Maryland free press., 1866-07-19

I,eVOLUME l..
sat nearly five minutes before she came
down. 1sa'o1 .. % '9l'a ''2@ .os'S ,ti.s I
f9I'She takes her own times, ,",5 remarked
my companion. ss9rp
II If the tone of voice in which this was
said had been translated into a sentence il
| would have read thus
"She's mighty Independent fora minis
er'swife!' Il 100 g.1iau. rise ~ 81
did not like the manner, nor the re-
mark of my friend. and SO kept silent
Soon. there was light step on the stairs,
the rustic of garments near the door, and
then Mrs. Elmore entered the room
.whereIwe were sitting. She received us
kindly, but not with wordy expressions of
pleasure. There was mild, soft light in
her eyes, and pleasant smile on her deli
cately arching lips. We entered into con-
versation, which was q little constrained
on her part; but whether this was from
GOODNESS or difldehce; I could not deeide.
1 think she did not, from. some cause, feel
entirely at her ease. A remark in the
conversation gave my companion the op-
portunity saying what think she had come
to say.
"That leads me to suggest, Mrs. Ell
more, that, as our minister's wife, you hold
yourself rather too far at distance. You
will pardon me for saying this, but as it is
right that you should know how we feel on
this subject, / have taken the liberty, of
being frank with you. OF course, mean
no offence, and am sure you will not be
hurt at an intimation given in all kind.
ness" ... u..u.
I looked for flash from Mrs. Elmore's
clear bright eyes. for red spots on her
cheeks, for quick curving of her flexible
lips-but none of these signs of feelings
were apparent. Calmly she looked into
the face of her monitor ,and when the above
sentence was s.completed, answered in
quiet tone of voice ner-. Il
II thank you for having spoken so plain
ly. OF course, am not offended. But l
regret to learn that any has found cause of
complaint against me. l have not meant
to be cold or distant, but my home duties
are many and various, and take most of
my time and thoughts " ..-',,.
'But, my dear madam" was answered
to this, with some warmth, 'you forget
that for woman in your position there
are duties beyond the home circle which
may not be omitted"
''In my position?" Mrs. Elmore's calm
eyes rested in the face of my companion
with look of inquiry. II am not sure
that understand you"
"You are the wife of our minister"
81 am aware of that" Thought saw
twinkle in Mrs. Elmore's eyes.
"Well, ma am, doesn't that involve some
duties beyond the narrow circle of home?"
''No more than the fact of your being a
merchants wife involves you in obligations
that reach beyond the circle of your home.
My husband is your minister, and ,as such,
you have claims upon him. think he is
doing his duty earnestly and conscientious
ly. l am his wife, and the mother of his
children, and, as such, too am trying to
do my duty earnestly and conscientously.
There are immortal souls committed to my
care, and am endeavcring to train them
up for Heaven"
II think you misapprehend your rela-
ton to the church," was replied to thisbut,
not in the confident manner in which the
lady had at first spoken.
II have no relation to the church in any
way different from yours or that of other
ladies in the congregation" said Mrs. 81
more, with decision of tone that showed
her to be in earnest.
''But you forget madam, that you are
the minister's wife"
"Not for moment. I am the minis
ter's wife, but not the minister. He is q
servant of the congregation, but l am
notw H.. .-. .r
glanced toward my friend and saw that
she looked bewildered and at fault. think
some new ideas were coming into her
mind.
"Then, if understand you," she said,
"you are in no way interested in the spirit
ual welfare of your husbands congrega-
tion 2" i. .'..
"On the contrary, replied Mrs. Elmore,
II feel deeply interested. And also feel
interested in the spiritual welfare of other
congregations But l am only a wife and
mother, and my chief duties are at home.
If, time permitting, can help in any good
work outside of my home, l will put my
hand to it cheerfully. But, home obliga-
tions are first with me. 1t is my husbands
duty to minister in spiritual things-not
mine. He engaged to preach for you, to
administer the ordinances of the church,
and to do faithfully all things required by
his Office. So far as I know, he gives sat-
isfaetion." .' &
80, dear-yes indeed, he gives satisfac-
tion p' was replied to this. Nobody has q
word to say against him."
A smile of genuine pleasure lit up the
face of Mrs. Elmore. She sat very still
for few moments, and then, with the
manner of one who had drawn back her
thoughts from something agreeable, she
said,
"It is very pleasant for me to hear sucl
testimony in regard to my husband. NJ
one knows so we'll as 1 do how deeply hi
heart is in his work." .
"And if you would only hold up hi
hands" suggested my friend. ..
Help him to preach, do you mean? ?"