The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1913-07-11

than genius In nursing. She was cheer
full, quick in emergencies, steady un'
der the excitement of the sick-room,
and faithful in small, as we'll as large,
matters. Moreover, she excelled most
doctors in her ability to interpret
changes and symptoms, and IN her IN
genuity In dealing with them. Her two
days with James had given her an un'
derstanding of the case, and she was
ready with new devices for his RELIEF.
Agatha finished her tea and joined
Mrs. Stoddard as she stood looking
out into the twilight, seeing things
not visible to the outward eye.
Eyes, that's It, she ended abruptly
thinking aloud; then including Agatha
without any change of tone, she went
on: II think we'd better change our
plans little I'm going upstairs now
to stay while your Mr.. Hand goes
over to the house for me. There are
several things | want from home
Agatha had no conception of having
an opinion that was contrary TO mrs'
Stoddard's, SO completely was she
won by her tower-like strength.
you know, Mrs. Stoddard," she
said earnestly, chat want to be told
at once, Tiff there Is any change"
~ know, child" the older woman re-
piled, with a faraway look. I'VE are
in the Lords hands. He taketh the
young in their might. and he heaieth
them that are nigh unto death. we
can only wait his will"
Agatha was the product OF a diner
ent age and different system OF
thought. But she was still young, and
, the pressure OF the hour revived IL
her some ghost of her Puritan ances
trail faith, longing to become real
ity In her heart again, If only for this
dire emergency. She turned, cage
: but painfully embarrassed, to MRS
J. Stoddard, OBTAINING her by a touch OF
. her arm.
"But you said, Mrs. Stoddard." sh
) implored, that the prayer OF fait
shall heal the sick. And have bee
= praying, too; have tried to summo
my faith. Do you believe that
= counts-for good?"
= Mrs. Stoddard's rapt gaze blesse
% Agatha Her faith and courage wer
- of the type that rise according
II need. She drew nearer to her sanct'
. ary. to the fountain OF her faith.
~ her earthly peril waxed. Her voit
o. rang with confidence as she aimo
q chanted: mo striving toward God
H. ever lost. dear child. He Is with
70 In our sorrow, even as in our JOY
~ Her strong hand closed over Agatha
Ms for moment. and then her stead
nc slow steps sounded on the stairs.
, Agatha went into the parlor. who
~, windows opened upon the piazza, a.
ca from there wandered down the Il
ru stems to the lawn. 1t was growi
as dusk. a still, comfortable eveniI
ECU Over the lawn lay the indescribal
freshness of region surrounded
ma MANY trees and acres Of grass. Pr
lid emily the old hound, Danny, ca
len slowly from his kennel in the bs
10 ward. and paced the grass bes
not Agatha, looking up often with mel
the cboly eyes into her face. Here wa
out living relic OF her mothers a.
og- friend, carrying in his countenal
q his sorrow for his departed mas
a Agatha longed to comfort him lie
to convey to him the thought that
,ed, would love him and try to underst'
'uId his nature. now that his rightful n
fter ter was gone. She talked softly
Ire; him calling him to her but not to-
low ing him. Back and forth they pa
itch tbe old dog following closer and Gle
IL to Agatha's heels.
for Back OF the house was path Y
emu ing diagonally across to the
bis which separated Parson Thay
Mace from the Westinghouse.
,ms- dog seemed intent on following
mind oath. Agatha humored him. elm
ton. the low stile and entered the chu
II a ward AS the hound leaped the
.ood- after her, he wagged his tail and
over reared happy, Agatha remefnb
rned that Sailie had told her, on the ga
sery. her arrival, of the dog. and how
skill was accustomed to walk every
stod- ming with his master. Doubtless
min. sometimes walked here, among
be- silent company assembled in
nent, churchyard; and the ministers s
isap. friend was now having the pee
,bold satisfaction of doing again wha
atha. had once done with his master.
hbed the little acre of the dead ha'
help claim on life. and Its happiness
throhbing hearts.
men Agatha called the old dog to
! out again. This time he came near, n
gar. hard against her dress, and, whel
was sat down on fat Tombstone. lai
hight. head comfortably in her lap, wa
mis- his tail In satisfaction.
idard Danny was companion who di
pping obstruct thought. but encourage
items and as Agatha sat resting on
aging stone with Danny close by, In
sspite quiet yard full OF the nosseiess