Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-06-27

ing. Hot sun and frequent show.
ers were malingamends for he tardy
coming Of spring. The low, massive
clouds were heavy with rain. As the
first drops fell on John Van Dyue's
canvas he gathered up his artist be-
l0ngings and sought shelter
Just my luck muttered he, 81
couldn't have grouped the cattle bet
terifIhad done it myself, and the light
was right until this coufounded show.
er came up"
He leaped the rail fence, crossed the
road and strobe wrathfully up the
street Of the quiet Shaker village
Strains Of mild. sweet melody hoated
through the open windows Of the plain
white church, for this was sabbath
DAY John Van Dyne had chosen TO desc
crate.
Thither he hurried, for the rain was
beating down hard and sharp. Depos
iting his encumbrance in the little YES.
thule. with much needless clatter, he
entered the worship room and took a
seat. The congregation turned 70
aaze at the intruder-the white
capped sisters in a mildly reproaehful
way. Sister Tabitha quickly averteo
her face and her voice was silent dur
ing the rest Of the musical exercises.
AT the close Of the minister's dis
course. IL the hustle Of the prepara'
tion for the dancing which IN reality
was lively marching with waving arms,
sister Tabitha disappeared through q
side door
Surely nature never meant tins
woman. with her gorgeous, sensuous
beauty. for an ascetic. Her beautiful.
dark ewes we're full Of earthly tender.
ness and longing. The roses Of her
cheeks we're Of too deep a hue TO have
faded out entirely. The. calm OF hei
EXPRESSION was that Of The apathy Of
despair rather than an evidence OF
holy peace and a quiet mind.
The morning dawned cool land bright.
and Van Dyne, having crayed the hos.
pitality of the community, remained
until he had finished his study. Sister
Tabitha pleaded illness, and remained
in seclusion during his stay. Her du'
ties we're in the herb garden, in when
her roommate shared. The latter was
middle aged and deaf. besides being
mucb absorbed in self-communing, and
consequently was little restraint &c
Sister Tabitha.
The herb garden lay at the north OF
the house Of the aged sisters, and be.
yond stretched the apple orchard. Sis
ter Martha. who had been the elder SIS
ter when Sister Tabitha first joined
the community, had been transferred
10 the house Of the aged sisters. From
her window she watched Sister Iabitha
Al her labors, and noted with sorrow
that the old restlessness had returned.
ut seemed" said Sister Martha to
the sister who shared her coy nook
al the window. that Sister Iaoitha
would never gather, but at last she
found rest and peace. can't see
what has disturbed her. ! fear the
old longing for the world has come
back"
wasn't there something mysteri-
ous about her when she came2 asked
Sister Sarah.
"Yee.e Sister Martha replied but
then there is more or less mystery
about All who come after they are
grown. We did not question her. She
said she had had trouble and wanted
! refuge. She is still young and like
" AT times feels the attractions OF
The world. but. then added SISTER
Martha. that is something can IN
derstand. for came here with my
mother when I was too young TO re-
member. Before she died she made
me promise never 70 leave. More
over can't see how anyone should
want to live in the sinful world.
~, must be the heat" said the sis
ters in commenting on Sister Ia
bitba's changed appearance; its an
uncommon hot season.
One day Sister Tabitha with few
81 the sisters went up the grass
,--,vn lane to the sheep pasture,
where some rare herbs were to be.
.o.,ns. She drew apart from the ress
ana pursued her quest alone, the bet
- - indulge in her sad thoughts
IL passinr around a clump Of bushes
49, came face 20 face with John Van
D,ne. He sprang towards Der "ith
-vt.tretehed arms, scattering canvas
80 brushes to the winds.
srdtht" exclaimed he.
aye. tits 7, John. but don't YOU
4oy,-h me. What evil spirit