458

FRIEND OR FOE?

Thus he broods, unable to forget. Again the Present is gone, and the Past is present. He sees Oliver led astray with his eyes wide open; blindly ignoring the sweet, pure girl, his companion in his happy adopted home, and becoming infatuated with one who, though all smiles and animation, has no heart. Swiftly the scenes pass: the billiard-room and its blasting charms; the talk that poisons heart and mind; the drinking; the frequent theatre-going; the round of pleasure; presently ominous whispers; then the fearful end, Bankruptcy; then that week of wandering about from street to street like a felon, with the eye of every honest man bent upon him in contempt or suspicion; and finally the terrible moment when he had stood within the very door of the prison, with the grip of the law almost upon his shoulder. Almost by a miracle that grip had been placed on another shoulder; but could he rejoice? Was it not the shoulder of one who, treacherous as he had proved, could not be remembered without a sigh, and a feeling of the old alluring love? Poor Rearden! He was not all bad. Did he not afterwards show nobility, when, at the trial, he sadly admitted the forgery, and tried his best to show that all Oliver's failure was through him, directly or indirectly?

Nay, Oliver, seek not to hide that tear, as it falls-there is no shame in sorrowing for a fallen friend, untrue as he may have been.

The sun is set; it is darkening fast; the park is almost clear of people. Feeling sad as he came from the city, he has strolled this way home, seating himself just for a moment or two. But he must go, as they will be waiting tea. Just as he rises, a bent, strangely dressed figure comes stealthily to his side, and says in a voice-ah, how well remembered

"Oliver-it is you! For God's sake, help me! I have been hunted for three days, and have had no food. You will not give me up, will you ?"

Oliver is scarcely startled, though he gazes into the man's wild eyes with mixed feelings: it is all so like a part of his vision. He merely utters the word "Rearden!" and takes a step back. A strange pair-the erect, well-dressed gentleman; the stooping, thin, hungry-looking beggar, in a garb not ragged, but most curious as to colour and fit!

By and bye, this figure, like the figures of his fancy, vanished, and seemed no more real than they. Yet it, too, would come back; the appeal for help would again be made; bitter repentance again be poured forth; and once more it would be sent on its way, leaving its strange-sounding blessing behind.

It was about three weeks after the meeting in the park, that the end for which, with mingled hope and despair, Oliver Raymond had been looking for two years, came. During those two years he had worked as he had never worked before. Mr. Bradford now kept a constant eye on the business, and was able to help it with his presence; but he need hardly have troubled himself at all, for there was no neglect now: Oliver had stood so near the brink of tragedy, of utter ruin, that the ever-present dread of falling again made another such slip almost impossible. And as still greater security, he had joined a little chapel near, with the pastor of which he had become firm friends, and had thrown himself with all his might into the work of God, in which Elsie, as far as she could, heartily joined him. But the end was come. That was the payment of the money which he had misused. Had he not been robbed one night in that billiard-room of a hundred pounds, the work of repayment would have been a small matter, as the sum he had really misused was very small apart from his own private monies. But now the work was done, thank God! and he would carry out his original intention of going abroad and beginning there anew. He could have Elsie for asking; but how could he, with the memory of his sin ever present with him, dare propose such a thing to her, who his eyes were fully open now-was worthy of the noblest fellow that ever walked the earth?

"I think this week's instalment of that money will clear it off, Oliver," said Mr. Bradford, as the two stood alone one July evening, in the drawing-room of Daisy Villa. "And let me say," he added, coming up to the young man and looking him straight in the eyes-"let me say, that I desire the affair may never again be named, while we live. I have allowed you to repay it, in order to satisfy yourself, else the matter might have been forgotten long ago. 1 thank you, Oliver, for your noble conduct these two years. From now, you are more than nephew to me-you are a son."

FRIEND OR FOE?

459

He took the young man's hand, and the two stood silent, with eyes turned away. "I thank God," Oliver said, at length, "that He has helped me, Sir. But you remember our arrangement? I am going abroad now."

Mr. Bradford looked surprised. Oliver had never alluded to this since the arrangement had been made, and it had seemed to be forgotten quite. Tut, tut!" the former returned, moving away off-handedly. "Don't let me hear

you say such a silly thing again. Even if I were disposed to let you go, I wouldn't, I couldn't do without you. Who is to manage the business, increasing too, as it is, every day?"

"I am sorry, Sir,” answered Oliver, sadly, but in a tone of quiet and settled determination. "You do not know what reasons impel me to this—"

Mr. Bradford said, "Nonsense! I won't listen to you!" and was going out of the room when Elsie entered it.

It was a smarter stroke of generalship than Mr. Bradford perhaps thought it, when, pointing with his thumb over his shoulder, he said, playfully, "Oliver's going abroad, never to come back again. He thinks we are tired of him." With which he laughed and disappeared.

