The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1899-11-22
By Charles N. Sheldon.

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81 understand that you are gong on
the stage, Miss Winslow. We shall all
be delighted, I'm sure, said Rollin
during one of the pauses in the conver-
sation. which had not been animated,
Rachel co:ored and felt annoyed.
ssWho told you?'' she asked. while
Virginia. who had been very silent and
reserved, suddenly reused herself and
appeared ready to join in the talk.
ssOh, we hear. a thing or two on the
street! Besides, every one saw Gran
dali, the manager, at church two weeks
ago. He doesn't go to church to hear
the preaching. In fact, I know other
people who don't either, not when
there's something better to hear.
Rachel did not color this time, bat
she answered quietly:
.sYou re mistaken. I'm not going on
the stage. .
4sIt's great pity. You d make hit
Everybody is talking about your sing
ing
This time Rachel flushed with genu-
inc anger.
Before she could say anything Vir-
ginia broke in.
..Whom do you mean by every
body?'
ssWhom? mean all the people who
hear Miss Winslow on Sunday. What
other time do they hear her? It's a
great pity, say, that the general pub
lie outside Of Raymond cannot hear her
voice
.4Let us tessS: about something else, .
said Rachel little sharply. Nine Page
glanced at her and spoke with gentle
courtesy.
.sMy dear, Rollin never could pay an
indirect compliment. He is like his IA
ther in that. But we are all curious to
know something Of your plans. We
claim the right from old acquaintance,
you know. And Virginia had already
told us of your concert company offer. %
ssI supposed, of course, that was pub
lie property" said Virginia, smiling
across the table. s'It was in The News
yesterday.
eyes, yes" replied Rachel hastily.
..I understand that, Nine. Page. Well,
Virginia and have been talking about
it. / have decided not to accept, and
that is as far as I have gone yet :"
Rachel was conscious of the fact that
the conversation had up to this point
been narrowing her hesitation concern
ing the company's offer down to de-
cision that would absolutely satisfy her
own Judgment of Jesus probable ac-
ton. It had been the last thing in the
world, however. that she had desired to
have her decision made in any way so
public as this. Somehow what Rollin
Page had said and his manner in say
ing it had FASTENED her judgment in
the matter
.Would you mind telling US. Rachel,
your reasons for refusing the offer? It
looks like a good opportunity fer q
yorng girl like you. Don't you think
the general pablie ought to hear you? l
feel like Roilin about that. A voice
like yours belongs TO larger audience
than RAYMOND ard the First church.
Rachel W-inslow was naturally a girl
of great reserve. She slara:ls from max
ing her plans or her thoughts public
But with ali her repression there w;ss
possible in her an occasional sudden
breasing out that was simply an I'M
pulsive. thoughtful, frank. truthful e1-
preston of her most inner personal feel
ing. She spoke now in reply to Nine.
Page in one Of those rare moments Of
unreserve that added to the attractive
ness of her whole character.
Il have no other reason than con-
viction that Jesus would DO the same
thing she said locking in Nine.
Pages eyes with clear. earnest Gaze.
Nine. Page turned red, and Rollln
stared. Before her grandmother could
say anything Virginia spoke.
Her rising color showed how she was
stirred. Virginia's pale, clear COM
plezion was that of health. but it was
generally in marEed contrast to Rachel 5
tropical type Of beauty.
.Grandnothe-, You know we prom
ised to max that the standard of our
con,.uct fer a year. Mr.. Maxwell s
proposition was plain to all who heard
it. We have not been able TO arrive at
our decisions very rapidly The diff
Guilty IN knowing what Jesus would do
has perpleSed Rachel and me good
deal
Nine. Page looked sharply at Viz
ginia before she said anything
..Of course I understand Mr.. Max
wells statement. 1t is perfectly i'm
practicable to put it into practice. l
felt confident at the time that those
who promised would find it out after a
trial and abandon it as visionary and
absurd. I have nothing to say about
Miss Winslow's affairs, but'-she
paused and continued with sharpness
that was new to Rachel hope you
have no foolish notions in this matter,
Virginia .
Il have great many notions, re-