The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1900-01-10
Her Small Ambition
By LUCY SEMMes ORRlcK.

THE little sewing room Of the big ST.
Catherine convent was startling IN
It's White primness and scant furnish
ing. ut least il thus impressed Hester
Barnard, and did 50 afresh each Of the
few times She was admitted TO this
inner sanctum. All at once. by con-
trast. the aggressive supertiuity OF
other interior furnishings burst upon
her with sudden Cistinctness. Yet,
there was nothing here upon which the
eye could iasten p!easurablv-a lum-
bering old sewing machine stood by the
deep arched window, and line of long.
black. shape!ess garments-circulars.
in the pariance 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 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, 10 answer the summons.
\ 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 lag 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 restive 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 OF
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 ar
hour-and to this nun, about whom
there was always something great anc
capable.
"I would like to see her reused and
pushed to the full extent OF her mcnta
powers thought the waiting visitor.
She was glad when the door opened
and the pure-faced woman with chic
ewes beamed down on her again. She
telt better, more exalted by the nuns
presence; though the influence was
only for a momnt.
Sinking to commonplaces in the self
conscious pride and habitual egotisn
of human nature, Hester reverted tc
the cause of the sisters absence.
That bell must be very annoying
she remarked, feelingly.
"Oh. no. am accustomed to 1t as
one of my duties ;,
The very surprise in the answer :laoS
il q slight. though unmeant, rebuff;
sill the reply itself urged Hester t'
further speech.
The sisters either must have ne
loves or desires, or strain them by lacs
Of temptation TO infnitesimal thinnes!
and perfect tractability," she ven'uret
with .lci:beration. 1t hurt her, no"
was said. but . curious interest in thu
answe. animated her. Did they evel
feel Ike other people:
The faint glow mounting Euphemia'
pale face Shamed Hester.
"We are human" was the low-voicee
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 al
the small delights that make livins
sweet?
The listener felt the withdrawal ant
iawardly granted its justice; in conse
cuerce she abated somewhat the crit
cal mood which seemed heartlessly per
sistent to-day.
Il know YOU are human" said tht
privileged guest; land should think
YOU would be very tired OF those
clo"kS. Won't you let me help yon?'
Yes. l am tired sometimes" Eu
rEemia rep:sd. needlessly. for the WIDE
werine>s Of her eyes vas ans"e:
CROUCH The last question passed un
marked 10 lis understood impossibil'
ity.
DO you make many Of these gar,
ments?"
For all the sisters. We are about
..5." was the absent-minded answer.
With unconscious wistfulness the
run glanced out the window at the
gorgeous. brilliant flower beds. Ii
strengthened her 10 look on this brave
perfect and beautiful Development
!c,v men attained such.
Hcs.er's dry remark: You have
ercu"il - do" was met with a glance
,l:at cen, d to fake the girls measure
ard the way was cleared.
This referring TO her occupation,
has been my work ever since came 70
the convent" proifered Sister Euphe'
MIA. in the quiet, splr!tualiZeo voice
;ha, comes inevitably 10 the inmates OF
the cloister. Hester straighlened up in
surprised ntvrest-her favorite was
venturing beyond generaiities 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-
;ion, and for all her perversity Hester
seemed one OF their blood.
u loved all that" said Erphemia,
1odding toward the brilliant splotches
of color outside. but this is my forte. -
indicating the garment in her lap.
through which the needle piled rap
idly.
Fifteen years" she murmured- In
acr habit Of sitting alone she had in
voluntarily uttered her thought.
You haven't been in the convent that
long. surely" exclaimed Hester.
"Oh. no." furried at the inadvertent
speech. sewing that long. was a
seamstress." she said, with some re-