The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-01-31
HOSPITABLE SUNDAY.
BY Lucy JAMESON ScoTr.

Aren't you going to church. Mamma ?" Claire ask
ed wonderngly, as she noticed that her mother was
making none of the usual preparations on bright
Sunday morning
Not to-day, very tired dear"
The little girl looked keenly at the downcast face
Mamma, would you be too tired if we were back
in Edendale?"
Don't speak of it, That would be so different
clare sat down and leaned both arms on the table
Il know 1T. mamma. Wouldn't the folks be clad to
see us come in? Auntie Joyce and all the ladies
would say so, and our mnster'd saw How is nv lit
tie girl this mornng?' and your Sunday school class
would smile at you and all the girls would smile at
me and-O mamma - here the sunny head went down
upon the folded arms and Claire sobbed: 81 don't see
why the girls here-are so different. They just
look at me and whisper to each other. They don't
smile single-nor ask to he in things"
Mrs. Leslie patted Caire's head sootbinoIv but
could not speak. She let her cry until the little
girls hopeful spirit checked the homesick tears and
she lifted her head.
But III have to go to church, mamma because
you know promised Miss Carey with all the rest
and the year isn't out yet. Don't YOU think OUGHT
to go same as if at home even if tisn't nice?"
Yes, Claire, had forgotten your promise There's
time to get ready if you hurry and I'll try not TO he
so foolish another Sunday. You won't mind going
aIone?"
Not so very-probly that usher man will put me
IN the same back-most pew, where can get into the
corner"
With her mothers help. Claire was ready in sea-
son, and started off bravely. turning at the corner
to throw back kiss to the watcher at the window
How can any one help loving herr" Mrs Leslie
asked herself, the energetic little figure disaD
peared.
Six months she and Claire had been i'm the CITY and
going regularly to the church of her choice b were
still treated like strangers IT was all 50 different
from the village church at home where she and her
husband-unt his death-had been working NOM
hers and where Claire had been Gin things" TO her
hearts content Now. with the mother in p store
all the week and with no cordial greetings at church
the change meant homesckness and disbursement
1t was nearly two o'clock when Claire came in ROSY
and excited.
go, mammal" she began, you'll like to 90
to church next Sunday. for they're going to have
Hospitabe Sunday. The ministers said So and he
hoped the people would remember that everybody
was expected to do something. He said he wanted
even the children to do their part Think o. thatl
After Sundayschool 7 asked my teacher would she
please tell me what hospit-able meant and she said
pleasant and kind and generous So 7 guess the
people here have just one Sunday when thew smile
and shake hands, and If we're there ven get ac-
quained."
She paused quite breathless and Mrs Leslie look
cd at her with puzzled eyes
care Won sure. Claire? can't think what the
minister meant, but ] never heard of Hospitable
Sunday"
That's what he said Mamma, just as earnest as
could be He didn't mean joke for you see he
isn't that kind"
Mrs. Leslie laughed "l7o dear Dr. Webb certain.