The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-11-27

voice shaken with feeling, the first long
words that occurred to Decentralization
santncatlon-pr She did not
know what they meant, but they were ont
Of the catechism, and SO were proper to
say to the god
what are you talking about?" demanded
Fife. Lets play something else. I'm
tired ~ this. Besides. | think it's wicked.
Oh, there's aunty. Hide the shawl"
But it was too late. Miss Jane came IN,
kindly curious. TO sec that the two little
girls were having happy time. The half
burned candles the roses on Buddha's lap,
the scattered rice and her own Grape shawl.
cIumpled under Effie's feet. made her silent
for a moment with establishment.
eve were playing heathen," Ef1e e1-
plnlned hastily. ELLEN wanted 10,
where did you get my shawl, chidreny'
said Miss Jane Indignantly.
ELLEN said we had TO have n mat; she
put It there. It's an ugly old shawl, any
way"
Miss Jane had lifted 1t with anxious
hands. And you have spotted 1t with
something oh, Ellen, how could you be so
naughty?'
I'm so sorry-I--didn't know"-Ellen be-
gan 20 cry.
There. INV dear" said Miss Jane. with
rcmorseful forgiveness. II didn't mean 10
be cross. my child only-l-l-yaluc II
very much friend Of mine gave it TO
me. she tried 10 comfort the child; 1T
isn't any value I'm itself. but n friend OF
mine gave 1t TO me-a friend whom ] have
not seen for many years There, dear,
don't cry; We won't say anything more
about It." But her voice trembled.
Fife had run away, glad to leave reproof
or reproach to Ellen, and glad 10 escape
what the hcusemaid called ''reddlng up
the ness" che had helped 10 make about
the dol As for Ellen. she went home
very soberly. The excitement Of making
believe" over. the hideous fact Of idolatry
presented itself TO her mind.
This was the beginning Of remorse 10
Ellen, that most intOlerable pain OF life.
The thought Of her sin began TO lurk under
all innocent pleasure; ready 10 spring out
upon ner like some terrible wild beast when
she was most unconscious OF it, or most for
getful. When she read, or worked, or
played, there would come suddenly pang
in the breast bone, and the thought OF the
god
Thou shalt not make unto thyself any
craven image" poor little Ellen said to
herself again and again" thou shalt not
bow down to it or worship it," and then
she would follow over and over one line
of reasoning which Travelled IN circle
through justification back 10 pain.
III the heather thinks it's right TO bring
rice and flowers, and to pray 10 him, why,
It can't be wrong for them to do ii. So
there is no need TO confess to grand
mother" She would draw a breath OF re-
lief here, and then the stab would come.
"But I'm not a heather, l didn't think IL
was right" The accusation and excuse,
repeated and repeated, grooved into the
childs mind. Once she had a shivcring
glimpse o. possible wreck OF all her lit
tie faith: vague dull pain that grew into
the question: How do we know we are
right? We can't do anything more than
think So and that's what the heather de-
But this faded almost as soon as 1t came,
with he reassurance-"Oh yes; the Bible
saws so. ard so does grandmother" and
so far as faith went she was satished-but
her sin remained. Once, in a passion OF
Miss Jane, who flushed a little, but said,
"Oh, Ellen, dear, never mind; I took the
spots out
II didn't mean that" Ellen whispered,
hiding her face on that kind shoulder.
"Wc-we played heather, you know"
"Well, DEAR" said Miss Jane cheerfully.
"Was twas livery wicked? Oh, shall
7 go TO he'll? WEN It be visited upon the
third and fourth generation? Oh Miss
Jane, will all my children so to hell, toO?'
Miss Jane drew a breath Of silent laugh
ter above the little brown head that pressed
against her bosom. "No, dear. no; it was
only playing, Of course Why my little
Ellen, don't cry So" She stopped Ellen's
tears but the child knew that Miss Jane
had not really understood.