River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1896-04-09
APPLES OF S0D0M.
~ EMILY ID. M'BRIDE.

IN EMILY ID. M'BRIDE
She stood at the end of a short maple
shaded avenue, this little Shake
maiden. her 1.-THE form silhouetted
against the glowing western sky.
On the steps of the Office building
Sister Hannah, the eldress, sat with
her knitting. Her white hair. combed
straight and smooth back from the
part, showed in beautiful silver line in
front of the close-fitting cap. lighting
Ter face like the dainty frame TO some
quaint medallion. Her thoughts were
more busy with the little maid than
with her work. The mellow. vibrant
notes of Elizabeth's fresh young voice.
as she lad heard il in the meeting
house only an hour before, still lin
gered in her mind.
The stocking grew, row after row
gliding from under the swift fingers.
When the heel, with its neat gore. was
finished. Hannah let her work fall to
her lap and sat for a moment looking
0nxiOusly at the young girl. Elizabeth
may have felt the look, for she turned
toward the house, and the eldress. tuck
ing her ball of yarn under her arm.
went slowly down to meet her, knitting
as she went.
art thou still unhappy, child?" she
asked. as they walked up and down the
lane.
More than l can tell thee" Eliza
beth answered, passionately.
They crossed the broad macadamized
street, over into the meadow and down
to the little cool grove. They paused
20 listen TO "a bobOlisk singing as he
swayed up and down on the top of d
tai! dry " eed in the meadow.
Now listen TO me, sweet one" called
the Shaker maiden as the clear, rich
notes died away, and placing her hands
on her hips, with chest expanded and
head thrown back. she mimicked Sir
Hobolink's rOllicking glee. Never be
fore, in the sedately methodical village
of Shakertown, had such sounds been
flung on the decOrous breczes. Now.
ss her song ended she drew long sob
bling breath of ecstacy.
When in the religious meetings the
spirit moved Elizabeth to sing. none
took up the s. rain. but listened breath
less to the sweet new melody in the
simple. far .iliar chant.
"Oh, Sister Hannah" she cried, ~
must g., I cannot stay here. DOst
thou not see that? Think of the great
leautiful world. Think of the music
and song. oh. think of all the beautiful.
wonderful thing | am missing. That
L = l. saA hov
]. for he has freedom. Oh, what am |
saying? 1 will never learn thy self
command. DO not reprove me-" she
moaned. as she threw one arm around
Sister Hannah's neck and with her hand
caresscd the white, troubled face of the
eldress.
Forgive me. dear friend. she plead
cd. but let me go"
Elizabeth" and the .weetly modu-
lated voice helped to calm the impetu-
Gus girl, thou hast been my especial
care since thou vert brought TO the
village, n wee bairnie. In all things
have chosen for thee what seemed for
thy best good" She hesitated. then
saying: II will speak with Elder
Charles concerning thy wishes" she
turned toward the house where he was
standing on the steps.
WILT thou leave us awhile2" Han
n, ! requested. land try 10 remember
that in all things we seek thy truest
hSppiness?"
Elizabeth walked on dejectedly while
Elder Charles and Sister Hannah went
into the office. The elder took one of
the plain wooden chairs by the table.
hut Hannah chose TO sit by the open
turtainless window.
'She must never leave u.s." he de-
clared, sternly. she was sent to US
that she might grow up into pure limo
cent womanhoOd."
For nearly 20 years" Hannah began,
quietly, "she has been with us. Through
preccpt and example her mind has be-
come imbued with the truest principles.
She has grown up in the Household of
Faith. and from her childhood has had
before her mind the divine example of
Mother Ann. We have done what we
could. She is legally her own mistress.
Unless she choose to stay with us we
cannot compel her"
Sister Hannah rarely spoke so long
or so earnestly. and Elder Charles lis
tened in silence. lie rested his elbows
on the table and his head in his hands
Hannah. she is the sunshine of my
day, the perfume of spring in the au-
tuInn of my life" His voice was firm
and sweet, and Hannah noticed the alb
srnce of its usual ring of unyielding de
cision.
Her mother"-Hannah started for
ward as if to interrupt him. then nerv-
ously settled again into her chair. What
right had she. who had long ago for
sworn all earthly loves. TO be Jealous
of the beautiful singer " no had brought
Elizabeth to them. and who alone had
the right TO give a mothers love to the
turbIlently demure Young ShskeresS
y faint conscious blush tingcd her face
as she realized that the years of watch
care which she had given to the child
left in her charge had created in heI
heart a love which the Manifesto taught
10 be earthly and unworthy a devon;
Shaker. She tried TO put away the
feeling and listen calmly TO what the
elder might say
Charles noted her confusion.
Hast thou heard anything further
concerning her mothers history" he
asked. hurriedly.
Hannah shook her head.
Thou wouldst not choose to send
her 20 her mothers people?" she asked.
IF she must leave us" ne answered.
az would rather she went to Daughter
Hannah's. She 10 good woman, &C