New-York tribune., 1903-07-15


order, some cherished conventional principles |
were temporarily overturned. The principles |
could he easily righted. but no one likes to be |
constantly readjusting ones mental furniture
though it is occasionally amusing to see such
necessity overtaking neighbor. So Mrs Power
had never been popular woman She seemed
to care little about this and went cheerfully on
her hearty way Amy was born and her moth
er. a little later came to die. Before she went
away she said 10 her husband:
Henry 1 hope the little girl won't grow into
such tearer as I've been.
Her husband who was a notably quiet man.
merely closed his hand upon hers
1T does no good she continued. rehectively.
Ito be ALWAYS trying TO show people what is
right I see that now. Your way is better.
Henry
My dear," he answered her softly. My
dear."
Yes. much better / should try it il I had
another chance Don'5 contradict me- Henry
Power; I know your way is better" Saying
this. with somewhat feeble positiveness. she
went TO sleep and afterward died As
such a woman is generally the object Of dislike
so her husband is usually the target for ridi-
cue. Probably he deserves it. Power, at least
never seemed TO mind. For some ten years he
was if possible more quiet than before; then
he too. died. and bequeathed his daughter. Amy,
his wife's brother. In those ten years the lit
, tie girl had received the seal Of silence. Her
subsequent association with her uncle developed
her inherited straightforwardness, but did moth
ing to teach her expression Murdoch usually
talked for both OF them. Amy at this time
, nineteen; short as the young giantesses go nov,
when girls are bred for bone; brown rather than
dark, and quite ignorant of what she expected
life to bring to her. yet anxious at least to see
| it-a child, if you please. on the night before
Christmas, But Amy would never have dreamed
Of analyzing herself in such fashion. Self
analysis was what she had turn for. She
| lived on quietly.
She went home from church and dined with
her uncle and his lawyer. Barrett Senior Muir
! doch was in high spirits. Their business was
not yet finished. he declared. but when it was
Amy should know. provided she did not become
| too obviously inqusitive; and he winked at Bar
rett Senior. Immediately after dinner the two
| retired once more. leaving Amy alone. A little
later. however, the rector of St. HiIda's dropped
| in Over his robes. suspended from his neck. he
| wore a gold chain supporting a long jet cross.
! on which carved the figure OF a writhing
Christ. AS Charges strolled across the room the
| outstretched arms lay helplessly against his
| breast
| We'll, Amy have an hour between services
/ you see" Thus he explained his coming. She
! nOuQtQ ana went on reaQlQg5 ne TOO. picked up
| a book but presently he looked UP to say:
| What did you think of my sermon"
| Il didn't hear much of it I was thinking"
/ 1t wasn't meant for you. anyway" He
| turned page carelessly. and after moment or
| two she resumed her reading. Shortly he came
| round before her and laid hand on her book
| She looked up; her eyes were so cold that Brad
/ ford would have shivered to see them, but
| Charges seemed not 70 mind. Talk to me-" he
| said abruptly. She let her hands clasp above
the book in her lap. and stared at him serenely
and contemplatively. He gave short laugh.
| You are growing up, Amy. You are no longer
| my little girl
| II have never been your little girl"
| The writhing Christ hung just before her face
! as he stood over her. 'Never?'
! Never, Father Charges I have never liked
| you-as I think you know
He laughed again. "Oh, yes: I know. You
/ have way of letting people know. Amy But
J you never told me so before"
Il never shall again. Father.
| What don't you like about ne?" he urged.
| with a queer smile. My looks9 Ny profes-
| sion?"
"Oh, your profession she cried suddenly.
''I wonder if you care particle about your pro-
| fession?'
The writhing Christ on his breast slowly. i'm
1
| why do you wonder that?
"See how you treat people, You ride over
them; YOU do not turn aside at all for them
Do you ever care for any one besides yourself?
Do you really care whether any one is ever
saved or not?' The downrightness of her words
was emphasized by their calm; she struck hard
and indifferently
Don't you know, Amy ne answered, staring
at her steadily. that there are only two classes
Of ministers nowadays-those who are buIlied
by their congregations and those who bully?
We must choose thing or the other.
Morally. as we'll as in other ways. il is better
for US and for them that we should bully His
dark ewes were narrowed; she looking
down. not a him. and his lips worked nervously
But as she glanced up. the same ironical con-
fusing smile which Bradford hated quickly re-
sumed its place, Profession Of faith" he said
harshIy ITO bully OF not TO bully that is the
question. bully"
Yes" she said. clearly and ndifferently STILL
YOU bully"
Why do YOU choose to-day to tell me this.
Amy?" ne asked more gently.
4 thought you asked me-" she said. surprised.
Yesterday he said, and stopped. She
waited Amy" he began again, I hope that in
my bullying you don't think I'm rude? You
don't think I contrast too strongly with-with
the other young men whom YOU meet?" She
made no answer,
DO you?" ne urged stiH with mis- sardonic
half smile.
Il think you rude-yes.' she said YEARLY
Why do you force me 70 say unpleasant
things?'
You might have told untruth 10 save my
feelings, perhaps" Amy passed this over in
silence
Charges walked 40 the window and stood look