The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-02-29

an animation and eagerness which
completely transformed her.
Tell me all about it, dear" she
cried as soon as they were alone in
Ruth's room. "Your letters have
told what they could, but want to
know everything-everything from
the very beginning"
81 think you know the beginning"
replied Ruth, smilingly, "for it began
in my restlessness and longing for
something to do. Soon after you left
for Washington brother Charlie had
a friend visiting him who owned a
small camera-a snapshot you know.
was fascinated with it from the first,
and seeing my interest he offered to
teach me how to use it. l was not
long in learning, and before he went
away / had taken several pictures
views from the south veranda for
which l had SO often longed. Then
Charlie-dear boy-seeing my de-
light in my new accomplishment,
gave up an excursion for which he
had planned, and bought me CON-
plete outfit and fitted up my studio
for me. The work delighted mel
always liked to finish pictures, you
know-but l never thought of its
proving anything more than mere
amusement to me, till one day a lady
saw a picture had taken of mamma,
and was SO pleased with it that she
urged me to take hers also. l did 80,
and she showed it to a friend, who
came at once with her children for
group picture. From that day my
work has grown, till now have all I
am able to do. People are very kind
about recommending me to their
friends, and oh, 1 do enjoy it all SO
much! really believe my health is
better. and I know l am far happier"
"And growing famous every day."
added Mrs. Wynn. "My sister says
that people come from near and far
because your pictures are superior to
any other photographer about here.
I suppose" she laughed mischievous-
ly "the money you earn is a pleasure
also?"
Indeed it isl I feel now as
though could do little, at least,
toward supporting myself, should
circumstances ever demand it. do
not see why more women and girls
do not take UP photography. 1t is an
easy, pleasant occupation, especially
if one has any taste for it-you know
my hobby, that one should never I'M
dertake what she has no genius for.
l love my work, and that is why I ac-
hieve success-if l may call it sue
cess"
"Successl" echoed Mrs. Wynn. 81
am proud of you Ruth Torrencep'
Ruth laughed merrily. "There is
one thing more, Alice. You know
how greatly interested I have been in
foreign missions ever since dear Mrs.
Parker talked to us girls in the Semi
nary. Well, two months ago I took
a scholarship in one of the training
schools in India, and in a few years |
shall have a substitute over there.
You can't think how happy the
thought makes me. Oh, / am SO
thankful the Lord led me into this
work instead of allowing me to fret
or NOPE my life away~
81 doubt your ever fretting, or
moping either" returned Mrs. Wynn,
warmly. "Still, l rejoice with you
over the change that has come into
your life. You objected once to being
called new woman, yet you have
demonstrated to the world that a wo-
man need not be useless, even though
she be obliged to go about with a
crutch; and, more than that, you are
a daily inspiration to us who are
healthy and strong, to do more ac-
tive work for the Master, and to take
more kindly interest in our fellow
men" -Zion's Herald.