Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-07-10
CHAPTER III.

~AOAAAS
thought my thoughts in silence.
CHAPTER III.
St. Bridgets was all alive, for the Bishop
was coming to hold a visitation in tho
town. No Bishop had ever come there
before within the memory of man; for the
last one had been old and i'll for years be-
fore his death, and the shepherds of those
days had not thought it needful to go
about among their flock so much as is
considered right in the present time, and
sheep living in remote towns had to make
long Journeys when they attended Epis-
copal gatherings.
But that was all to be changed under
the new reign; for our Bishop was not
only great scholar and a great divine,
but strong man also, who would GO into
every corner of his diocese, and see with
his own eyes how matters were going on.
He had only filled the throne for two
years, and this was his primary visitation,
and it was to be held in twelve towns in
stead of two.
ST. Bridget's was one among the twelve,
and Mrs. Ambrose had been thinking
about her luncheon for weeks, when it Oc-
Cured to the Vicar that the Bishop might
find it convenient to sleep at ST. Bridget's
for night, either before or after the visi-
tation
He was asked, and accepted by return
of post He would be glad to stay at ST
Bridgets Nicarage on the night of the
Goth, which was the date of the vista
ton
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 lest something had
been omitted or forgotten at the last mo-
ment
But when he came, we forgot our anx-
iety; he was so pleasant and genial, and
took everything so easily, that l thought
he was much less formidable than the
chaplain-a dignified personage-who
seemed oppressed by the dignity of his
office
1t all went off nicely; 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 the service; and at
luncheon some of the visitors noticed the
omission.
"Have you lost your lovely contralto,
Mrs Ambrose?" inquired the rural dean.
Il did not hear her today"
"Oh, no; our mistress is still with us.
I don't know why she did not sing; per
haps she has a cold" replied Mrs. Am
bIose.
Then the conversation drifted into edu-
cational channels, and Mrs. Henry was
forgotten.
But | knew that she had not a cold.
had heard her singing magniicently, as |
passed the church, when the choir were
practicing, an hour before service, and
her silence puzzled me.
Presently the Bishops courteous voice
was heard, saying:
II hear your school is doing remarkably
well, Mrs. Ambrose. Will you take me to
see it, presently9"
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 l entered
with the Vicar, the Bishop having linger-
ed moment at the door with Mrs. Am
Wolds, with the sea glittering beyond
them in the distance.
Here is the Bishop, come to see the
school, Mrs. Henry" said the Vicar,
blandly.
As he spoke, he glanced about the
room, to see that all was in order I, not
thinking Of the school, was looking at
Mrs. Henry. She flushed crimson and
then turned white to the lips. With a
hasty movement she passed round to the
other side of the great black board on
which she had been drawing a map, and
the strange thought came into my head,
'Is she trying to hide herself?"
But the Bishop was in the school by
this time, and the children stood at atten-
ton, and stared at his apron and silk
stockings with round-eyed amazement.
He turned to the mistress with civil
little speech of congratulation. Half-h hid
den behind the board, she swept a
courtesy, but did not raise her eyes; and
the lower part of her face was covered, as
if accidentally, by her handkerchief. His
lordship walked about among the chill
dren, and the AmbroSes were delighted;
but ever as he moved, Mrs. Henry kept be-
hind him.
Would you like to hear them sing, my
lords" inquired Mrs. Ambrose, cheer
fully.
What could the Bishop do but say that
he should like it?
a short song, please, Mrs. Henry"
said the Vicar, as he ranged up to the
fireplace, where the Bishop stood with his
hands behind him.
Mrs Henry, still on the other side of
the great blackboard, made a sign to the
children, who put their hands behind
them. Hers were quiet as usual, but they
were trembling. The song began; only
some common school melody, but it start
led the Bishop.
God bless me-" he cried, stepping
forward, and looking round to the black
board.
Mrs Henry had not sung ten no es.
Once started the children went on by
themselves, and her voice was silent; but
the Bishop had heard enough.
Straight round the blackboard he went
with long, eager strides, and in another
minute he had his hands on Mrs Henry's
shoulders, forcing her to look up.
II knew it, he said emphatically,
while Mrs Ambrose and | and the Vicar
stared, and the children sang on noisily.
He was holding her hand in both of
his now, as if he never mean. 10 let it go
again.
MY lord, you forget" she said, trying
to escape.
Hester Murray, remember" was all he
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