Waterbury Democrat., 1901-03-08
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,PYR1GHr, 1896, BY ccSaREaArIoNAL
 ANn srrSn.y SCHOOL pITRJ fsIJJNG Si

They were all bending over the table now, discussing the numerous features of the hall with its almost bewildering multitude of appliances. There were to be a model reading room and H. brary; several rooms for social gather ings and various amusements; bath | rooms and gymnasium; q picture gal lery; a room fitted up expressly for the use of a lantern and photography, and other rooms where classes could be gathered if the time ever came when it seemed wise to reach out with the helping hand farther than they saw the way clear yet.
 There's one thing we haven't reck-
 oned upon much," said Erie almost
 moodly st last. "What use can all these people make of the various new things that you are going to give them. if, after all, they have to spend the bigger part of their lives, in the day time at least, underground? And who is going to say that all these fine things thrust into the mems minds will not produce discontent that will result in ! time in greater misery than the condi- ton they are now n!''
 Why, you old pessimist, would you
 say to the human race, Don't smell
 that flower today, because you know
 you may not have any tomorrow and that will make you discontented?' Be cause mans life is devoid of all pleas ant things, shall we keep him in that
 condition, for fear he may grow dis contented by knowing something bet rer:'
 That's right,' exclaimed Rhena, her eyes flashing. Erie knows better than ! to talk that way. Think what these l men have missed all their lives! Sure ly it will be very little for some of them to enjoy, the best We can do. And as to the time they are under 1 ground, Stuart, put your brains to
 work to bring about q condition of la- i Dor so that the men can have more leisure and see more of Gods earth when the sun shines on it."
 Hear, hear!' cried Andrew. Bring me- says Aladdin to the slave of the lamp, 30 golden dishes full of pearls and as many more full of diamonds.' "
 What she asks is apparently innpos sibie now,'' responded Stuart, but why should it always be so? Why should so many thousands of human beings dig in the ground, ill the dark, in constant and~deadly peril, shut out | from most of the pleasures of the earth. in order that other men like me may have a moro comfortable time:" Because they don't know how to do anything else and would not if they l could" said Eric bluntly.
 l "You don't know that, Eric. You only think so because they never have done 1 anything else"
 Well, some one must do mining. Humanity needs iron for it's civiliza- 1 tion, and how is it going to get it if l some of us don't go down into the earth and dig it out? Shall we take turns around? Suppose we try that? I'll go down this week, and next An | drew will take my place while 1 preach
 for him, and the next week Stuart 1 can'-
 Yes, that would be q fine plan"
 said Rhena. "Next you would be want
 ing me to go into the mines and serve
 my week And I would be willing," i Rhena added in q deep sadness which
 sometimes fell upon her, If I thought
 il would help to solve any problem and
 make life a greater and more blessed ! II
 now. How little we seem to be doing
 to answer the question after all! We need more wisdom, and, dear friends,
 we have not gone to the eternal source
 of all strength and truth as we should.
 Before we talk over our plans any lon- | ger don't you think we ought to pray awhile?"
 The request was so simply and natu- | rally put that the rest at once, as they
 sat about the table, bowed their heads
 while Rhena prayed. Andrew follow
 ed, then Erie, and lastly Stuart. They l were straightforward petitions for wis | dom and q larger knowledge of Gods
 will. The somewhat foggy atmosphere | of the discussion seemed to clear up
 after that little pause while they talked
 with their Father, and the rest of the
 afternoon they seemed to feel that | whatever mistakes they might make,
 and however short they might fall
 of answering any real problems, their
 hearts and wills were asking for di.
 vire wisdom, and their great purpose
 was to use all talents and all property
 for the uplift of humanity.
 About o'clock, as Eric and Andrew
 were getting up to go. the doctor came
 in to see Louise. He had come into the
 house without being noticed and had
 entered the library just as Stuart was | saying: Ut will be splendid thing
 for the doctor. It will keep him busy
 but he won't be exposed any longer to
 these terrible rides over the range in
 winter"
 If you are talking about the plan of
 turning this house into a hospital and shutting me up in, it the rest of my
 life, you're wasting your time and
 breath," said the doctor grufly. T
 simply won't do anything of the kind
 can't live without fresh air."
 The doctor looked grimly at the little group about the table. It was raining
 hard, and he had come in dripping. He
 was going to lay off his wet coat in the
 hall before going to see Louise, but as
 he stood there he looked as if he ought l tO he very comfortable The water ba(]