Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-05-01

Holy Mother Church and her beautiful
order, more about feelings and rela-
tionships that fasten themselves on
sacred facts. He referred several
times to the Gospel women, whom he
seemed to hold in high respect; the
elder ladies said that .'Mr. Myron was
improving so much Perhaps he
was, but ne was by no means sure Of
it.
He was getting used to his tempta-
ton, and more sure that the Satanic
element of it was in his carnal nature,
ana not in those brown eyes. You
see he had to get used to it, since it
absolutely declined to be thrown of.
He could not go away, like fashion
able hero at country house; his en-
gagement held for some time yet. The
matter still cost him daily struggles,
nightly vigils; but it was his own
unworthiness that was at fault, not
anything without. According to the
Christian Faith, women had souls to
be saved and a work to do; they could
not be intended merely as snares and
sirens. Did not st. Paul acknowl-
edge them as helpers in the church,
and send them kindly messages? Even
now, in fact, they seemed more dill.
gent in holy things than men; but for
them where would be his daily con-
gregations2 1t might be that even
their occasional beauty was ordained
for some good end, tho he had never
thought of it before. Yes, this, was
but his infrmity, allowed for the tail
of his faith, the purgation of his spirit.
So he became meeker than before, and
the old ladies whispered to each other
that Mr.. Myron was such a sweet
young man. One bolder or wiser
might have bethought him that net
ties are best grasped, that knowledge
Is the road on which to be eased of an
imaginary burden, that familiarity
may dull the edge of misplaced af-
fection. Since a lovely face may hide
a vacant mind, so hurts inflicted
through the eye may be healed through
the ear. But such sophistication was
far beyond Septimus, who had never
willingly looked into woman's eyes
since his mother died, long ago. To
seek acquaintance with any one for
pleasure or gain was to him q fatal
depth of wordliness; voluntarily to
play Sir Moth to this attractive can.
die was inconceivable. He could but
keep his allotted distance, and endure
silently the singing and scorchlng of
the fame.
Yet acquaintance came, tho limited
in quantity and far from intimate.
Miss Verney belonged to the Guild
and the Altar Society; small duties
brought them together now and then,
and few words had to be exchanged.
In her presence he flushed and trem-
bled, and she thought him a very
bashful man. Pity for his confusion
emphasized her gentleness; the nun
like sweetness of which society knew
less drove the arrow deeper into the
victims side. But his trouble taught
him no worldly wisdom; he never
sought to gain or to p-olong an in
tervlew. If her voice was music, her
coming an angelic vision, her quiet
smile a benedictiou, he took them as
if they had been cross. Their meet
ings were few and brief, If they meant
much to him, they were accepted as
part of his duty and his experience.
Patience, without perseverance, may
have its perfect work; the inward con-
alct grew less fierce, the doubts were
half stiiled. If this were temptation,
it had no power to estrange him from
what he loved before. His work was
sweeter, the sacred place more sacred
because she was there; and if he re-
preached himself for such intrusion of
earthly into heavenly things, the re-
oroaches we're in vain, the feelings
would not die. 1t seemed to him that
holy words and Offices had an added
meaning now. If this were snare
or his soul, the snare was cunningly
No siren lure lurked In
hose clear eyes; this, too, was child
# the Kingdom. Perhaps the Master
vas teaching him something he did
lot know before. His way was clear,
lis path of duty unchanged; if his
leart needed enlarging, if a new load
we're to be laid upon his shoulders, he
,ould bear it.
The days sped on, the end Of his
'tay approached. For once he sought
lis Temptation, and marveled at his
,wn boldness. Miss Monica, l go to-
morrow. Can you come to the early
ervice2 I would like to have a last
communion with you.' She looked at
lin in silence for a moment. OF
course / have no right to ask such IA
,or; I would not trouble you. 1t may
eem a strange mingling Of secular
With sacred things; but if had time
night explain
With a grave, maidenly dignity she
waved all explanation aside. i un-
lerstand; will come
What was it that she understood, or
n