Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-07-17
CHAPTER III.

st. Brldgets was all alive, for the Bishop
was coming to hold visitation in the
town. No Bishop had ever come there
before within the memory of man; ftn 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 Epls-
copal gatherings, \.
But that was al to be changed under
the new reigr; for our Bishop was not
only great scholar and a great divine
but a strong man also, who would go into
ev7ry 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. Bridgets was one among the twelve,
and Mrs. Ambrose had been thinking
about her luncheon for weeks, when il oc
Cured to the Vicar that the Bishop might
find it convenient to sleep at st. Bridg
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
Bridget's Vicarage 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-
mcnt.
But when he came, we forgot our anx-
iety; he was so pleasant and genial, and
took everything so easily, that | 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 conralto,
Mrs. Ambrose" inquired the rural dean.
Il did not hear her to-day" .
ooh, no; our mistress is still with US.
| don't know why she did not Sing; per
haps she has cold" replied Mrs. Am
brOse.
Then the conversation drifted into edu-
catOnal channels, and Yrs. Henry was
forgotten.
/ But | knew that she had not cold. |
1had heard her singing nagniticently, as ]
passed the church, when the choir were
practicing, an hour before service, and
her silence puzzled me. zr
Presently the Bishops courteous voice
was heard, saying:
II hear your school is doing remarkably
well, Mrs. Ambrose Willyou take me to
see it, presently"
Certainly, my lord" go ...-
And as soon as the general gathering
had dispersed, Mr.. and Mrs. Ambrose and
myself accompanied tn. Bishop to the
school house Neither thu chaplain nor
the rural dean came with us, for which
we were afterwards thankful | entered
with the Vicar, the Bishop living hnger-
ed a moment at the door with Mrs. Am
brose to admire the view OF the Southshire
| Wolds, with the sea glitterihg beyond
them in the distance. Aai-.'
Here is the Bishop, come ts see the
school, Mrs. Henry" said the Vicar,
blandly.
AS he spoke, he glanced about the
room. 10 see that all was in order: not
thinking of the school, was lookln. at
Mrs Henry. She flushed crimson aud
then turned white to the lips. With a
l.hastv movement she passed round to th'
other side of the great blackboard OF
which she had been drawing a map, anI
the strange thought came into my heau
rs she trying to hide herselfS" !, ),
But the Bishop was in the school By
this time. and the children stood atten
ton. and stared at his apron and sill
stockings with round-eyed amazement
He turned to the mistress with CIV
| little speech of congratulation. Half-hid
den behind the board, she swept
courtesy. but did not raise her eyes; an'
the lower part of her face was covered a
/ if accidentally, by her handkerchief 81
lordship walked about among, the chi I
1 6ren and the Ambroses were dellghted
Int ever as he moved, Mrs. Henry kept be
Would you like to hear them sing m.
lord?" inquired Mrs. Ambrose cheer
fully. .,o
he should like its , u :,
"a short song, please, Mrs. Henry,
said the Vicar, as he ranged up to III