Gilpin observer., 1905-01-12
CHAPTER xviii.
In Times Morning.

tuC mOTOIU8s
The hot glare of July sun was on
the stones of the Waiting street and
July winds were driving hosts of bat
Ting 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
ender.
If it be true as you say" she was
speaking with the passionate bitter
ness of wounded youth-"if 1t be true
that in his place anyone would have
believed what he believed then is this
a 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 her head to trace a
cross upon her breast Not SO; it is
Gods WISDOM" she said, "else would
the world be so beautiful that We
would never hunger after heaven"
Mechanically, Randalin's 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! |
shall be past my appetite" Dropping
| down beside the other, her slim young
| fingers began to initiate the gnarled
| 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 l wanted it not; but
now when l am willing, you hold me
off,"
SIS it 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 1t 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 l would upbraid
| 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. | 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 6
sobs slowly ceased; when at last she
raised her wet eyes there was nc
longer rebellion in them but only
youth's measureless despair Sister
| now as always, want to do what you
would have me-but | am so full OF
| grief, Must | go back to Avalcomt
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"
| ITO be continued.)
|