The Van Buren press., 1898-12-10
Her Small Ambition
THE little sewing room of the big St.
BY LUCY SEMMEs 0RRlCk.

TuE little sewing room of the big st.
Catherine convent was startling in
rs white primness and scant furnish
;np. At least it thus impressed Hester
parnard. and did SO afresh each of the
4ew times she was admitted TO this
inner sanctum. All at once, by con-
trast. the aggressive superhuity of
other interior furnishings burst upon
her with sudden distinctness. Yet,
there was nothing here upon which the
eve could fasten pleasurably-a lum-
herring old sewing machine stood by the
deem arched window. and line of long,
black. shapeless garments-circulars
IN the parlance of one-time fashion
extended around three sides of the
white room; added to this chair or
two. and the contents stood revealed.
Sister Euphemia, always pedaling la
borously at the noisy old machine on
a fac-simile of the wall decorations, gave
needed life to the situation.
The doorbell rang, and, as FORTRESS,
the busy nun arose for the tenth time
that morning and the third since Hes
ters arrival, to answer the summons.
soft smile shone out of the depths
of Sister Euphemia's dark blue eyes,
and her sweet mouth relaxed in SYM
pathy as a temporary farewell to the
favored lay friend she left alone.
Hester looked after the sister with
almost wonder, and certainly with rev.
erence.
"such Interruptions would drive me
crazy" thought the visitor, provoked
ly. "How did she acquire such admir-
able placidity, or is it natural?'
Hester's own restiye young spirit
pulled against bonds for herself, but
some hidden note within her urged her
10 visit this peaceful spot, where the
tbroes of life's pains were forgotten or
had never been known. After day of
mental conflict it was soothing unutter-
ably to come here, out of the gossip and
envy and longing of the outside world
to come here. yes, but for only an
hour-and to this nun, about whom
there was always something great and
capable.
~ would like to see her reused and
pusbed to the full extent of her mental
powers" thought the waiting visitor.
She was glad when the door opened
and the pure-faced woman with child
eyes beamed down on her again. She
felt better more exalted by the nuns
presence; though the influence was
only for a momnt.
Sinking to commonplaces in the self
conscious pride and habitual egotism
of human nature, Hester reverted to
the cause of the sisters absence.
THAT bell must be very annoying
she remarked, feelingly.
eOh. no! | am accustomed to 1t as
one of my duties"
The very surprise in the answer made
1t a slight, though unmeant, rebuif;
still the reply itself urged Hester to
further speech.
THE sisters either must have no
loves or desires, or strain them by lack
of temptation to infinitesimal thinness
and perfect tractability," she ventured
with delberatlon. 1t hurt her, now 1t
was said. but a curious interest in the
answer animated her. Did they ever
feel like other people?
The faint glow mounting Euphemias
pale face shamed Hester.
1--WE are human" was the low-yoiced
reply, with a little reserve, but not a
trace of resentment What did the
children of the world know of suppress
sion, of the stripping ones self of all
the small delights that malA living
sweet?
The listener felt the withdrawal and
inwardly granted its justice; in conse-
quence she abated somewhat the criti-
cal mood which seemed heartlessly per-
slstent to-day.
u know you are human" said the
privileged guest; "and | should think
you would be very tired of those
cloaks. Won't you let me help your
Yes, | am tired sometimes" Eu'
phema replied, needlessly, for the wide
weariness of her eyes was answer
enough. The last question passed un'
marked TO its understood impossible
ity.
DO you make many of these gar
ments?"
For all the sisters. We are about
75,' was the absent-minded answer.
With unconscious wistfulness the
nun glanced out the window at the
gorgeous, brilliant flower beds. 1t
strengthened her to look on this brave,
perfect and beautiful Development
lew men attained such.
Hester's dry remark: "You have
enough to do" was met with glance
that seemed to take the girls measure,
and the way was cleared.
This" referring to her occupation,
has been my work ever since came to
The convent" proffered Sister Euphe-
mia, in the quiet, spiritualized voice
mat comes inevitably to the inmates OF
the cloister. Hester Strengthened up IN
surprised interest-her favorite was
yenturing beyond generalities for the
nrst time in their long acquaintance
Euphemia already suffered at the expo
siuon Of her own life, but the girls
conclusions almost demanded refuta-
non' and for all her perversity Hester
seemed one of their blood.
l loved all that" said Euphemia,
hodding toward the brilliant splotches
OF color outside, "but this is my forte,
indicating the garment in her lap
through which the needle piled rap
idly.