tumn fertility of our valleys, have been caused by the cold
embrace of the glacier; and so, by the chill of trial and sorrow, are
the outlines of Christian character moulded and beautified. And we, who
recognize the loving kindness as well as the power of God in what may
seem the harsher and more forbidding agencies of nature, ought not to
be weary and faint in our minds, if over our own warm human life, the
same kind pitying Hand should sometimes cause His snow of
disappointment to fall like wool, and cast forth His ice of adversity
like morsels; knowing that even by these unlikely means, shall
ultimately be given to us also, as to nature, the beauty of Sharon, and
the peace of Carmel!"

Somewhere in the apartment, a bell tapped. All rose, and each head in
the gray ranks bowed, while "thanks" were offered; then amid a subdued
murmur of conversation, the Sisterhood filed out, gathered in groups,
separated for various duties.

"Sister Ruth, may I see you alone?" asked Beryl, touching her arm in
the hall.

"This is the night for the examination of accounts, of last week's
expenses, and I shall be busy with Sister Elena, our book-keeper;
moreover, I promised to look over the linen closet of the Infirmary,
with Sister Consuelo, whose demands are like those of the daughter of
the horse-leech. Is your business urgent?"

"Yes; but I will not detain you more than ten minutes."

"Very well, come to my cabinet."

The place designated was a pigeon box in size, and adjoined the
reception room on the first floor. Two desks packed with papers, three
chairs and a picture of Elijah and the ravens, constituted the
furniture. The matron brightened the light, seated herself and looked
at her companion.

"Well. What can I do for you? Why, Sister? Something has happened; your
face is all aglow, your eyes are great stars."

"Yes; a heavy burden I have long borne is slipping from my heart, and
after the pressure it rebounds. I have told you that my stay here was
contingent on events which I could not control; that at any moment I
might consider it incumbent upon me to go away into the world;
therefore, I could bind myself by no compact to remain permanently in
the 'Anchorage'. The time has come; the drum taps, I must march away."

"And you are so glad to leave us?" said the matron, gazing in wonder at
the radiant face, usually so impassive and cold with its locked lips,
and grave, sad, downcast eyes.

"No, glad only in the occasi