Quaker Idyls

s mean, "Not to keep silent?" Was she bidden to unfold this page to George, to tell him that the lesson was for him also ? What pain it cost her to dream of such a task ! yet was not this one of those hidden places that should be flooded with light? What if he did deem her unwomanly who could speak on such a matter without having been spoken to ? Were not the commands of the Lord to be preferred to any earthly comfort ? Sheshould perhaps lose her lover?see herself dethroned, for never a word had he vouchsafed her but of the plainest -courtesy, but she should gain the respect of her own conscience. The fires that purify, also blister and burn. How could she refuse ? Perhaps George Evans' soul was in peril too, for well she knew that upon his ear had fallen unheeded the words of the first preacher. Solemnly the two men friends at the head of the gallery clasped hands, and immediately a little hum of neighborly inquiry went round. Gassy dreaded to move. She felt, rather than saw, her lover waiting for her outside the door, and silently asking help in her time of trouble, she walked down the aisle. She did not omit any of the customary greetings ; shepromised to meet with the sewing committee the next day, to carry jelly to an aged friend, and turned and shook the hand which George Evans held out to her. There was nothing strange that he walked beside her down Arch Street, but he gave her little opportunity to open her heart. They had passed but a short distance...