The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-07-11
HARRIET WILMARTH's HEAVEN
Fay NJ. Ne wland.

I'm sorry to dlsappolnt you, MT.
Blair, but, really, III have TO say no.
The speaker hesitated a moment, and
then added, with sudden warmth:
I've done my share, and more than
nay share, of work, and now l intend
to take good long rest"
Surely you will not refuse to take
this Glass;" persisted the superintend-
ent, reluctant to lose one of his best
land, hitherto, most faithfully teach
ers.
please do not ask me to take it. "
An apologize tone crept into Mrs.
Wilmarth's voice. Il have taught IN
this school over thirty years, and |
consider it my privilege to go on the
retired list. Really, l am tired of 1t
all, and l intend to take a rest.
How long do you intend to rest?''
asked Mr.. Blair. He was little
tired himself, but the seeming i'm
pertinence of his question was modi-
fed by his half-joking manner.
However, Mrs. Wilmarth was offend
ed. and her answer was short both in
substance ana manner:
Il intend to rest the remainder OF
my life, and then in heaven, if l am
so fortunate as to reach heaven, at
last"
She moved a few steps down the
aisle, when she was stopped by a
bustling little woman who was act
ing as chairmn of the entertainment
committee Of an approaching conven-
ton. Mrs. Wilmarth walked with
energy in every step. Her eyes
shone, and a becoming color mantled
her cheeks. How was the overWork-
ed little chairman to know that the
vigorous-appearing woman before
her was longing for the wings of a
dove, that she might fly away and be
at rest?
81 have put your name down for
four delegates" she began, eagerly.
lis that right? Or. since we are go
ing to be crowded, will you take an
extra one?"
This innocent question was like a
match to powder.
mo, most decidedly mott" explod-
ed the weary sister. 81 do not in
ten dto entertain at all. l have done
my share, and now l propose to take
a rest"
In the vestibule Mrs. Wilmarth
was asked to contribute to a supper
to be given for some benevolent OBJ
iect. This she refused to do in words
4Lo4 booop ~ o0upd lilo vain rene
tition in her own ears. fastening
out of the church as though pursued
by an evil spirit, she met her pastor
on the steps. He extended his hand
with the smiling greeting: Il have
just nominated you as president OF
the Circle of Pastors Helpers. You
know l must have one in that office
on whom I can always depend"
The answering smile died on the
lips of Harriet Wilmarth. Her eyes
filled with tears. With DR.. Deans
grave but keen eyes resting on her,
she found it difficult. to repeat the ex-
cuses she had offered so easily mo-
ment before. ST think I must de-
cline" she faltered. I'm fact, i have
decided to drop church work" She
would have welcomed even a reproof
from her pastor. His grave silence,
while he waited, made the very at
mosphere seem sitting.
With a desperate feeling that she
must define her position, she blum
dered on: ST think may say have
been one who has borne heavy
share of the work of this church.
am tired Of it, and, to sum it all up,
I hive concluded to settle down to en-
joy little heaven of rest here till
go to that heaven where we are
promised rest eternal"
els that what you think it means
Is that your idea of heaven?" quer-
led the good doctor, looking puzzled.
Heaven! Heaven!" echoed a
shrill, cracked voice. The owner OF
the voice was a very little and very
old man, crippled with rheumatism.
He paused now, in his painful effort
to descend the stone steps while a
GLEN of intelligence lighted up the
faded eyes.
FOOr, Olu Fdtnor hoooS "oo Siip
pied in mind as well as in body, and
yet. as is not unusual in such cases,
there were periods of sudden illum-
nation, and many witty and pointed
sayings were quoted from his ramb-
ling talks.
eve are speaking about heaven,
Father Hobbs" began the doctor,
kindly.
eyes, yes, and won't be glad to
get there!' cried the old man, eager
". aThese crooked feet will run
then, and these lame fingers will