The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-04-29

It was some weeks since Mrs. Arm.
strong had seen her sister or coninunl-
Gated with her, The great events IN Je-
rusnlch, the chaos into Whicl, the holders
of the old crceds had been thrown. hnu
meant Il series of platform, and Journals
:stlc triuinphs for tho novelist. Her I'M
rortatco had Increased Il thOusnnd-folu,
her presenoo was demanded everywhere,
and she had quite lost touch with the
League for Il tttno.
AS she entered hor sisters room sne
was beaming with satisfaction ut the
memory of tho past few weeks, and an
ticipnting with pleasure the congratuln-
lions that would be Forthcoming. MISS
Pnull, III the main, agreed with her SIS
tcr's opinions though her extraordinarily
strenuous life and busy activities IN other
directions prevented her public adherence
to them. H
Moreover. her position as hoad Of tho
League. which included so many dcfin-
itely Christian societies, made it lnadvis-
able for her to tnke II prominent con-
troversial part MS Mrs. Armstrong did.
Tho secratnry's room was large ana
we'll lit by double windows, which pre-
vented tho roar Of the Regent Street
traffic from becoming too obtrusivo.
n Except that there was some. evidence of
order and neatness on the three great
aWIltluB -tilultS, ana tilit tbe DoONS VII NV
shelves were all in their places. there
was nothing to distinguish the place from
2 the private room OF a busy solicitor
or merchant. 3 E4
Perhaps the only thing which gnve tho
place any really individual noto was q
largo brass kettle, which droned on the
fire. and n sort Of sldeboard with good
many tcacups and a glass jar full Of what
seemed to be sponge cakes.
fectionately. Then Miss PAUL sent away
her secretary, who had been writing with
her, expressing her desire to be quite
alone for an hour or more.
II want to discuss the report with you,
Charlotte" said Miss PAUL, deity pour
Ing some hot water into n green stone-
ware teapot. @
She removed her pince-nez. which had
become clouded with the STEAM and
waited for Mrs. Armstrong to speak,
II expected that was 4 1t whensI got
your note dear said the novelist. ~
am sorry have been so much away Of
late. But, of course, you will have seen
how my time has been taken up Since
all Our contentious have been so remark
ably established of course one Is looked
to a great deal.rI have to he everywhere
just at present. John Ntudgravo has been
through three more editions during tho
last fortnight"
Yes, Charlotte" answered the sister,
zone hears Of YOU on all, sides. It Is a
wonderful triumph from one point OF
view"
Mrs. Armstrong looked up quickly, with
surprise in her eyes. There was strange
lack OF enthusiasm in the secretary's
tone. Indeed. It was even less than unen.
thusiastic: It limited almost of dislike,
nearly of dlsmny.
It could not be jealousy Of the blaze OF
notoriety which had fallen upon Mrs.
Armstrong the lady knew her sister too
well for that. For ono brief moment she
allowed herself the unworthy suspicion
that Miss PAUL had been harhoring Chris
tian leanngs, or had, In the stress and
worry of overworf, permitted herself
sentimental adherence to tho Chrst-myth.
But 1t was only for a single moment
that such thoughts remained in her brain.
She dismissed them Mt once rs disloyal
to her sister and undignlfied for herself.
II don't quite understand, Catherine
she said. "Surey from every point OF
view this glorious vlndlcation Of the truth
is of incalcuable benefit to mankind. How
can it be otherwise? Now that we know
the great teacher jesus"
She was beginning somewhat on the
lines OF her public utterances. with
signify inspired look WnlCn, thOugn naDlt
had made mechanical, was still sincere,
when her sister checked her with some
nsperity.
THAT is all we'll and good,'' she said,
her rather sharp animated features be-
coming more harsh and eager rs she
spoke. You, Charlotte are at the mo-
mcnt concerned with the future and with
distractions. I am busted with the
present and with facts However may
share your gladness at this vlndlcation,
in my official capacity and more, In the
interests Of my life work, | am bound to
deplore what has happened. I dcplore 1t
grIevously."
Placid and equable as was her usual
temper Of mind, Mrs. Armstrong was