The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1899-06-06
Her Small Ambition
BY LUCY sEMmEs oRR,cK.
THE little sewing room of the big St.

It's 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 a 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 Hes
ter's arrival, TO 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 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 FESTIVE young spirit
pulled against bonds for herself, but
some hidden note within her urged her
TO visit this peaceful spot, where the
fhroes CT life's pains were forgotten or
mad never been known. After day Ct
mental conflict it was soothing unutter-
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 pur, faced woman with child
eyes bca.l,,. down on her again. She
felt better. mere exalted by the nuns
presence; though the influence was
only for momnt.
Sinking to commonplace 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. nc! l am accustomed to 1t as
one of my duties"
The very surprise in the answer made
il a Slight, though unmeant, rebuff;
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 infnitesimal thinness
and perfect tractability," she ventured
with elaboration. 1t hurt her, now 1t
was said, but curious interest in the
answer animated her. Did they ever
feel like other people?
! The faint glow mounting Euphemia S
pale face shamed Hester.
ave 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 malse living
sweet?
The J ner felt the withdrawal ant
inward.y granted its 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; land l should thinl
you would be very tired of those
cloaks. Won't you let me help your
"Yes, am tired sometimes Eu
phemia repSed, neediessly, for the wide
WEAKNESS 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 abou
rs" was the absent-minded answer.
l
nun glanced out the window at thu
gorgeous, brilliant flower beds. /
strengthened her TO look on this brave
perfect and beautiful Development
few men attained such.
Testers dry remark: "You hav'
enough to do" was met with glanc
that seemed 10 take the girls measure
and the way was cleared.
This" referring to her occupation
"has been my work ever since came t.
the convent" proffered Sister Euphe
mia, in the quiet, spiritualized voic
that comes inevitably to the inmates o
the cloister. Hester Strengthened up il
surprised interest-her favorite wa
venturing beyond generalities for tn
first time in their long acquaintance
Euphemia already suffered at the expo
sition of her own life, but the girl
conclusions almost demanded refuta
ton, and for all her Perversity Heste
seemed one of their blood.
81 loved all that" said Euphemis
nodding toward the brilliant splotche
of color outside. "but this is my forte.
! indicating the garment in her laI
+bropUh which The needle Dlied rar