A Mason's Story.

has ever disliked—not you , for he speaks with the tenderest respect for youbut your religious opinions . I can admire those opinions , for I know that you hold them conscientiously , and I believe that they are as precious in God ' s eyes as mine are . 1 do not thing my father will give his consent to our engagement , for I heard him say the other clay that no Atheist should ever marry his daughter . "

" I will see him , darling , " was Penrhyn ' s reply ; " surely he cannot refuse you to me when he knows how earnestly we love each other . Beside , what are religious matters when compared to blighting the lives of two persons . " " My best wishes shall go with yon , dear , and my prayers , but if aught is said hitter on his side do not return it . Remember , he is my father , and whatever he does he will do what he thinks best for my welfare . "

Half-an-hour later Penrhyn Falconer was seated in Mr . Morton ' s study . Mr . Morton was a hard-featured , angular man , precise in his movements , and methodical in his habits . Predestination and election were visibly stamped on his face , and his countenance seemed to utter , as he motioned Penrhyn Falconer to a seat , " eternal reprobation . " He was very polite , however , and the young man soon made known his errand .

Mr . Morton listened very attentively , ancl when Penrhyn had finished he said , " I will be frank with you , Penrhyn . Personally , as regards your moral character , I should be proud to call yon my son . I cannot attempt to C 02 ie with your scholarly abilities , nor do I object to you on the score of your pecuniary circumstances . I can never see my daughter united to an Atheist , as I told her the other day , and when I say that you will understand that it is my sole objection to you . " " Am I to understand that this is your final , irrevocable resolve ? " said Penrhyn .

" Such is my resolve , was the reply , " ancl I trust that you will not think me cruel if , in the interests of both Mary and yourself , you abstain from visiting here for the time . Pray do not think mo uncourteous , " he hastened to add , as he saw the effect his words produced , " but I do not think it would be wise , under the existing state of things , for you to go on meeting . It would only be productive of misery to both . You had better say ' Good-bye' to Mary now . "

And so the curtain falls on the first act of our little drama , and much remained to be clone ere the gold could be made ready to receive the diamond , but in the meantime , with vows of constancy on both sides , they parted . ( To be continued . )

The Power Of Freemasonry.

THE POWER OF FREEMASONRY .

fllO many people in this good world of ours " Freemasonry " is a sort of J- quasi mysterious social institution , famous for its hospitality and its excellent charities . As a mere matter of conversation in polite society , Freemasons are generally credited with being judges of a hospitality , as being kind and benevolent ; but Freemasonry is looked upon as a great benefit order , with a system of affected secresy , ancl somewhat absurd exclusiveness . As an old Mason , I , on the contrary , hold , as all Masons will , such ideas to be utterly unjust and derogatory to our good Order . Those of us who know it the best must be aware , after all , what a power for good it is in the world ,