"The in-gathering of a blessed
season is about to melt into ashes, before the brand of these accur----"
"Peace, Heathcote! What is wealth, or the fulness of thy granaries, to
that which remains? Check these repinings of thy spirit, and bless God
that he leaveth us our babes, and the safety of our inner roofs."
"Thou sayest truly," returned the husband, endeavoring to imitate the meek
resignation of his companion. "What indeed are the gifts of the world, set
in the balance against the peace of mind--ha! that evil blast of wind
sealeth the destruction of our harvest! The fierce element is in the heart
of the granaries."
Ruth made no reply, for though less moved by worldly cares than her
husband, the frightful progress of the conflagration alarmed her with a
sense of personal danger. The flames had passed from roof to roof, and
meeting everywhere with fuel of the most combustible nature, the whole of
the vast range of barns, sheds, granaries, cribs and out-buildings, was
just breaking forth in the brightness of a torrent of fire. Until this
moment, suspense, with hope on one side and apprehension on the other, had
kept both parties mute spectators of the scene.
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