The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1903-03-21

what great purpose 1 should live. The
nuns would not find me wholly use
less" Sister Euphemia seemed hurried
on in spite of herself. MY machine ran
through many long seasons" she con-
tinued, land an the while l dreamed of
bright silks and jewels and cloth OF
gold for the church, fair outline took
form in imagination to be laid aside in
my mental storehouse for future use.
The simple joy of handling those rain
bow tints for God seemed to me the
crowning glory of a religeuse life, and a
little pride suggested that some day
might take my place among the nuns
/ as the first embroiderer.
Did you ever crafty your bent?"
asked Hester, quick understanding
and suspense disturbing her heart and
mind.
We'll, after we received the white
veil the novices were assigned certain
duties; and had no time for Fancy work.
Then a great pile of habits needed
mending and making over. They were
given to me. I did them all rapidly
thinking little fancy sewing might be
apportioned me, but the, cloaks seemed
to multiply" she said with an amused
( lighting of the face. Somehow l got
on faster than any one else. Reverend
Mother was pleased, but little fright
seized me lest this should go on indefi-
nitely. Then hope urged, 1t is only a
test for the novice; think of the years
to come when you will be mistress of
all those dazzling skeinsn but [ have
been here ten years now and no c-a+-
ored thread has ever strung my needle.
She finished with smile that seemed
angelic in its utter disclaimer of any
complaint Would Hester still think
them a limp and soulless community?
Was her illustration small and weak to
the gay lived birding of the world?
But Hester was speechless with her
different emotions. :. Under such condi-
tions how could the nun thin her voice
to utter colorlessness? and when her
listener was thrilling with, resentment.
Yes, they were terribly human, and
What vast proportions little desire
might assume within contracted cir
Gle.
why didn't they allow you con-.
genial employment, at least occasional
ly ?p asked the girl Indignantly She
could not stand such constraint for her
self Her impetuous nature would tear
down and toss right. and left all OBJ
Structions in her way, I
They did not know was the simple
answer. I'VE are here to do our part,
and this is mine. The other was only
my plan"
The folding doors swung back be-
tween the sewing and adjacent rooms,
and one of the order appeared in the
opening.
Come see your finished embroideries,
Sister," invited the cold-faced nun.
you, too, Miss Hester" noting the
Hester glanced quickly at Sister
So she had known all the
time her enchanted palace lay just be-
yond the folding doors. Already Sister
eyes were glowing over the
solar spectrum of tropical tints and
that magnetized her ar
tistic sense; recollection of the visitor
was bIotted out in the rare feast before
her. All the weariness had,left her fine
sweet face Beautiful, 'trembled bliss
might do thisi" Such emotion had |
ong ago passed out as too exalted for
her hopes; now it was lost in the fair |
result of other hands.
Her eye picked out unerringly the |
choicest specimen. You are a good |
Judge of effect said the embroidery |
mistress observing her selection, but |
he cloakmaker, with hands folded in |
ler habit sleeves, stood raptly, dumbly, |
happily.
Goodbye, Sister; must co. and
Hester, who had not ceased to watch
Ter. thus broke her reverie.
God is very good to let me see such
murmured the nun, abstract /
dly. Good -bye'-recovering herself
All! you see we have our compensa- /
ions,' she said softly, as she opened
he door for the unusually silent girl.