The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-06-24
FAITH CONVERSE'S VISIONS.


FAITH CONVERSE'S VISIONS.
have always lived in New England
village, and have ever sought to be a
religious, God-fearing woman. 1t is
due to myself TO state these things, be-
cause what | have here to set down is
and out of the common.
Some of it l regard as at variance with
sound Christian precept, but L am in no
way responsible for it. | merely relate
some curious facts concerning my late
niece, Faith Converse, and her late hus-
band. Her mother is my youngest
sister. Both her parents died in her in
fancy, and her nurture and admonition
became my charge. She grew up a
good girl in the main, but too much
given to the conceits of the world-as'
her mother was before her. Faith had
what worldly folk call beauty and grace;
and though made her dress demurely,
she was never without trinket, rib
bon, or flower in her hair. Yet she
was obedient and loving; she duLifully
attended the preaching of the word with
me; and when my eyes were dim at
night she was willing to take the blessed
book and read an edifying chapter of
my choice to me.
Until Faith was 1S we two lived COM
fortably together on my slender income,
and nothing happened to disturb the
wonted serenity of our lives. Then
there was a change. We dwelt in a
seaport town, the greatest man of which
was Squire Bradish. He was its largest
and otherwise wealthy and
prosperous. He was a childless widoWer
of so, and lived with housekeeper and
servants in a great house that overlook
ed the bay. His deep bass led the sing
ing at meeting; though not a member
he was regularly there, and he was
charitable, kind, and good. Therefore
was surprised-nay, was delighted
when he told me one day that the sub
ject of taking another wife had been
much on his mind of late, and that
Faith Eldridge was the one whom he
wished. And he said that perhaps it
would be better if would first make his
desire known to her. l gladly did SO
the same day. She was amazed; that
l had expected; but she gave positive
refusal, and was more vexed than l
can tell. In vain did l remind her of
the 'squire's riches, his position, his
goodness. She shook her head decided
1y. am not given to anger, but wrath
at that time was to be justified.
Tell me this instant" | said (and
think l stamped my FOOT, what this
folly means! Have you loverP"
She colored.
Tell mei'
Don't be angry with me, Aunt
Rachelr she said Il wanted to tell
you before, but l did not dare. l am
betrothed to Earl Converse, the master
of Squire Bradishs ship Conqueror.
We shall be married some time-l trust.
We became engaged just before his ship
sailed the last time. But-but-l loved
him before ever saw him."
The girl seemed to be losing her
senses. | stared ut her, but Indignation
kept me silent.
She broke out in avid talk that made
me shiver.
"There are things which l can't ex-
plain to you, aunt" she said. "You
wouldn't believe me if should tell you.
! see things in my sleep and l hear
voices that tell me truly of much that is
to happen. When the great storm came
last December that wrecked so many of
our ships and drowned so many sailors
of our town ] knew it weeks before the
news came home. l could have told
the name of every wrecked ship and
drowned sailor, but the people would
have thought me crazy-as you do now.
The Westinghouse burned up three
years ago-and l had seen it all in my
sleep two nights before. Months ere l
met Earl Converse he came to me in
my visions. l saw HIM as plainly as l
see you now, and knew that he was to
be my husband. You can't believe it;
nobody would, but Earl-he does. No
matter, it is true"
In pity to the girl, fearing that some
devil had possession of her, l said no
more Just then. Next day l saw the
squire and told him. He listened,
asked me many questions. and appeared
thoughtful. But he agreed with me
that something was strangely troubling
the girls mind. He hoped it would
soon pass away, and he hoped that
Faith might also be cured of this silly
fancy for a poor shipmaster, and be
willing to take the first man of the town
for her husband.
The Conqueror came into port on her
return voyage a few weeks after my
talk with Faith, and as there was no
sinful secret to be longer kept, Captain
Converse came openly to our house. He
was proper enough young man; he
never sWore like most seafaring men.
In time, no doubt, he would be fore.
handed, and had not the squire spoken
out as he did, j might have been salts.
fled with him as Faiths future husband.
As it was put up my vexation and kep1
silent.
A few DAYS before the Conquerol
sailed again Faith told me that she hat
promised Captain Converse that with
my consent she would marry him ON hi:
return. Had not my mind been made
I'D from my sense of Christian duty, hel
wistful voice and imploring eyes NIGH
have shaken my resolution. But l die
not yield, and leaving her in tears
went to tell the news to Squire Bradish
He became more thoughtful than eve
when he heard it, and knitted hi
| brows.
l ventured to make suggestion,
was so ANXIOUS, and perhaps l spOk'
sinfully and uncharitably.
| Suppose YOU discharge him from
YOUR service" | said. THAT would lie
stroy his income, and they could no
marry"
He looked at me curiously, and di'
not speak for a long time. Then h
said:
II have been thinking of that; but
will not do. Poor as he is, they nigh
marry now, in spite of us. No; we viii
let him go out again in the Conquerol
That will separate them for som
months, and give us time to contrive.
Some time after the sailing of he
lover l observed great change IL
Faith. Her cheerfulness departed. Sh
grew pensive and silent; once l foun
her in tears. could not speak to he
of the old, distressing subject for