Ancient Accepted Rite.

Elkins , and the course he had pursued . The great difficulty Ai as , IIOAV to break tho painful news to Mis . Elkins . Mrs . Hope suggested that if the gentlemen Avould accompany her , she Avould undertake tho delicate mission . Notwithstanding the cautious manner in Avhich that lady executed her trust , the truth daAvned upon the bereaved Avife ; she anticipated all , and sAvooned .

" Gc say to the raging sea , Be still ! Bid the wild , lawless waves ohcy thy will ; Pi- _ acli to the winds , and reason with despair , But tell not Misery ' s child this world is fair . " After the stricken one revived the gentlemen left her to the tender care of Mrs . HopeAA'bo remained Avith her during the

, night , and in the silent Avatches ascertained the condition of the AVICIOAV ' S pecuniary affairs , and discovered that she Avas iu fact penniless . The lodge made immediate arrangements for the obsequies , and tho beautiful and

solemn ceremonies Avere performed in accordance Avith ancient usage . The next day a committee Availed upon the AvidoAV , to arrange for the future , learned AAdiat occupation Avould bo suitable to her feelingsand placed in her hands a

, sum of money . The AvidoAv ' s heart Avas too full to thank them , hut tearfully grasped eiich by tho hand , thus mutely testifying her deep obligation , and the

strong men , leehng their emotions , hurriedly left the scene . lire AATVOS of tho members visited the AvidoAV and succeeded in dispelling her deep gloom—they Avould not permit her to be alone to think of her desolation , Avbile the bachelors diverted the children

by frequent promenades , from Avhieh they never returned empty-handed . After a short time the AvidoAV received a note from Mrs . Hope , stating that her husband and herself Avould call that evening , and desiring that Mrs . Elkins and the

children should accompany them on a visit to some friends . All being in readiness at the designated time , they Avere soon on their way , and after a short time the party halted in front of a large mansion , brilliantllihted . They passed up the steps

y g , through the broad hall , to an extension room in the rear , and asking Mrs . Elkins to be seated , Mr . and Mrs . Hope excused themselves and retired . During all this time no one Avas visible to the Avidow .

Bro . Burton entered tho extension-room and stated in brief terms that the members of the lodge desired to be presented , if it was pleasing to her to receive them . She assenting , he took her hand , and that of the elder boy , and pdacing the other children iu front , proceeded to the doors leading

from the extension-room , and gave three raps . A voice from Avithin demanded : "Who are you , and Avhat is your desire ?" " I , James Burton , Senior Warden of this lodge , desire to enter , having in my l ^ ossession important information to communicate . "

Tho sliding doors Avere throAvn back . The dazzling blaze emitted from innumerable gas-jets , for a moment bewildered the spectators , but , recovering , a magnificent tableau Avas presented to their vieAV . On either side of a table extending the entire length of an extensive and gorgeousl

y furnished room , Avere groups of beautiful and elegantly dressed ladies , Avhilo the members of the lodge , slightly retired , formed a picturesque background . The Worshipful Master Avas stationed at the head , and at tho foot of the table and in the

door-Avay , stood Bro . Burton Avith the Avidoiv and children , their sombre garments in strange contrast Avith the gaily-dressed ladies and brilliant surrouiiclincrs .

1 or a moment the silence was painful in the extreme , then the Worshipful Master , the most composed of all , said : " Brother Senior Warden , having announced that you have an important communication to make to this assemblage , proceed Avith your relation . "

S . W . — "A brother IIOAV in holy communion Avithin the precincts of the Perfect Lodge above , before his departure bequeathed all the treasures of Avhich he A . as possessed , as a legacy to this lodge . " W . M . — " Where are these treasures .

Present them , that Ave may be enabled to judge of their A alue . " S . W— "Behold them ! These are our jeAvelsj they were his treasures J " Here Bro . Burton , Avhose eyes had been suffused in tears , could say no more ; ho

Avas entirely broken CIOAVII . Tho longrehearsed programme Avas at an end , and for some minutes naught could be heard but sympathetic sobs from the ladies , AVIIO Avere entirely carried away by the affecting scene , Avbile strong men boAved themselves ; but during this time neither the Avidoiv