The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1892-02-13

4
ton call on her! and my friend put
on an air of surprise.
She's only woman after all,
remarked, and may have her likes
and dislikes, her peculiarities and
preferences, as well as other people.
And I'm sure that | have no desire
TO intrude upon her.
Intrusion. How do you talk An
intrusion to call on our minister's
wife! Well, that sounds beautiful,
don't 1t; wouldn't say that again.
Come, put on your bonnet. want
your company, and | am going to
have it.
| made no further objection and
went with my lady friend to call on
Mrs. Elmore. We sent up our names,
and were shown into her neat little
parlor, where we sat nearly five
minutes before she came down.
She takes her own time, remarked
my companion If the tone OF voice
in which this was said had been
translated into a sentence, it would
have read thus:
She's mighty independent for
minister wife.
| did not like the manner nor the
remark of my friend and so kept
silent. Soon there was light step
on the stairs, the rustic OF garments
near the door, and then Mrs. Elmore
entered the room where we were
sitting. She received US kindly,
but not with wordy expressions.
There WAS soft light in her eyes
and pleasant smile on her lips.
We entered into conversation, which
was little constrained on her part;
but whether this was from coldness
or diffidence, | could not decide. |
think she did not, for some carse,
feel entirely at ease, a remark in
the conversation gave my companion
the opportunity to say what | think
she had come to say.
That leads me to suggest, Mrs.
EImore, that as our minister's wife,
you hold yourself rather too far at
distance. You will pardon me for
saving this, but as it is right that
you should know how we feel on the
subject, have taken the liberty of
being frank with you. OF course |
am sure you will not be hurt at an
intimation given in all kindness.
looked for a flash from Mrs.
Elmore's clear, bright eyes, for red
spots on her cheeks, for a quick
quivering of her flexible lips; but
none of these signs of telling were
apparent. Calmy she looked into
the face of her monitor, and when
the above sentence was completed,
answered in quiet tone of voice:
thank you for having spoken so
plainly. OF course | am not offended
But | regret to learn that any one
has found cause of complaint against
me. | have not meant to be cold
or distant; but my home duties are
many and various, and take most of
my time and thoughts.
But, my dear ma am, was answered
to this, with some warmth, you for.
get, that for woman in your posi-
ton, there are duties beyond the
home circle which may not be omit
ted.
In my position! Mrs. Elm -
calm eyes rested on the face OF MY
companion with look OF inquiry.
| am not sure that understan you
You are the wife of our minister?
am aware of that. thought
saw a twinkle in Mrs. Elmore eyes.
Well, ma'am, doesn't that involve
some duties beyond the narrow
circle of home?
No more than the fact that your
being merchants wife involves you
in obligations that reach beyond the
circle OF your home. My husband
is your minister, and as such you
have claims upon him. | think he
is doing his duty earnestly and con-
scientiously. | am his wife and the
mother of his children, and as such
| too am trying to do my duty
earnestly and conscientiously. There
are important souls committed to
my care, and | am endeavoring to
train them up for heaven
think you m sapprehend your
relation to the church, was replied
to this, but not in the confident
manner in which the lady had at
first spoken.
| have no relation to the church in
any way different from yours, or that
OF other ladies in the congregation,
said Mrs. Elmore, with decision OF
tone that showed her to be in earn
est.
But you forge, madam, that you
are the minister's wife.
Not for a moment l am the min
ister's wife, but not the minister.
He is servant OF the congregation,
but | am not.
glanced toward my friend, and
saw that she looked bewildered and
at fault think some new ideas
were coming into her mind.
Then, il | understand you, she
said, you are not interested in the
spiritual welfare of your husbands
congregation.
On the contrary, replied Mrs.
Elmore, l feel deeply interested.
And l also feel interested in the wei
fare OF other congregations But l
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