The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1900-04-14

But tonight an inspiration seized her. In
a moment it flashed over her. The pretty,
regular features lost their sorrow and the
light of a blessed new hope flooded the tear
wet face.
With quick elastic step Joyce Carol ran
hither and thither, gathering up the neces-
sary articles to carry out her heart resting
purpose.
The inspiration, she knew, had come from
above.
Their custom--his and hers-had been to
carry an offering OF lilies to dear old Joy
memorial at Eastertime. She would begin
again. The ~loveliest sprays in the shop were
selected by the intensely in earnest woman,
and on a bed of feathery ferns she placed
them. Now for the other
"Why mamma, has somebody ordered
more %lilies!"
Yes, Bernice," answered the mother,
"they are to go to Joy Memorial right away.
We are to take them down in a few minutes,
dear"
A heavenly smile transformed her
| features as she knelt and kissed the wonder
ing child.
Joyce knew the church would be open.
for the choir practiced at this hour, and,
doubtless, the decorating committee were
there yet.
What's that you put in among the bios
SONS, mamma; a letter!'
Eyes, dear, a little mite of a letter"
what does it say, mamma" persisted the
child, curiously.
1T says everybody ~forgives everybody at
Eastertime;' isn't that right, dearest?"
Yes, mamma and the child waited
about the room in an ecstacy of expectation
Of once more beholding the loved place of
worship. She remembered where they used
to sit when papa stood up to sing. She was
taller some now, but she was sure that when
he came back he would still know her.
When will papa come, mamma. she
asked, crossing her white arms on the coun-
ter where her mother was writing some
thing, and looking up with a great longing in
her face.
What ails the child, tonight of all
nights?" whispered the hungry-hearted wife
with quivering lips. "She stabs me to the
hearts center; will she keep on until | shall
not be able TO work to my purpose No,
she would find the way, somehow. Cyril
would not know, OF course, but God would
see and send him back to them!
'Bernice," she said, slowly, papa will
come as soon as he can, l think. Now,
please ask me no more questions, dear; mann
ma is very, very tired"
And by something in her mothers look
and tone, Bernice sought the familiar chair
and fell to wondering at the things she could
not understand.
Not until her mother said: Get your
wraps, dear" did she resume the gladstone
spirit of childhood. Then in a great furry
she indicted herself into cloak and cap, and
stood waiting.
Not in all the ten years of her life had
Bernice Carol looked so much like her faith
err. Joyce turned away and put her hands
over her eyes; memories flooded up so!
Are you afraid of me, mammal" queried
the child, coming round the big heliotrope
and brushing its fragrant blossoms as she
passed, in order to see the dear mother face
"My child, didn't mamma say don't ast
ouestions?'" She took the perturbed fac.
between her cold palms and kissed away tho
shadow.
20, | forgot your don't truly | did
mamma" laught . Bernice, clapping he
hands by way OF emphasis.
"You may carry the offering, dear sait
Joyce, as they stepped out into the semi
darkness.
The April moon in the clear, crisp ives
slanted pale, faint CLEANS through the black
budded trees overhead. The walk was
boon after the long, shut-up day; and tn,
new hope shed its glory over all.
The light through the stained glass gave
ruddy look to the face Of Joyce as she helpet
Bernice up the steps, A blessed welcom
fairly beamed upon them, even in the vesti
bule. The organ was throbbing out a glad
praiseful prelude. and she felt as if Heaven
gates were truly open about her. The JAM
: tor followed her inside. "The new SOLOS
has come" he exclaimed, "the one you wrot'
to-" thinking she was one of the music CON
mittee.
"The new soloist." How everybody com
bated her purpose! Where was the old SC
. loist? She leaned against the wall a momeu
l to regain her composure.
Haven't had such a tenor since Carrie
went away" the janitor continued; jus
S hear him sing"
5 Eyes," answered Joyce, sit is fne;" br
E she heard nothing, there was such a buzzin
In her ears.