Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-01-19
A Mission for All.

A large, pleasantly located room, with the
afternoon sun streaming in through the
carelessly closed blinds, closed piano with
a faint suggestion of dust and neglect about
it, a few scattered books and papers, chairs
and tables with reckless demeanor of loca-
ton, and an imperfectly busted what-not
with nameless tri6es irregularly disposed
about it. A little glimpse of dining-room
with light and flies holding supreme con-
troll over metaphorical jubilee of enjoy
ment, partially prepared tea-table, and
general aspect that very closely resembles
untidiness. This was the scene
Ray Severance, tall, slender and seven
teen, with that subtle suggestion Of "style "
that made everything she wore and did seem
namelessly graceful and indescribable about
her; Ray, with her unusually brilliant record
as student in the city academy, and her
proficiency in music and drawing, was the
housekeeper here; her father was rarely at
home; he travelled in the interests of his
own commercial business her mother was
dead.
Handsome, hard-working Jack, nineteen
year-old Will, struggling with his book
keeping in his fathers Office and his scho-
astic desires, twelveyear-old Ralph, the
school boy and torment of the household,
and nine-year-old Ben, clustered around Ray,
the only girl of the family, and unconsciously
looked to her and yet this illogical unrea-
soning young lady, who had lately given her.
self to the Lord, her heart warm with loving
enthusiasm and zeal, and overfowing with
desire to honor and glorify her Saviour,
folded her hands and wished for work to do.
"What would you like to do 2" The gen.
tie query came from her companion, Grace
Pemberton, diminutive little lady with
curling hair clustering about fair forehead
placid with settled peace and happiness and
smile that pierced the shadows of life and
warmed and gladdened and inspired, so joy
Gus and loving it was.
"Oh, something grand and noble that
would help others, and show them really
did mean to do honor to the cause of Christ.
"a generous WISH" said Grace, gently
rs there nothing you can do?"
"Well, might, only that / am 30 con
fined here at home do not have time" said
Ray, as she turned her work to shade the
pansy she was making.
"And here ?" was the mild suggestion
from Grace, as she placidly worked button
hole.
"Well, don't know,"-Ray looked round
the apartment, then she laughed-"there is
room for improvement surely, but the fact
is, Grace, my room does not look like this
| keep it in some kind of order, but the boys
| don't care for the fussy little trifes that
have, and do the work the easiest way, ant
save hiring help"
81 am aware your room is perfect in the
matter of neatness and attractiveness,
smiled Grace. 81 have rested there too of
ten not to know that. Are you sure the
brothers do not care ?"
"Well," hesitated Ray, meditating lit
| tie, 81 never thought they did. | always gel
their meals and have their shirts in order
Now, Grace, you're thinking of something
Tell me what it is. What have done o.
what have not done ?"
Ray was called proud, but she rose and
came over to Grace and sat down by her
looking earnestly into her face 81 believe
you think have field of labor here that
have not discovered. Tell me about it." She
took Grace's work gently from her hands
and held them in her own. There was nc
disputing that strong affection, sweet
ened and broadened by this living love fo
their Saviour, existed between these two.
al was only thinking, DEAR" said Grace
with that winning sweetness of which sh,
was so largely possessed, ain what grand
beautifully useful place you stood. Remem
Der, the boys have no mother. They cluste
round their home with you as its Joy anC
attraction"
Ray sat still, thinking soberly and silently
At last she said "Grace, do you think the,
would notice if there were flowers in tn,
rooms, and fancy-work, as there is il
mine?"
| Yes" said Grace unhesitatingly, the,
might not notice each article Individually
but the general effect of grace and beaut.
would impress them, and whenever thei
hearts recurred to their home, it would b.
to remember it as holding the strongest at
traction of any place on earth. Ray, dear
it is your God-given work TO make it this"
| But could not do so much work." sale
Ray, doubtfully. at takes nearly all tn,
time, as it is.'
Yes, know" resumed her friend. "D'
not do any more. Keep your strength anc
energy to minister to the minds and heart
of your brothers. Take your place as tn
nominal head of this home. Make it
happy, beautiful one, and hire some help
1t will pay"
al know the boys would be willing" sait
Ray. "They are very good to me, thougl
| don't stay with them as | ought. 1t is 81
tiresome when you want to shut the door oil
household tribulations, and forget them il
a time, to feel that you ought to stay"
81 know it," came the gentle, sympathetic
answer, "but, Ray, let us remember evel
Christ pleased not himself"
"And | do want to please him." said Ray
humbly and earnestly. Grace, dear, yol
have given me new thoughts, great man,
of them. am not going to sigh for ney
work any more. III take what the Lor,
has given me cheerfully and try to do
we'll. Is there anything more ?"
Wouldn't you open the piano ?" 1t wa
a gentle, telling suggestion, and Ray sai'
eagerly, "Yes, will never play for them
and they all love to sing"
"Then you have new power TO keel
them with you evenings said Grace enthu
sisstically, and Ray reproached herself a
she thought how often even her little brothe
Ben spent his evenings in the street.
"You must stay to tea, Grace" she com
manded, sand next time it shall be nicer,
and with faint remonstrance or two Grace
complied. She opened the piano aud playeC
several spirited melodies, that Will, coming
in from work, clapped his hands to hear,
As they rose from the Widespread table
| for Ray took pride in her ability to cook well
and went into the sittingroom, Grace said
LET us sing something" and they all cl1s
tered about the piano. and sung song afte
song.
"Ray, are you going out ?" asked Ben, a,
Win left them, and Jack went up to hii
room, first promising Grace that he woulc
see that she reached home safely.
Ray shook her head and smiled. al wa.
going to the library, but you'll 60 for me
won't you :" she said.
"Of course" said Ben promptly, "where'l
your book2"
son the table," said Ray, "you NIGH
bring something we could read together
and
"Robinson Crusoe2" questioned Ben
Frightening. of you choose" said Ray
1t was threadbare story to her, but II Ben
liked it she would enjoy it with him.
"Don't stay long, will you ?" she called
as he closed the door, and he opened 1t long
enough to say, "Only fifteen minutes"