Children -- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction; Children's stories; Christian life -- Juvenile fiction; Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction
Paul's next letter brought news that made the blood stand still in
the heart of the young wife. He was to leave that part of the country
for years, perhaps forever. Whether they ever met again depended on
herself. When she was ready to give up her religion she might write to
him to a certain address and it would be forwarded, otherwise he wanted
to hear nothing from her. She need not try to seek him out, neither
should she have any word from him. It may have been that Paul came to
this cruel decision more easily from just having received news that
Juana's old aunt had died, and had willed the bulk of the estate to the
church, leaving her niece but a small sum on account of her apostasy
from the faith. It was all this elegant young man could do to maintain
himself, with his refined and luxurious tastes. How, then, could he be
burdened with a portionless wife? He had not planned in that way.
For weeks after this blow Juana lingered between life and death. As
strength returned she prayed to die. She said over and over in her
anguish, "I can never, never live without him."
She did not die. The Lord had a work for her. When fully recovered, a
wild desire took possession of her to look again upon the face of her
husband. She must go to the United States, his home. She might find
him, he might forgive her, or, joyful possibility, he might change.
She could not change, but she must see him once more. Disposing of her
small property, she started on her unknown way, and after a dreary
journey arrived—a stranger in a strange land. Wearily she traversed
the cities mid towns, till courage and purse were well-nigh spent. The
search proved fruitless, and her heart was sore and almost rebellious.
Faint and ready to perish—did some one speak her name? "Child, come
unto me, I will give you rest." And then Juana's heart leaped, and she
answered quickly, "Master." Then were her eyes opened, and she knew
that the Lord was with her, knew, too, that she had again been setting
up in her heart a clay idol in his place. When she sorrowfully sought
forgiveness, he showed the "vividness of His mercy," and gave her not
only comfort, but an overcoming faith which enabled her to lay herself
and her husband at his feet with, "Thy will be done."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account