[Illustration: THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER VOL. XX.--NO. 994.] JANUARY 14, 1899. [PRICE ONE PENNY.] “WHEN HEAVEN IS RAINING GOLD.”[1] BY CLARA THWAITES. [Illustration] _All rights reserved._] There are hours when voices call us From earth and sea and sky, To take the benediction Which falleth from on high; And ere they fleet, their benison Our eager hands may hold, Bring out your every chalice, When heaven is raining gold! There are days of bright endeavour, When the spirit is aflame To reach unto the utmost That human heart may claim: Press on, ere daylight dieth; Press on, true heart and bold; Possess the good thou cravest, When heaven is raining gold! There are times of glad refreshing, When roses strew our path, In summer's bright effulgence Or autumn's aftermath. Hereafter we may wander In darkness on the wold, Rejoice, with joy undoubting, When heaven is raining gold! The storms will surely gather, The sunshine will not last, But the heart may count her treasures When the skies are overcast. Possessions past revealing May be ours, and wealth untold, If we but seize Love's largess, When heaven is raining gold! FOOTNOTES: [1] _Oriental Proverb._--“Hold out your skirts when heaven is raining gold.” “OUR HERO.” A TALE OF THE FRANCO-ENGLISH WAR NINETY YEARS AGO. BY AGNES GIBERNE, Author of “Sun, Moon and Stars,” “The Girl at the Dower House,” etc. CHAPTER XVI. FRIENDS IN NEED. “I want to look up a Mr. and Mrs. Curtis--a young artist and his wife. He was pointed out to me at _appel_. They were at Brussels on their wedding tour when the arrest took place, and I'm afraid it is a serious matter with them, in more ways than one. Mr. Kinsland asked me to call.” “Then they've come here from Brussels?” “Yes, with Major Woodgate and his wife, in an open cart.” “Why?” “Couldn't afford anything better.” “What a beastly shame! Is Major Woodgate badly off too?” “He was short of money. A good many are, naturally enough, under the present condition of affairs. Your father is going to call on Major Woodgate.” “To help him?” “Possibly. That is only between you and me. I am treating you as my friend--speaking in confidence.” Roy's glance bespoke comprehension. “If you were in temporary difficulties, and a friend gave you quietly a little help, you would not wish to have the fact published.” “No. And, Den, are you going to help the Curtises?” “That is as may be. I wish to find out how things are with them. And I am taking you because it may be a help. If you can keep Mrs. Curtis' attention engaged, that will give me a chance for a few words with her husband. You see? You will not have anything to do with what goes on between him and me.” “Good thing papa has lots of money!”