The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1888-07-28

tions Of hospitality, she would return at
once to her books, found herself looking
sympathizingly at the stranger, and pres
emily entered in to conversation with her.
1t did not take long to hear the outline
OF a little story of troubles before which
her own seemed to sink into ipsignif-
canoe. And when the girl arose to go,
cheered by the kindly words and the
bundle OF Sunday school papers given
for little brothe rs at home, she said:
you've done me more good than il
you'd bought something from me-"
at was pleasant to hear it and Emily
did not grudge the twenty minutes. But
her heart sank again as Lena appeared at
the door.
"Please, Miss Emily, it's the pumps
fruz again."
She sprsng up with despairing ex-
clamation. This was the third time dur
ing the winter that Lena's bungling had
brought the same trouble. She hurried
to the kitchen to see if any present meas
ures could be taken, and for half an
hour poured boiling water and applied
hot clothe, but all to no purpose.
Returning to the sitting room she
snatched up her books, declaring within
herself that il the door bell rang it would
ring UNDECIDED. The children came from
school hut claimed her attention for
only short time as they got their skates
and went away, again leaving her thank
full for the quiet. But
80 desrw
She gezed in dismay as q brisk little
figure came along the sidewalk. Would
she pass on or was she coming in? The
half formed question was answered by
the dreaded ring.
1t was one of her mothers friends, and
one who, being rather old and rather
poor could not be permitted to ring
and go away. With an impatient fling Of
her book Emily went to the door. The
newcomer was soon in the room and
Emily asked her to take off her things,
feeling ashamed of the wish in her heart
that the invitation might not be accepted.
81 promised your mother I'd come
around and see how you were getting
along without her." said Miss Gray, tax
ing out her knitting and settling herself
for visit. Emily brought her own fancy
work and gave herself up to polite listen
ing But her thoughts wandered among
perplexing cares and unlearned lessons
until she recalled herself with an effort
to hear her guest asking:
"What is the matter with you, my
dear?'
They were very kindly eyes, those
which looked into her own as she started
and apologized.
"What troubles you, my dear child?
Perhaps if you don't mind telling an old
woman like me, might help you g lit
tle.'
fIndeed. Miss Grsy;" she said trying
to smile, "there isn't anything the mat
ter worth speaking of-nothing but tri-
hes" But the tears forced themselves to
her eyes as she realized what heavy
burden the sum of these trifes made up.
ats only" she went on, after little
pause, "that things are so hard to get
along with now that mother is gone. I
am in worry and pressure all the
time. So many things go wrong and
get vexed over them, and then father in
troubled and Hugh teasing and the little
ones fretful." She gave short account
of the various annoyances of the day,
adding: Things keep on just about so
every day"
Miss Gray listened with face full Of
sympathy, and said:
Yes, dear, it is the same old story of lit
tie trials singing and irritating like a
swarm ofmusquitoes, not because of their
strength but because of their numbers.
But how many of these small vexations
OF to-day will hurt you to morrow, or
say, next week."
80, not one of them." said Emily snil-
ing. "But tomorrow and next week
will be sure to have their own stings.'
"But if the troubles are little enough
TO leave no trace which will last until to-
morrow, is it not pity that they should
be allowed to make an impression even
for to-day?'
"But how can one help being annoyed
by annoying things?" asked Emily.
"Dear child" said her friend in very
earnest tone; "you have soul which is
fitted to rise into an atmosphere far
above these daily anuoysnces. You have
read of travellers who climb the mountain
heights until they reach the bright pure
air, and look back upon the clouds which
settle upon the low places they have left
behind. So you, dear, can climb with
the footsteps of faith higher and higher
until you gain an atmosphere bright
with the sunshine. Why should you allow
your peace to be destroyed by these
petty cares, the memory even Of which
will fade away in few hours?'
80, il / only could rise above these
things" said Emily, wistfully.
"You can, dear. Try it with the same
resolution you bring to hard lessen.
And the moment you begin to try, you
get little helps all the way along. Doesn't