The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1879-03-18

Soon there was a light step on the
stairs, the rustic of garments near the
door, and then Mrs. Gilmore entered the
room where we were sitting. She re-
celved us kindly, but not with wordy
expressions. There was mild, soft
light In her eyes, and pleasant smile
on her dellcately- y-arching lips. We en-
tered into conversation, which was q
little constrained on her part; but
whether this was from GOODNESS or diff
dence, could not decide. 1 think she
did not, from some cause, feel entirely
at her ease. A remark In the conversa-
ton gave my companion the opportuni-
ty to say 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 farat distance.
You will pardon me for saying this, but
as 1t is right that you should know how
we feel on this subject, have taken the
liberty of being frank with you. Of
course l mean no offence, and L am
sure you will not be hurt at an intima-
Ii OH given in all kindness"
L looked for o flash from Mrs. FL
more's clear, bright eyes, for red spots
on her cheeks, for quick qulvering of
her flexible lips; but none of these signs
of feeling were apparent Calmly she
looked into the face of her monitor, and
when the above sentence was COM
pleted, answered in quiet tone of
voice.
L thank you for having spoken so
plainly. OF course am not offended.
But l regret to learn that any one has
found cause of complaint against me.
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 ma'am," was answer
ed to this, with some warmth, "you for
get that, for woman in your position,
there are duties beyond the home circle
which my not be omitted
g In my position !" Mrs. EImore's
calm eyes rested in the face of my COM
panion with look of inquiry. 81 am
not sure that understand you"
You are the wife or our Minister
am aware of that" L 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 that your be-
ing 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 conscientiously. L am
his wife and the mother of his children,
and as such L too am trying to do my
duty earnestly and conscientiously.
There are immortal souls committed to
my care, and am endeavoring to train
them up for heaven"
81 think you misapprehend your re-
lations to the Church" was replied to
this, but not in the confident manner in
which the lady had at first spoken.
81 have no relations to the Church in
any way different from yours, or that of
other ladies in the congregation" said
Mrs. Elmore, with decision of tone
that showed her to be in earnest
6 But you forget, madam, that you
are the minister's wife,"
mot for moment. 1 am the minis
ters's wife, but not the minister. He
is servant of the congregation, but L
am not"
glanced toward my friend, and saw
that she looked bewildered and at fault.
think some new ideas. were coming
into her mind.
"Then, if 1 understood you," she
said, "you are not interested in the
spiritual welfare of your husbands con-
gregation."
"On the contrary replied Mrs. Ell
more, II feel deeply interested. And /
also feel interested in the welfare of other
congregations. But am only wife
and a mother, and my chief duties are
are at home. If, time permitting, l can
help in any good work outside of my
home, will put my hand to it cheer
fully. But home obligations are first
with nae. 1t is my husbands duty to
minister in spiritual things, not mine.
He engaged to preach for you, to ad-
minister the ordinances of the Church,
and to do faithfully all things required
by his Office. So far as 1 know he gives