Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-07-22

saves an hour oil daylight 10 come OUT
now instead OF earlier"
1t struck me all of heap. rs the peo'
pie say, to bear this woman. who was
earning seventy pounds per annum. and
appeared to have no one but herself to
care for. talk OF "savinC daylight" rs ii
the cost oil candle were something 10
be avoided felt very sorry for her. l
don't know why il came over me all ut
once, rs it did, that her lie was very
hard one. But put my wrinkled old
hand ON the finn white fingers which
reted on the gate. and said-"My dear
you must not work too hard"
was frightened when | had done ii.
She was so seli.possessed and reserved,
that | thought she would be angry; but.
instead OF that, the steady LITTLE fingers
began to tremble and twined themselves
round mine with clinging grasp. and
then found she was crying. didn't
say word to her. When people are AS
old rs am. and have gone through 4
great deal OF trouble. they know what
poor weak things words are. and how
often they do more harm than good. So
| held her hand without speaking. and
presently she stopped crying.
"Somstimes | feel so lonely" she
whispered. land you are so kind; please
forget il. Mrs. Acton"
Yes" for l quite understood her.
"But ia not your life too hard? Can't
you let an old woman help you, my dear ~
The took my hand and kissed it.
No, it is not too hard and no one can
help me; but il will be easier by and by.
Good night"
And then she slipped away rs if aft aid
of saying more, and | went home and
thought my thoughts in silence.
st. Bridgets was all alive. Tor the
bishop was coming to hold visitation in
The town. No bishop had ever com
for the last one had been old and i'll Tor
many years before hi, dealh. and the
shepherds of those days had not thought
it neediul to go about among their hocks
so much as is considered right in the
present time. and sheep living in remote
towns had to make long journeys when
they attended Episcopal gatherings.
But that was all changed under the
new reign; for our bishop was not only
a great scholar and a great divine. but
strong man also. who would go into every
corner OF his diocese, aud see with his
own eyes how matters were going on.
He had only filed the throne ler two
years, and this was his primary visitation,
and il was to be held in twelve towns in.
stead CT two.
St. Bridget's was among the twelve.
and Mrs. Ambrose had been thinking
about her luncheon Tor weeks. when il
occurred TO the vicar that the bishop
might find it convenient 10 sleep at ST.
Bridgel's for night either before or after
The visitation.
lie was asked, and accepted by return
OF post. He would be glad to stay at s..
Bridget's vicarage on the night OF the
26th. which was the date OF the visitation.
Mrs. Ambrose was delighted with the
honor, but bewildered with the response
bility; and we had many consultations
about his lordship's comfort. and the
proper mode OF entertaining him, and
were very nervous least something had
been omitted or forgotten at the last mo
men,.
But when he came, we forgot our
anxiety; he was 80 pleasant and genial,
and took everything so easily, that |
thought be was much less formidable
than his chaplain digniiied parsonage
who seemed oppressed by the dignity
of his office.
1t all went off picely; the luncheon
was charming; The bishop affable. the
clergy in full attendance. Only one dis
appointment occurred.
Our singing in church was not up to
The mark. Mrs. Henry's voice was not
heard once during tho service; and at
luncheon some of the visitors noticed the
omission.
Have you lost your lovely contralto.
Mrs. Ambrose" inquired the rural dean
| did not hear her to day"
"Oh, no, our mistress is still with us.
don't know why she did not sing; per-
haps she has got a cold." replied Mrs.
Ambrose.
Then the conversation drilted into
educational channels. and Mrs. Henry was
forgotten.
But | knew that she had not cold. l
had heard her singing magnilicently. as
| passed the church when the choir were
praclicing an hour before service. and
her silence puzzled me.
Presently the bishops courteous voice
was heard saying: al hear your school
is doing remarkably well MIS-. Ambrose
will you take me to it presently"
Certainly, my lord"
And as soon as the general gathering
had dispersed, Mr.. and Mrs Ambrose
and myself accompanied the bishop TO
The school. house. Neither the chaplain
nor the rural dean came with us, for
which we were afterwards thankful. |