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66

Elsie gazed at Oliver steadily, and he at her. She had grown very pale. "You are going away?" she asked, in a faltering voice. Oliver, too, had grown pale. "I am, Elsie," he answered, with difficulty keeping his voice steady. The money is paid, thank God, and it only remains for me to carry out the rest of— of my resolve. I am sorry; and, indeed, I did not intend you should know until next week. It is my just punishment, but one which I know your too good-hearted uncle would not inflict. Besides-besides-"”

He checked himself: the thought in his mind must above all others be unexpressed.

Into those two or three crises in life which all of us experience-crises never more, perhaps, than a third of a minute in duration-what pain, what memories, what multitudes of thoughts are pressed! Such a crisis had come for Elsie. The hopes, fears, doubts, pains, of years pressed upon her brain in those few seconds, and she grew giddy. The shock was too cruel, too sudden.

"What is it, Elsie ?" Oliver cried, rushing to the girl's side as she reeled“What is the matter?" He spoke the last words very gently, for the pallor of her cheeks was now deathlike. How sweet, how beautiful she looked, as he bore her up with his strong arm! A wild half-delirious impulse seized him to throw his scruples to the winds, and utter that forbidden thought. But he still checked himself. Gently taking Elsie to a lounge, he placed her on it, when suddenly she burst into tears.

What fools and blind are we! How we pet our pride, and mask it, and call it virtue! Oliver stood looking at the weeping girl, and still crushed down that thought that struggled for utterance. But presently he knelt before her, taking one of her hands and pressing it gently."Elsie, Elsie!" he said—and stopped there.

Elsie rose, putting a strong hand on her emotion.

"I am wrong to be so weak," she said, taking Oliver's hand, and looking frankly, but with tearful eyes, into his face. She smiled, too, as she added, 'You are right to go away, if you think you ought to."

The sadness of that smile was too much for Oliver.

"You think I do not care for you!" he said, hotly. "Before God, I would go through fire for you, Elsie. Only-only, how can I, so vile a wretch as I have been, presume to ask for your love? I should be taking a mean advantage of my position, of Mr. Bradford, and of you, in doing so."

Elsie hesitated a moment, looking steadily into her companion's eyes; then, as a beautiful flush like that of the morning overspread her cheeks, she murmured: "You are not vile to me, Oliver!"

It is useless, as we have seen, for pride to contend against love. Oliver, unable to prevent the tears, gave up the last fragment of his scruples, and, as he cried: "God bless you, darling!" the gulf was closed for ever, and Elsie found her proper resting-place, next his heart.

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There was a great party at Daisy Villa, a few months later, where everyone was particularly merry. Nor were Mr. Bradford and Captain Grant (the latter one of the family now, of course) the merriest, though they had a whole bottle of wine to themselves. Mr. Weston, joined by Mrs. Weston, laughed as loudly

460

FORWARD MOVEMENTS.

as anyone; Joyce's face beamed with enthusiasm as he made his excellent witty little speech, which gave everyone an increased idea of the new sub-manager's sharpness; while the faces of those two who had been toasted as "Bride" and "Bridegroom," could not have been made happier by any quantity of champagne. But presently a carriage came to the door, and then the party had to prepare the rice and the slippers. For, Mr. Bradford, turning Quaker for the time, had insisted on Oliver making good his word, by spending his honeymoon in Paris, or somewhere else out of England. So Oliver did go abroad, after all— though he took with him the sweetest companion, his wife.

And so our tale is told. Miss Drewe-the handsome Miss Drewe-received her reward. A few months after Rearden's fall she became Mrs. Goldingthough not exactly to her satisfaction, nor to that of her mother, as, while the "American uncle" never appeared, Mr. Golding's money in the Funds was found to be non est. Joyce proved to be a thoroughly capable sub-manager, and more, he earnestly joined Oliver, by and bye, in the chapel-work. While Captain Grant and Mr. Bradford and Mr. Weston became the firmest and jolliest of friends, and spent many a merry evening together at Daisy Villa. As to Oliver, with his dear wife beside him, he will not again forget that motto: "BE TRUE TO JESUS CHRIST." Rather will he realize, more vividly every day, the poet's words :

"I held it true with him who sings

To one clear harp in divers tones,
That men may rise on stepping stones
Of their dead selves, to higher things."
THE END.

Forward Movements: New Schools.

I.-DENHOLME.

OUR New Schools were opened Nov. 3, by Mr. W. North, of Bradford. Afterwards 300 sat down to tea; and Mr. North presided over a public meeting, which was addressed by the Revs. J. Taylor, W. Hambly, B. Wood, C. Berry, W. Gray, &c. Mr. J. D. Waddington gave an account of the history of the church. It began in 1845, in hired rooms. The first school premises were opened in 1857, and paid for in 1861. In 1862 the site for the present chapel was obtained; and in 1869 the Rev. J. Taylor became pastor, and it is through his untiring efforts the society has obtained the present premises. Total outlay £1250, and £670 are realized. Revs. W. Gray preached Nov. 4, and W. March Nov. 11. Collections £74.

II.-LOUGHBOROUGH, BAXTER GATE.

