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

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II understand trat you are going on
the stage. Miss Winslow We shall all
be delighted. I'm sure" said Kollin
during one of the pauses in the conver-
sation. which lad not been animated.
Rachel colored and felt annoyed
WHO toll your she asked. while
Virginia. who had been very silent and
reserved. suddenly reused herself and
appeared ready to join IN the talk.
"Oh. we hear thing or two on the
street Besides, every one saw Gran.
dAn. the manager, at church two weeks
ago He doesn't 60 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, but
uhe answered quietly:
"Youre mistaken. I'm not going on
the stage"
'It's great pity. You'd make a hit.
kv'rybody Is talking about your s.ug-
Ing"
This time Rachel flushed with genu-
ine anger.
Before she could say, anything vir-
ginia broke in.
Whom do you mean by every
bodyf'"
Whom mean all the people who
hear Miss Winslow on Sunday What
other time do they hear her? It's a
great pity. i say. that the general pub
no outside Of Raymond cannot hear her
voice"
"Lset us tssiS about something else, /"
said Rachel little sharply. Nine. Page
slanced at her and spoke with q gentle
courtesy.
my dear. ,Rollin never could nav 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. f"
II supposed, Of course. that was pub
no property" said Virginia. smiling
across the table "It was in The News
yesterday"
'sYes. yes" replied Rachel hastily.
II understand that, Mime. Page. Well,
Virgins and J. have been talking about
II I have decided not to accept, and
that is as far as have gone yet
Rachel was conscious Of the fact that
tho conversation had mp to this point
been narrowing her hesitation concern
ing the company's offer down to q de-
cision that would absolutely satisfy her
own Judgment Of Jesus probable ac-
tion- It had been the last thing in the
vorld. 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 IL had FASTENED her Judgment in
the matter.
would you mind telling us. Rachel,
your reasons for refusing the offer? 1t
looks like n good opportunity for
young girl like you. Don't You think
the general pdblis ought TO hear your
feel like R6llin about that. A voice
IKE yours belongs to q larger audience
than Raymond and the First church"
Rachel Winslow was naturally girl
of great reserve. She slIrark from max
ing her plans or her thoughts public.
1But with all her repression there was
possible In her an occasional sudden
breaking out that was simply an i'm
pulsive. thoughtful. frank. truthful ex-
preston OF her most inner personal feel
ing. She spoke now in reply to Nine
rage In ole 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. looking in Nine.
Pages eyes with a clear. earnest cazo.
Nine. Page turned red. and Rollin
stared Before her grandmother could
ssy anything Virginia spoke.
Her rising color showed how she was
stirred. Virginia's pale. clear COM
plexion was that of health, but it was
generally IN marked contrast TO Rachels
tropical type Of beauty
GRANDMOTHER. you know ws prom
fsed to max" that the standard Of our
conduct for a year. Mr.. Maxwells 3
proposition was plain to all who heard
It. We have not been able to arrive mt
our decisions very rapidly. The diff.
Guilty In knowing what Jesus would do
has perplexed Rachel and me good
deal"
Nine. Page looked sharply at Vir-
ginia before she said anything.
"Of course l understand Mr.. Max
wells statement. 1t is perfectly i'm
practicable to put IL into practice.
felt confident at the time that those
who promised would find 1t out after a
trial and abandon 1t as visionary and
absurd. I have nothing to say about
Miss Winslow's affairs. but''-she
paused and continued with q sharpness
that was new to Rachel-"I hope You
have no foolish notions in this matter.
Virginia.
81 have n great many notions. Il" re-
piled Virginia quietly. whether they
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