beneath the warm rays of the beautiful sun. She could see the bottles of unfermented wine, and to her they seemed more delicious than the fermented juice of the grape. Further on she saw the broad fields of waving grain, and they gave great promise of a bountiful harvest. Thousands upon thousands of acres stretched out before her. Away to the east the mirage appeared to her entranced vision like a quiet lake of water, while yet beyond the whole range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains were in full view, clothed in winter and summer dress of ice and snow.

Coming back she looked down upon her own beautiful Ranch Earnestine. Just there in the meadow the cows were grazing with that peaceful tranquillity which knows. no thought but security and rest. A meadow lark came and lifted its beak heavenward and sang a song of joy, while the young hopped timidly about, trying their newborn strength.

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The laborers were tilling the soil and displaying wonderful skill as they rode the wheel plow, guiding a sixhorse team to turn an even furrow. Back of it all lay the grand old ocean, with its wild, turbulent waves beating angry tumult upon the shore as if to show disdain for the peaceful repose that lay like a dream over all nature. Over and above it all hung the clear blue sky of Heaven's vaulted dome like a circlet of love shining alike upon the just and upon the unjust of earth.

The husband was now driving down the avenue between the even rows of shade trees, getting home in time for the noonday lunch. As the bell rang Marie arose and went down to the dining-room to meet her husband and talk of her pleasant morning in the secret presence of her God.

The white ribbon knot is tied in her dress. There can

also be seen a dainty little bow in the buttonhole of her husband's coat. Her boy, grown taller and more lovely now, at his mother's instigation bows his head and says grace before the meal, which is partaken of by a pleasant company of ladies and gentlemen.

Such is the life of the once petted and spoiled heiress of the Earnestine estate, who is converted from the evil of her ways to a life of righteousness.

As the little company lingered around the board the theme of their conversation is the living issues of the day and the wonderful advancement of the temperance reform.

Earnest Stocklaid is in favor of the prohibition of the liquor traffic and entreats his comrades to vote on the side of right. He is now working for the protection of the home.

"How mysterious are the ways of the Lord, and His judgments past finding out!" God led the children of Israel out of bondage into the light of security and peace, and so will He lead on the temperance reform and settle the Labor question; and ere long the bell of the centuries will ring out the glad news that the saloon has departed.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

WAITING ON THE WATCH TOWER.

It is the last night of the old year and for friendship's sake a reunion is being held at the beautiful residence of Mr. and Mrs. Halstead. It is a pleasant company which is gathered around the fireside. Every one seems to be in his happiest mood. Earnest and Mrs. Stocklaid are present.

The central figure of the group is Ruth, with baby Viola upon her knee. The brown curls and Heavenly blue yes are the exact counterpart of the father, who watches the mother and child with that perfect adoration born only of true love.

Ruth is talking to her guests and seems like a woman who lives far in advance of the age.

A careful review of her life's work is being made to her auditors in order that she may more clearly show them the wonderful age of progression in which they were living. Speaking of the errors of humanity and the mistakes of society, she pointed to the never-failing hand of God, who from first to last has led His people forward in the battles of life. She then speaks of the future. Her words sound very prophetic when she says: "But the end is not yet, for many trials are to come to America ere the dove of peace will again settle down upon our waters. The labor question is like the smothered flames of Mount Vesuvius-ready to burst forth at any moment -and many decades wi!! come and go before the labor question will be settled with Capital. Blood must flow and great devastation will come upon the land before