Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1886-05-15
FAITHS VISIONS.

have always lived in New England
village, and have sought to he religi-
Gus, God-fearing woman. 1t is due to
myself to state theis, because what L
have here to set down is extraordinary
and out Of the common. Some Of it 1
regard as at variance with sound chris
tian precept, but am in no way respon-
sible for it. L merely relate some curl
GUS facts concerning my late niece, Faith
Converse, and her late husband.
Her mother was my younger sister.
Both her parents died in her infancy,
and her nurture and admonition became
my charge She grew up 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
folks call beauty and grace; and though
I made her dress demurely. she was
never without trinket, ribbon, or a
flower in her hair. Yet she was obedi-
ent and loving; she dutifully 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 Is, we two lived COM
fortably together on my slender income,
and nothing happened to disturb the
wonted serenity Of our lives. Then
there was change We dwelt in sea-
port town, the greatest man of which
was Squire Bradish. He was its largest
ship-owner. and otherwise wealthy and
prosperous. He was childless widow
er of so, and living with housekeeper
and servants in great house that over
looked the bay. His deep bass led the
singing at meeting; though not a member,
he was regularly there, and he was char
liable, kind and good. Therefore was
surprised nay, was delighted when
he told me one day that the subject of
taking another wife had been much on
his mind of late, and that Faith ED
ridge was the one whom he wished.
And he said perhaps it would be better
if would first make bis desire known to
her.
1 gladly did SO the same day She
was amazed; that L expected; but she
gave positive refusal-and was more
vexed than I can tell. In vain did re-
mind her of the 'Squire's riches; his
position, his goodness. She shook her
head decidedly.
am not given to anger, but rath at
that time was to be justified. 'Tell me
this instant" said and think I stamp
ed my FOOT, "what this folly means!
Have You lover?'
She colored.
Tell mer'
Don't be angry with we, Aunt
Rachel" she said, 81 wanted to tell you
before, but did not dare. am be-
trothed to Earl Converse, the master of
Squire Bradish's ship Conqueror. We
shall be married some time-I trust. We
became engaged just before bis ship sail
ed the last time. But-but-I loved
him before ever saw him"
The girl seemed to be loosing her
senses. started at her, but indigna-
ton kept me silent.
She broke out in wild talk that made
me shiver.
''There are things which 1 can't ex-
plain to you, Aunt" she said. "You
wouldn't believe me if I should tell you
1 see things in my sleep, and I hear
voices that tell me truly of much that
is to happen. When the great storm
came last December, that wrecked SO
many or our ships and drowned so many
sailors of our town, knew it weeks be-
fore the news came home. 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 meeting house burned up three
years ago, and 1 had seen it all in my
sleep two nights before. Months ere 1
met Earl Converse he came to me in my
visions. saw him plainly as see you
now, and knew he was to be my husband.
You can't believe it; no body. would, but
Earl-he does. No matter, it Is true"
I pity to the girl, fearing that some
devil had possessed her, I said no more
just then. Next day saw the Squire,
and told him. He listened, asked me
many questions,and appeared thought
full. But he agreed with me that some
thing was strangely troubling the girls
mind. He hoped that it would soon pass
away, and that Faith might be cured of
this silly fancy for a poor ship-master,
and be willing to take the first man of
the town as her husband.
The conqueror came into port on her
return voyage, few weeks after my talk
with Faith, and as there was no sinful
secret to be longer kept, Captain Con-
verse 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 forehanded,
and had not the Squire spoken out as he ,
did, might have been satisfied with him
as Faiths husband. As it was, put ND !,
my vexation and kept silent.
A few days before the Conqueror sailed ,
again, Faith told me that she had prom
ised Captain Converse that with my con- (,
sent she would marry him on his return.
Had not my mind been made up from
my sense Of christian duty, her wistful !
voice and imploring eyes might have
shaken my resolution. But I did not |,
yield, and leaving her in tears went to
ell the news to Squire Bradish. He be-
came more thoughtful than ever when
be head it, and knitted his brows. III
ventured to make a suggestion, 1 was 80
anxious. and perhaps I spoke sinfully
and uncharitably.
Suppose You discharge him from