Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-13

L cannot grasp jill LIE WOIutlS VI IL just
vet, the mere thought brings a feeling of
confidence that makes me brave to en-
dure the carping criticism, the envy and
the backbiting, that IS. | know, the lot
that falls to a rector s WIFE.
1t all came about so simply, so easily,
Nudge dear, in the midst of my perplexlty!
AS | told you IN my last letter, had
planned to 60 away from Saint John S.
| was brooding over it one lonely after
noon, sitting alone IN the school room.
had been having little weep all to
myself. NV eyes and nose were red and
swollen with tears when he came in. He
seemed much alarmed by my unhappy APP
pearanCe, and asked the cause of my dis
tress. | dared not look up, and could not
speak for choking tears: my only desire
was to shrink out of his sight. As | Of
fered no explanation, however, he asked no
more questions; but with tact worthy
woman began to talk of other things, and
before long | found myself listening
quietly, my hand clasped in his, quite
Soothed and forgetful of my red nose.
Then he told me that the Bishop had
offered him the vacancy in Saint Blank s,
mentioning one of the most fashionable
of the up town churches. 1t is about
this that | came to speak to you, he
said. Il know YOU are going away on
advice before you go.
| felt proud that he should consult me
on subject of such importance; but the
news gave me an unpleasant shock 1t
was bad enough that should leave; but
that he should go away to fashionable
church, where he would be petted and
entertained by people OF wealth, and
finally end all romance by marrying an
opulent widow (the usual fate of hand
~ h1r 1
had dreamed.
THE living is rich one he went on.
The power for good almost unlimited,
and yet
Surely you do not hesitate, | said
little coldly. Such an opportunity may
never come to you again
Il realize that and my ambition urges
me to accept: but | am not sure whether
should do right in permitting it to lead
me- l feel at times that my duty IS here
among the poor.
Yes, they need you" l said stupidity
| could think of nothing to say; for my
Then on a sudden impulse l said, Il too
am going to leave Saint Johns
He went little paler than usual, and
a grieved look came into his eyes as he
asked me why l was going. Would his
going make me more cOntented to remain.
If so, he would accept the appointment.
NO, no, not that | protested
vehemently. 1T s Oh, | can't tell
you!" / felt that l should disgrace my
self in another minute; for my heart was
aching with sore, weary ache.
Don't go, Betty!" he whispered.
STAY with me- l don't believe in your
heart you really want to go; but some
thing is driving you from me. Is it any
gossip that has reached your ears: ANY
uncharitable remarks:" Then as | shook
my head he pleaded, Stay with me as
my wife and helpmeet. The Bishop may
give the appointment to whom he will;
we shall stay here and work together
among the poor and afflicted, and find our
happiness each in the others love"
/ could not believe it at first; but as he
continued to plead for my love, saying
he could not let me go, that his life would
be spoiled, unfinished, incomplete, with
out me, then l knew that the wonder of
a good mans love was mine. Can you
realize it, dge,-that your insignificant,
stupid little friend is necessary to the
happiness of great man, and that she is
the happiest girl in the world?
| can write no more; my heart is too
full for mere words No longer yours;