Warren sheaf., 1898-11-24
Her Small Ambition
BY LUCY sEMmEs oRRIck.
THE little sewing room of the big st.

THE little sewing room of the big st.
Catherine convent was startling in
its white primness and scant furnish
ing. At least it thus impressed Hester
Barnard, and did SO afresh each of the
few 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
eye could fasten pleasurably-a lum-
bering old sewing machine stood by the
deep 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 Euphenia, always pedaling Ia
- boriously at the noisy old machine on
a facsimile of the wall decorations, gave
needed life to the situation. ,'. .'.'.i
The doorbell rang, and, as FORTRESS,
the busy nun arose for the tenth time
that morning and the third since Hes
ter's arrival, to answer the summons.
A soft smile shone out of the depths
of Sister Euphemia's dark blue eyes,
aid her sweet mouth relaxed in SYM
pathy as 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 restive young spirit
pulled against bonds for herself, but
some hidden note within her urged her
to visit this peaceful spot, where the
throes cf life's pains were forgotten or
had never been known. After day CT
mental conflict it was soothing unu1ter-
ably to come here, out of the gossip and
envy and longing of the outside world
Ito come here, yes, but for only an
hour-and to this nun, about whom
there was always something great and
capable.
Il would like to see her reused and
pushed 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 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.
"Oh, no! 81 am accustomed to it as
one of my duties" s 5s8s 8s8s F. .. ~
TIE very surprise in theanswer made
ii slight, though unmeant, rebuff;
still the reply itself urged Hester to
further speech.
The. sisters either must ahaye no
loves or desires, or strain t b EN- byFlack
of temptation to infnitesimal thinness
and perfect tractability," she ventured
with deliberation. It hurt her, now it
was said, but curious interest III the
answer animated her. Did they ever
feel like other people? .... .
The faint glowanounting Euphemias
pale face shamed Hester.
I'VE are human" was the low-voiced
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 make living
sweet? - -
The listener felt the withdrawal and
inwardly granted it's justice; in conse-
quence she abated somewhat the criti-
cal mood which seemed heartlessly per-
sistent to-day.
81 know you are human," said the
privileged guest; "and should think
you would be very tired of those
cloals. Won't you let me help you?''
Yes, l am tired sometimes" Eu-
phemia replied, needlessly, for the wide
WEAKNESS Of her eyes was answer.
enough. The last question passed IN.