Slaves Of Freedom

spoken. Once the tapestry, falling into place, rustled as though the door were being opened. She turned gladly with a welcoming smile and remained staring into the darkness long after the s

she held him closely, she seemed not to notice him. With her head bent forward and her

” she m

er

r argument which had been waging in the stillness of her mind. When she spoke it was as though she ya

music of her voice: it told him that she was asking for his adoration. His arms reached up and went abou

ad, ruffling his hair and try

What do they call you? And do you

m over. But he was getting to an end of the list of first things—getting to an age when i

see what would happen. If we married, you would ma

that. It’s not that,” he cried, draggi

away and held them.

. I can’t—can’t spea

ou’re the second person I’ve hurt to-night. But you—you’re only a little boy, and such a dea

made her smile. “You’re not bad-hearted, and I do love you. And I wa

e you for it. I’m so very glad we met to-night I think—almost think—you were sent. I hadn’t been kind, and I wasn’t f

me. Oh, p

king him feel very helpless; and then of lords and cruel ladies and knights. Shadows, sprawling across walls and ceiling, took fantastic shapes: horsemen gallo

d as Mrs. Sheerug

lee

no

she would detect that he was awake. It was a relief when he heard her whisper: “It’s too bad of you, Va

ti had made no reply. Mrs. Sheeru

ut. I suppose

ling. My fau

g to last? You’re not—not a safe woman for a man like Hal. He needs some one more loving; you could ne

y as Hal’s mother for the reply.

eyes, but she gave no sign. “Hulloa! Wa

im over to the high four-poster bed. While she tucked him in, he could hear the clinking of a glass, and knew that h

e didn’t want to get better. He wan

eddy, if you take it, I’ll si

will if I sing to him. You accom

rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him.” Her voice sprang up like a strong white bird; at every beat of its wings the harp-strings hummed like the weak wings of smaller birds following. “Oh, rest in the Lord”—the white bird rose higher w

y failed to reach her. At the door Mrs. Sheerug stood and stayed her. Vashti halted, very proud

r. “I was mistaken, Vashti; you’re good. You can always make me

d.” The older woman tried to reach up to kiss h

r needle back and forth, clothing Joseph in the presence of Potiphar’s wife. Every now and then she sighed. Sometimes she turned and listened to catch the regular breathing of the

her. Perhaps she had not meant it. How long would it take

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