The Florence daily tribune., 1899-09-06
Her Small Ambition
8, LUCY sEmMes oaRlck.
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 superfuity 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 Euphemia, always pedaling la
boriously at the noisy old machine on
a facsimile 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 He's
ter's arrival. 10 answer the summons.
A soft smile shone out of the depths
of Sister Euphemia's dark blue eyes,
and 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 EeV-
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 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-nnd to this nun, about whom
there was always something great and
capable.
81 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
telt 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! | am accustomed to IL as
one of my duties.
The very surprise in the answer made
it a slight, though unmeant, rebuf;
still the reply itself urged Hester to
further speech.
.sThe sisters either must have no
loves or desires, or strain them by lack
of temptation to infinitesimal thinness
and perfect tractability," she ventured
with deliberation. 1t hurt her, now ii
was said, but curious interest in the
answer animated her. Did they ever
feel like other people?
The faint glow mounting Euphemin's
pale face shamed Hester.
eve are human" was the low-voiced
reply, with little reserve, but not
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 its Justice in conse-
quence she abated somewhat the criti-
cal mood which seemed heartlessly per
sistent to-day.
II 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 you?"
"Yes, I am tired sometimes" Eu-
phemia replied, needlesslS, 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
rs" was the absent-minded answer.
With unconscious wistfulness the
nun glanced out the window at the
gorgeous. brilliant flower beds. II
strengthened her to look on this brave,
perfect and beautiful Development
few men attained such.
Hester's dry remark: You have
enough to do" was met with a 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
that comes inevitably to the inmates of
the cloister. Hester Strengthened up in
surprised interest-her favorite was
venturing beyond generalities for the
first time in their long acquaintance.
Euphemia already suffered at the expo
sition of her own life, but the girls
conclusions almost demanded refuta-
ton, and for all her perversity Hester
seemed one of their blood
Il loved all that" said Euphemia,