On Monday, November 19th, special services were held in connexion with the laying of the memorial stones of additional new schools, at an estimated cost of £750. At three o'clock a short service was held in the chapel, when the Rev. J. Taylor, Rev. C. Griffith, and other ministers were present and took part. The Rev. E. Stevenson presided. At half-past three an adjourment was made to the new building for the purpose of laying the four stones bearing the following inscription: “These memorial stones were laid November 19th, 1883, by the Rev. E. Stevenson, pastor; Mr. G. Adcock, superintendent of senior girls' school; Mr. J. Warren, superintendent of senior boys; and Mr. Francis W. H. Bumpus, superintendent of Junior division." The scholars' offerings amounting to £46, being previous to erection placed upon the stones with the additional offerings of friends assembled The service was again resumed in the chapel, when short addresses were delivered by those laying the stones, and also by the Rev. C. Boden, Rev. C. Griffith, and Rev. J. Kay. After tea, at which about 250 were present, a further meeting was held when a financial statement was read by Mr. G. Adcock, treasurer, and further sums were received, making a total for the day of £191.

The land already purchased at a cost of £110, a legacy per Rev. E. Stevenson of £100, with money previously raised £120, bringing the total receipts to £521, leaving a sum to be further raised of about £230. At 7.45 Rev. J. Greenhough, M.A., preached a very earnest and impressive discourse from 2 Cor. iv. 7; thus ending a day long to be remembered.

SCRAPS FROM THE EDITOR'S WASTE BASKET. 461

III.-WALSALL, VICARAGE WALK.

This church, the child of our Home Mission, is advancing. The memorial stone of new schools was laid October 25th, by the mayor, and addresses were given by the pastor, Rev. Hampden Lee, and the mayor. After tea the mayor presided at a public meeting, and speeches were made by the pastor, Revs. A. A. Cole, E. W. Cantrell, A. T. Prout, E. Hancox and Messrs. Harrison, and Councillor Marshall. The new school, which is being erected from the designs of Mr. H. E. Lavender, by Mr. A. Lynex, will consist of two departments-a general school and an infant's school. It is to be a single storey building, but is so designed that a second storey can be put upon it when required. The front will be faced with stone, and is generally in harmony with the front of the chapel, but less elaborate, so as to subordinate it to the more important building. Special provision has been made for lighting, the windows being both large and numerous, and the result will be that every class in the school will be able to study in comfort so far as the first necessity, light, is concerned. The present schoolroom, which has become too straitened, will be made into class rooms, and there are in addition two other class rooms at the back of the chapel, with which direct communication has been arranged. Indeed, everything has been provided as perfectly as appears to be possible, Mr. Lavender, who is an architect of remarkable skill and great experience in this class of building, having had the benefit of the practical intimacy with Sunday school work of Mr. Edmonds, the former superintendent, and the Rev. A. Hampden Lee (the pastor), the present superintendent of the school. Collections over £50.

Scraps from the Editor's Waste-Basket.

I. DO NOT FORGET TO LOOK at the advertisement of the General Baptist Almanack and of the General Baptist Magazine for 1884. They are eloquent, appetising, and stimulating. Let every reader get one new subscriber to both, and we shall start the new year with the best guarantees of increasing success.

II. GENERAL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION."Will you please announce in next month's Magazine that the Rev. Chas. Clark having declined the Presidency of the Association for 1884, the Committee of Exigencies has nominated the Rev. W. Evans, of Leicester, as President? I am glad to add that Mr. Evans has accepted the Committee's invitation. "Yours faithfully,

"WATSON DYSON, Sec." III. OUR WORK IN ROME.-A most interesting letter and paper have arrived from our missionary, Mr. Shaw, too late to appear in this issue.

The paper

sketches in a graphic way the stirring incidents of a Bible tour in the Abruzzi and the Marches; and is to be followed by an account of a visit to the city of Loreto. The letter, amongst other things, pleads for larger help for our ITALIAN MISSION. In order to make our present work effective in the highest degree we ought to increase our resources at once. How could we celebrate Christmas better than by sending large and liberal gifts to our Foreign Mission Treasurer?

IV. WOMEN AND UNIVERSITY DEGREES. Twenty women have taken the B.A. degree in the University of London this ·year, nineteen of them in the first division. Four have taken the B.Sc. degree, making eight women in possession of that honour. We are glad to see amongst the four the name of Miss Edith Hannah Ellis, of Camden Road, the daughter of one of our friends, who has passed in the three most difficult branches, viz., I., II., and III. "Three cheers" for the graduate women. Let the men look to their laurels, or they will lose them!

V. THE NEXT MOVE IN POLITICS.The Leeds Conference has decided, with signal unanimity, in favour of the equalization of the county and borough franchise as the immediate end of political action. The decision is commended by the fact that a year is requisite after the franchise has been reduced to prepare for its exercise, but chiefly by the consideration that the welfare of the country at large ought to take precedence of that of the metropolis. Politicians are always safest when acting on the highest principles. But what is the use of this resolution? The next move in politics ought to be the reform of the House of Lords. So long as we are fettered by this dignified obstruction, all legislative work has to be done with a great waste of time and pains. It is the chief obstacle to legislative progress.

Rebicws.