Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1899-01-05
Her Small Ambition
8, LUCY sEmmEs oRslck,

4 Catherine convent was startling in
It's white primness and scanf 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 al once, by con-
trast, the aggressive superiority of
other interior Furnishings burst upon
her with sudden distirctness Yet,
there was nothing here upon which the
eye could fasten pleasurably-a lurl-
/ boring old sewing machine stood by the
deep arched window and line of long,
black, shapeless garments-eirculars,
in the parlance of one-time fashion
extended around three sides of the
| white room; added to this a chair OF
two, and the contents stood revealed.
Sister Euphemia. always pedaling la
boriously al the noisy old machine on
a facsimile of the wall decorations, gave
needed life 10 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.
| y soft smile shone out of the depths
OF Sister Euphemia's dark blue eyes,
and heI sweet mouth relaxed in sym
pathy as u 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
Iy. 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
throes CT life's pains were forgotten or
had never been known. After day of
mental conflict il was soothing unutter-
ably 10 come here, out Of the gossip and
envy and longing of the outside world
10 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
ana the purefaced woman with child
eyes beamed down on her again. She
felt better, more exalted by the nuns
presence; though the influence was
only for a mompt.
Sinking to commonplace in the self
conscious pride and habitual egotism
OF human nature. Hester reverted 10
the cause Of the sisters absence.
THAT bell must be very annoying
she remarked, feelingly.
"Oh. no! am accustomed 10 IL as
one Of my duties"
The very surprise in the answer made
ii 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 infinitesmal thinness
and perfect tractability." she ventured
with delberation. 1t hurt her, now il
was said. but a curious interest in the
answer animated her. Did they ever
feel like other people?
The faint glow mounting Euphemia's
pale face shamed Hester.
I'VE 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 MALE 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
yen would be very tired Of those
cloaks. Won't you let me help you?'
"Yes. am tired sometimes" En-
phemia replied. needlessly for the wide
WEAKNESS of her eyes was answer
enough. The last question passed nm
marked TO its understood impossible
ity
DO you make many of these gar
menis?
For all the sisters. We are about
10. was the absent-minded answer.
With unconscious usefulness the
nun glanced out the window at the
gorgeous. brilliant flower beds. i,
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 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 upin
surprised interest-her favorite was
venturing beyond geueralities for the
first time in tier long acquaintance.
Euphemia already suffered at the expo
sition OF her own life. bat the girls
conclusions almos; demanded refuta-
ton and for all her perversity Hester
4 L.. l.