Four Girls at Chautauqua

even tell why the excursion was not in every respect all that it had promised in the morning. She had no realization of how much the atmos

ss for Ruth Erskine to meet; because she was a woman who entered into pleasure and fashion, and entertainments

"Congress" together before lunch, and attended hops together in the evenings. Now the reason why Mrs. Smithe's society had so suddenly palled upon her, and the words that she was pleased to call "conversation" become such vapid things, Ruth did not know, and did not for one instant attribute to Chautauqua; and yet that meeting had already stamped its impression upon her. From serene, indifferent heights she liked to look down upon and admire earnestness; therefor

d her. One of their party was conversing with a gentleman as she came up. She had just time to observe

e programme was rich; but a matter of business made it necessary to be away. It is unfortunate for me that I am so near home. If I were two or three hundred miles away where the business couldn't reach me, I should get more benefit. Miss Erskine, what is your opinion of th

, she gave little thought to that part of the matter, but, instead, fell to wondering what was her idea-whether she did expect to see results of any sort from the great gathering, and that being the case, what she expected? "Spiritual results," she said to herself, and a smile hovered over her fac

here, do you think?" she said, at last. "Ar

the Lord; could we not? Wouldn't it be a beautiful sight?-a great army standing up for him! I incline to your opinion that the most of them are Christians, or at least

n that almost of necessity she was speaking of herself and using the pronoun "they." What would this gentle

herself. "But I am sure I have not told him that I belong to the 'we'

both her expressed se

ore actual interest in this subject, even among the unconverted, than many seem to think. They are reasonable beings. They must think, and many of them, no doubt, think to goo

pirit"? There was herself, and for the time she gave a little start. What had she come to Chautauqua for? After all she was the only one who seemed to be absolutely without a reason for being there. Marion's avowed intention had been to make some money; Eurie's to have a free and easy time; Flossy had come as she did everything else, because "they" did. But now, what about Ruth Erskine? She was not wont to do as others did, unless it happened to please her. What had been her motive? It was strange to feel that sh

and added, "If I am right I will add the name to my list for special prayer. Do not think me rude, please. I know how pleasant it is to feel there is a union of desire in prayer. I have enjoyed that help often.

going to bury themselves out there for? Ruth thought of him now, and the contrast between his lazily exquisite air and drawling words and the fresh, earnest life that glowed in this young man's veins brought a positive quiver of disgust over her handsome face. There was no shadow of a smile upon it now. Instead, she felt a nameless dread. How strange the talk had been! To what had she committed herself by her silence and his blunders? She pray for any one! What a queer

she really exerted herself to be brilliant and entertaining, there followed her around the memory of those great, earnest eyes when he said, "I will add the name to my list for special prayer." What name? He knew hers. He would say, doubtless, "Her friend for whom she was anxious." But the one to whom he

ought refuge with her. She was pretty and dainty, and did not look strong-minded; not in the lea

r with whom her morning had commenced? Do you know that all the day thus far she had seemed to herself to be shadow

been in her life. She smiled to herself as the others chatted, she hummed in

ad that Jes

there for Charlie Flint and his small talk? Still, he tried it, and if ever he did hard work it was during that talk. Flossy was sweet and cheery, but preoccupied. There was a tantalizingly ple

t of all

elfish; you are having your enjoyment all to yourself. To judge by the face which you have worn a

? Ought she to try to tell him about it? Would he understand? and could she speak about such things, anyway? She didn't know how. She shrank from it, and yet perhaps it would be so pleasant to him to know. No, on the whole, she did not thin

seem to her? Flossy, you see, was taking long strides that first day of her Christian experience, and was reaching farther than some Christians reach who have been practicing for years. So

know how I am acting; but it is true that my heart has been as light as a bird's all

t a ridiculous little mouse she is! I wonder if they have the wedding day set already, and if she will announce it to me?" Then aloud: "How very

emulous with feeling, and at the same time wonderfully clear, and

his manner, and was indifferent to his departure. He was right as to one thing. Her love was still selfish: it was so new and sweet to her that it occupied all her heart, and left no room as yet for the outside world who knew not this friend of hers. They were almost at the dock now, and the glimmer of the Chautauqua lights was growing into a steady brightness. As she stood leaning over the boat's side and watching the play of the silver waves, there brushed past her one who seemed to be very quietly busy. One hand was full of little leaflet

tening eyes, answered,

at the wharf, and the cr

two gentlemen as they made their way up the avenue. One

of excursionists," he

a frolic and be gone all day. I saw them when I left this morning. That is a specimen of a good deal of the dissipation that

getting away from these meetings! It's no use; it can't be done. A fellow might just as well stay here and run every time the be