Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1889-05-25

favorite flowers sog decoration. I had
almost forgotten ny anguish Of the morL-
ing.
The guests gathered, and as I ws1r
about from group 10 group, fancied that
the blue-gr eyes Of Dr.. Warner followed
me with appreciation. l was looking
forward to the dinner hour, expecting TO
enjoy my usual pleasant chat with MIN.
Sans black face seemed that Of an angel
messenger as he announced dinner. The
guests followed my mother to the dining
room. DR.. Warner crossed the long pa!
lor and offered his arm to Miss Ames.
watched them until they disappeared. then
| quietly left the room.
No one noticed me. Ialmost few oye.
the burning sand Blue above me was
the skv-blue as the eyes 50 loved.
Cloudless and pitiless shone the sun upon
me. LrTe IooKeu Tong and Imitless as tie
great desert SO near inc st that moment,
and just as desolate.
No one cared for Chiquiriquita!
On, on, went, so wretched and mis-
,rable that even moments rest seemed
impossible, toward the dear old church
As grew near, TO my excited fancy Its
gray walls seemed like heavenly city. l
cIr ~,
,ells in the ogerhanging roof, silent for
oyel fifty wears, ring out clear and soft
for the fair Castilian bride Of 200 year,
ago, then chant, deep and low, requiem
for the sanity dead.
pushed open the huge door, entered
the silent church. and threw myself down
before the picture of the Madonna. Ny
ewes rested on the face Of St. Cecilia, her
golden hair floating about her, her beau
tifnl hands sweeping harp, her eyes
turned heavenward Then l cried out:
"Oh. Edith Ames, why did you comes
1 vas Sc happy Why Why1",
why Why?' came back to NE
/ from the dim rafters-
Exhausted, I fell asleep On the cold
stone floor. When I awoke, my eyes
rested on the agonized face Of martyr,
and / thought Of the tradition that the
penitents Of long ago walked through the
cruel prick1y pear hedge, just outside the
church, ard found great comfort n the
act.
ran outside the church into the dry,
hot mir. ! walked upon plant with
cruel thorns; | clasped one TO my breast.
where the golden roses hung withered
until nv white dress bore marks Of is
cruel impress.
| was so absorbed in my grief that
did not hear the sound Of approaching
wheels until carriage swept around the
church Seated in it was Dr.. Warner
he jumped from the carriage and spoke
very Kindly, never appearing to notice my
forlorn aspect, and said;
II have never been inside this grand
old church which you love 50 dearly
viii YOU show itto mc2
Like some penitent, led the way. W
paused before pictures, rare and Old. 0
saints angels and martyrs. | averteo
my face rs DR. Warner looked upon Sain
Cecilia Suddenly he asked
why did you leave us 50 abruptly
and why did find you walking OF
those cruel thorns?"
l looked down and said
81 was playing penltent
We had paused before the Madonna
There was tremor in my voice but
answered almost defantly
"You all left me- wanted TO sit mex
YOU at the table s"
Then nay tears fell fast, and / put N
small laced bordered handkerchief, vhlc
| had chosen IN the happy hours Of Pr
paration for> the dinner party. to n
eyes
His voice was kindly and felt SUI
his eyes grew tender Is b. said
Your father and mortser were engage
il their duties as host and hostess, ard
: few weeks ago received letter fro
nv old time friend, NJ Bell who n t
spring is TO marry Miss Anes my he's
beat iovfullyl, asking ne TO make b
visit here pleasant. You arr too lmpu
,ive. Your father and mother love yo'
and -
At this moment the church door y
{ pushed open, and on ths stone floor W
; he sound of awkward uneven step
They approached quickly. NJ handke
{ ,hief was removed from ny eyo.
{ opened them just IN time I" see lol