New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-03-10
AGAINST HUMAN NATURE.
BY MARIA LOUISE POOL.
Con,y,cb,; 1895: By the Tribune Annexation.
THE RELAXING WOMAN

XIV
THE RELAXING WOMAN.
Mrs Ammidown turned 10 leave the room. she
had never been able 10 think quietly and re-
slgnedly of this marriage and just now she was
more rebeious thai ever concerning it. she
was saving TO herself that 1t was really aston
ishing what idiots sensible people would make OF
themselves.
Mercer continued TO stand by his wfes bed
He was paler than usual, and his mouth was less
arm. try as hard as he might 10 control Its ex-
preston.
After one swift glance at him Temple turned
her eyes away.
Pm afraid this will interrupt your work"
she said anxiously.
I'm not thinking Of my work" he answered.
He found that he was obliged to make an effort
10 speak with the camness of courtesy. And
ne was always very gentle and courteous ana
considerate with Temple. Il am thinking OF
Won. feel as il I had been criminal because l
did not absolutely prevent you taking part lately
IN these meetings shall never forgive myself
cannot bear to have you suffer in any way
There was a vibration in his voice that made
Temple glance at him again, with that look
which dives but does not finger an instant.
II shall be able to join you in few days
again" she said and her tone sounded cola IN
contrast with his Laura exaggerates. I'm
little worn Just now: that is all
There was that in her manner which made
Mercer draw himself up with visible effort.
He thrust his hand into the breast OF his
tightly buttoned coat a. he stood there erect
There was something antique, something
.tranpejv heroic in the severe outline OF face and
figure.
Il shall certainly see TO Il that YOU have every
onportunity TO rest he responded.
Then he lef, the room. He DID not even glance
At his sister as ne strobe through the sitting
room where she sat. He did not seem TO be
o,xsra If her presence in any way. When he had
reached his own sleeping-room ne shut the door
,oiseIesslv behind him and drew the bolt
He advanced 10 the middle OF the floor He
stumbled against chair He took close hold OF
the bac and Strengthened himself again. II was
ALWAYS his instinct TO throw back his head ana
meet foe front TO front
81 can hear IT," he said in just audible voice
God knows can bear everything He sends.
He stood a moment thus before ne knelt by the
chair hiding his face in his hands on the cushion
He n,aved a fire Of longing, an ice Of despai; in
his petition
Even though never make her love me
on God let her live in this same world with me-.
Over and over these words rushed through his
brain He tried 10 FORM othel "oids' o"t ho N'"'u
not
4, last he rose and sa down In chair by the
table which held his Bible Mechanically ne took
IN the Bible He had intended 70 read something
IN reference 70 the meeting for the evening. but
he found that he could not take in the meaning
~ q single sentence But he held himself. as II
hound with cords in this place until a last mis-
thoughts obeyed his Will.
The next day Temple was langu'dly sitting up
and the next she seemed % mucn better mat fhe
announced her intention Of seeing the people who
called
NO" said Mrs Ammidown. who had just come
in. YOU will do not such thing. have had your
case on nv mind and I've decided what YOU must
dc: first Of all, am going TO pu you under the
relaxing woman
Temple rocked up with faint smile but not
much show Of interest
You are becoming a tyran; Laura VINO Is
tho relaxing woman
ooh she doesn't call herself that, but thats
what she is She has a mission and her mission
is 10 teach people 10 bear their whole weight.
oh
Yes when they sit down or lie down.
rs that all"'
"Auo I assure YOU that is great deal You
have no idea how much il involves The safety of
the race DEFENDS upon the power of each irdi-
yidu2l 10 bear his weigh;-then he rests. don I
snppose you have really rested since you took ny
this fad OF saving souls
LAURA.
IL IS a fad" the calm response. but
don't mean that fl shall kill YOU. And YOU sym
pa,hizp. and give OF yourself 10 all these crea-
tues"
They are my brothers and sisters" was the
repy.
Temples face kndled as she went on why
shouldn't help them? What is the use Of Twins
If IT Is not for service TO God and man II Is
not to hep to spend your very SELF"
You are going to stop spending yourself.
said Mrs Ammidown still calmly. The re-
taxing woman will attend TO that. She doesn
allow her pupils to sympathize. or emotional
!Za. G.. DO any o. those things. II there Is any
power .eft in you II is 10 be conserved FOR your
own Use. You are not to give any more OF it out
Cor any reason whatever. Store II up
AS n.ser stores his money" SAID Temple
sooYnfuly.
Exactly Then you'll have 1. 10 draw upon
And you are no; going to feel anything more. only
as you are permitted"
You are speaking Of great life. full Of hu.
man possibilities" remarked Temple with sill
more scorn.
Mrs Ammidown smiled indulgentiy.
"She does it for 81 an hour" she said. "She
combines an eye to what In called the main
chance with great good to nervous women
TempIe clasped her hands suddenly and for
cibly.
BUT I'm net nervous woman" she cried
Aren't you?"
NO. no, Why don't you remember. Laura
sor, .,roro a,wavs was down there In Carolina