Page:Maud Howe - Atlanta in the South.djvu/314

 her faithful friend cold and indifferent; and when she finally knelt beside her, and putting her arms about her waist told her the whole story and begged for help and sympathy, the unaccountable little woman said nothing, but began to cry bitterly. Margaret rose to her feet silent and hurt. Why did every one turn against her when she so needed sympathy in her new-found happiness? She was learning that it is more rare to find natures that can rejoice with us in our joys than those that are willing to mourn with us in our griefs. No one envies our misfortunes or disgrace; but there are few who can look with perfect equanimity on our success or happiness. Blessed are they that mourn; but more blessed are they that can unfeignedly rejoice in the joy of their brother.

At last Mrs. Harden dried her blue eyes; and taking Margaret in her arms, kissed her and wished her all happiness.

"I had to cry a little, dear, for my heart was set on a very different lover for you; and you know that he is now in that pest-stricken city, working like an angel among the sick and dying. You must not grudge him my few tears."

It was Margaret's turn to cry now, and they took what comfort they could out of their tears, as women will; and then, when their eyes were quite dry, they looked the situation in the face