The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-06-28
CONTINUED From Our Last Issue. }
CHAPTER X.
st. John Rivers,

Stlll continued my lhDOTb as DeIOTe
tho now they were charitable in.
stead of for a remuneration-St
John informed me that in ST,
weeks time he would leave for In.
dia and become a missionary.
But this announcement was moi
so startling as his request-nay
command, rather-that | accom-
pany him as his wife.
God and nature intended you
for a missionary's wife," he con-
tinued. You are formed for labor
not for love. A missionary's wife
you must-shall be. claim you
not for my pleasure, but for my
Sovereign's service"
IL am not fit for It; I have nc
vocation" said.
II He argued for an hour. At the
end of that time: 81 scorn your
idea of love" could not help say
ling: II scorn the counterfeit senti-
ment you offer; yes, st. John, and
l scorn you when you offer it,"
He looked at me fixedly.
81 scarcely expected to hear that
expression from you," he said; 81
think | have done nothing to de-
serve scorn."
was touched by his gentle tone.
II Forgive me the words, St.
John; but 1t is your own fault.
You introduced a topic on which
our natures are at variance; the
very name of love Is an apple of
discord between us-if the reality
we're required what should we do?
How should we feel? My dear
cousin, abandon your scheme OF
Manufactured it,"
NO." said he; but l shall urge
you no further at present. To-
morrow | leave for Cambridge. |
shall be absent a fortnight-take
that time to consider my offer; and
do not forget that, II you reject 1t.
It is not me you deny, but God"
He did not leave for Cambridge
the next day, as he had said he
would. He deferred his departure
a whole week; and during that
time he made me feel what severe
punishment conscientious yet
Iimplacable man can inflict on one
who has offended him. without
one upbraiding word, he contrived
to impress me momently with the
conviction that | was put beyond
the pale Of his favor.
The night before he left home,
for the reading before prayers, he
selected the twenty-first chapter of
Revelation.
"He that overcometh shall in
herit all things; and l will be his
God, and he shall be my son.
But" was slowly, distinctly read,
"the fearful, the unbelieving, shall
have their part in the lake which
burneth with fire and birthstone.
which is the second DEATH"
Henceforward, | knew what fate
st. John feared for me.
In the prayer following the chap
ter, all his energy gathered. He
duplicated strength for the weak
hearted; a return even at the elev-
snth hour for those whom the
temptations of the world were lur-
ing from the narrow path.
Earnestness is ever deeply sol
emn; as I listened to that prayer
was touched by it, and at last
awed.
The prayer over, we took leave
of him; he was to go early in the
morning. Diana and Mary, having
kissed him, left the room-in COM
Ipliance, I think, with a whispered
hint from him. I rendered my hand
and wished him a pleasant journey.
Thank you. Jane. As I said,
shall return from Cambridge in a
fortnight; that space, then, is yet
left you for reflection. II lis
tened to human pride, I should say
no more to you of marriage with
me; but I listen to my duty, and
keep steadily in view my first aim
Ito do all things to the glory of
my Master. God give you strength
to choose that better part which
shall not be taken from you!"
He laid his hand on my head as
he uttered the last words. All men
OF talent, whether they be men of
feeling or not, provided only they
be sincere-have their sublime mo-
ments, when they subdue and rule.
I felt veneration for st. John-ven-
GRAFTON so strong that its impetus
thrust me at once to the point
had so long stunned.
My refusals were forgotten-my
fears overcome. The impossible
|. e., my marriage with st. John
was fast becoming the possible. Re-
ligion called-angels beckoned-
life rolled together like a scroll.
The room was full OF visions.
Gould you decide now?" asked
the missionary. The inquiry was
put in gentle tones; he surrounded
me with his arm, almost as II he
loved me U say almost knew
the difference-for had felt what
1t was to be loved; but. like him,
I had now put love out OF the qucs-
ton. and thought only OF duty.
SHOW me. show me the PATH"
I entreated OF heaven. I was ex-
cited more than 7 had ever been:
and whether what followed was the
effect OF excitement. the reader
shall Judge.
All the house was still. The one
candle was diving out: the room
was full OF moonlight. MY heart
beat fast and thick: 7 heard its
throb. Suddenly It stood still to an
inexpressible feeling that thrilled
1t thru. My senses rose expectant:
eve and ear waited. while the flesh