The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-08-21

ClC VI hCi lllO ClOocO dIOuuu ncI, DuI
she was dimly conscious of broader,
wiser humanity beyond. Even Elder
Boggs, the hero of her childhood,
had failed to satisfy those vague
longings every woman feels. The
beautiful perhaps" possible to all
lured her on with its elusive bright
ness. Her past had been marked
only by dull heavy monotony, but
the future-ah who knew what that
might bring?
She sat silent for long time after
Mrs. Fummerson had gore. Her
father watched her in somewhat
troubled patience, smiling the vacant
smile of old age.
Father" she said at last, why
can't we go away at once-in week?
We have few preparations to make.
You won't mind, will you?'
"In hurry to leave the old house?"
he prattled in his childish wav.
"We're rich folks, you and me, Hubby
rich folks now. The old house was
good enough for mother and me.
Guess she never thought of anything
else. l don't mind. Well travel and
see sights with seeing"
So Miss Cropsey decided to leave
the known for the unknown, to the
surprise and CONSERVATION of her
small circle of friends. Elder Boggs
called to demonstrate. He was a
small, pompous man, fond of re-
marking that he had found the
world too much for him, and had fled
to grace for refuge"
Miss Cropsey looked up to him
with reverence, not unmixed with
fear. He had been the saint of the
child's, the ideal of the girls aspira-
tions. He was good. She had been
taught to yield homage only to good
ness. But she stood firm.
my dear Miss Cropsey, this step
is unwise. You will regret it in the
future, as the mists clear from your
vision. You think, know, that there
is no harm in it. Positive harm there
may be none, but are there not du-
ties here demanding attention, help
less voices clamoring for aid, the cry
of the hungry, the wall of the for
lorn?"
81 have prayed" she said. ut is
not wrong. think. God would have
told me if it had been. There are
wrongs to be righted everywhere.
my dear sister, it is not possible
you have deceived YOURSELF attribu-
ting to the Lord the answer your own
wish would return? Is this impossi-
ble?"
81 have prayed"
The freight fickered over the
wall, bringing out in strong relief
every feature of his face. Miss Crop
sey stood before him, anxious but
resolute, with her one steady an
swer.
"Well, we'll, you understand your
own nature, | suppose. | doubt the
wisdom of your decision, out cannot
urge you against your will. Still, l
am sorry, personally and as member
of the great church militant"
They shook hands and parted, and
she grieved little over his misunder-
standing. But her heart cried out
for more freedom, small share of
the delights others knew, glimpse
of happier world.
81 know nothing" she thought
II have never lived. If l stay here l
never shall. 1t is onlyto go out lit
tie farther, and l shall find the beauty
l yearn for now"
Mrs. Trivoly, finding her neighbours
decision final, was moved by sud-
den friendly impulse, and "got up"
farewell surprise" in the form of
a handsome watch to be presented by
the members of st. Stephens Church.
Every one knew Miss Cropsey.
The older members remembered the
wee bright-faced child who had nest
led close to her mothers side, more
than thirty years before, in wide
eyed awe, on her "first Sunday at
church." Since then she had not
missed either the Sabbath morning
or evening service. Even in the dark
days that came with her mothers
death she had come as usual, but
alone, for help and comfort. Many
had been shocked, few touched, by
the sight of the black robed figure in
the familiar pew. Elder Boggs had
s'wondered how she had the heart to
come, with such affliction at home"
Only Miss Cropsey herself had real
lied the intensity of that loneliness.
Those who prophesied that riches
would change her were disappointed.
She came and went among them as