vindicate just. III. THE MISSION. (17-20.) Given by Christ. He has conquered death and the grave. He has power over Paradise (Hell or Hades). Shown by His promising entrance to the thief on the cross. (St. Luke xxiii. 43.)

He rules supreme over death.

Shown by His own rising from the dead.

St. John must write all he is shown, and send it to the angels of the Churches-the appointed rulers. LESSONS. Christ is God-believe in Him. Christ is Priest-go to Him for help. Christ is Judge-prepare to meet Him Christ is Saviour-flee to Him.

DECEMBER 24TH. THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST. To read-St. Matt. ii. 1-11. Golden Text-St. Matt. i. 21. INTRODUCTION. To-day's lesson deals with the visit of the Wise Men from the East to the Infant Saviour. His actual birth is told in the first chapter of this Gospel, and more fully in St. Luke ii. 1-20.

I. CHRIST SOUGHT. (1-8.) Notice :The place of Christ's birth. Bethlehem in Judæa. A small village, six miles south of Jerusalem. As prophesied by Micah 400 years before. The time. Herod the Great was king-now old. Had issued decrees for a universal census. Each family to go to their own city. (St. Luke ii. 3.)

The visitors. Wise Men from East, probably Persia. Noted for their knowledge of astronomy.

Had noticed a bright and unusual constellation. Perhaps knew of Balaam's prophecy of a star (Num. xxiv. 17), and of Daniel's prophecies while in Babylon. (Dan. ix. 26, etc.)

Came to Jerusalem-the royal city of Judah
Expected to find a great king of the Jews.
Desired to pay Him honour, homage, worship.
The king. Herod troubled at hearing of rival king,
Summons priests and scribes learned in law.
Demands where expected Messiah is to be born.
The Scriptures tell in plain words. (Micah v. 2.)
Sends Wise Men on to Bethlehem to see.
Promises himself to follow and worship.

II. CHRIST FOUND. (9-11.) The star shows the place-stands over the house.

The Wise Men rejoice with exceeding joy.
They enter the house and see the Child.
They fall down in worship, and offer Him gifts.
Gold-as to a royal king.

Incense as to a Divine God.
Myrrh-as to a suffering man.
LESSONS. The Wise Men teach-

1. Earnestness. In their search after Christ.
They faced long journey, unknown dangers.
They persevered till they found Him.

2. Faith. They believed in God's call. They believed this babe to be the Divine King. Their faith was shown by their works.

3. Devotion. They adored the infant Christ.