The Glenwood post., 1905-01-14
CHAPTER XVIII.
In Times Mornino.

w . VlOIhiHS.
The hot glare of a July sun was on
the stones of the Waiting street and
July winds were driving hosts of bat
tling dust-clouds along the highway,
but in the herb garden of Saint Mil
dred's cool shadows lay over the dew.
beaded grass and all was restfulness
and peace. The voice of the girl who
was following Sister Wynfreda from
mint clump to parsley bed, from fen
mel to rue, was not much louder than
the droning of the bees in the Law
euder.
If it be true as you say" she was
speaking with the passionate bitter
ness of wounded youth-'if it be true
that in his place anyone would have
believed what he believed, then is this
very hateful world and | want no
further part in it."
Awhile, the nuns eyes widened and
paled as eyes that see vision, but at
last she bowed .ier head to trace
CT oss upon her breast. mot SO; it is
Gods WISDOM" she said, 'else would
the world be so beautiful that we
would never hunger after heaven"
Mechanically, Randalins hands fol-
lowed hers through the holy sign;
then she clasped them before her to
wiring them in impatient pain. That
is so long to go hungry, Sister. l
shall be past my appetite" Dropping
down beside the other, her slim young
fingers began to initiate the gnared
old ones as they weeded and straight
ened. Il wonder at it. Sister Wyn-
freda, that you do not urge me to
creep in with you. A year ago, you
wanted it when | wanted it not; but
now when | am willing, you hold me
Off"
"IS 1t clear before your mind that
you are willing, my daughter.' the
nun asked gently. AS she drew her.
| self to her feet with the aid of bush,
| the cramping of her feeble stiffened
| muscles contracted her face in mo-
mentary pain, but her eyes were Sc
rene as the altar lamps. 1T lies upon
| you to remember, little sister, that
| those who would serve God around
| the altar must not go thither only be-
| cause the world has mistreated them
| and they would cast it off to avenge
| the smart. She who puts on the yoke
| of Christ must needs do SO because it
| is the thing she would desire of ALL
were all precious things spread out
for her choosing. Can you look into
my eyes and say that it would be so
| with you?'
| Where she knelt before her. the girl
suddenly threw her arms around the
woman and hid her face in the faded
robes. The frail hand stroked the
dark hair affectionately.
| Think not that | would upbrad
| you with it, child as dear as my own
heart. When the Power that took you
from me led you back again. and |
| read what Gods fingers had written
| on your face that before was like a
lineless parchment l could not find
| it in my mind to wish you otherwise
| felt only shame for the weakness Of
my faith, and joy past all telling"
Under the soothing hand Randalin's s
sobs slowly ceased; when at last she
raised her wet eyes there was no
longer rebellion in them but only
| youths measureless despair Sister,
now as always,'I want to do what you
would have me-but | am so full of
| grief, Must | go back to Avalcomb
ard begin all over again? 1t seems to
me that my life stretches before me
no more alluringly than yonder dusty
road. that runs straight on, on over
vast spaces but always empty"
(To be continued)