I fear I have gone
astray. I have pondered and prayed over this matter, and my heart
yearns toward you. I feel as I fancy a mother might, who had too
hastily slapped the face of her child; and, my sister, I have come to
say, forgive me, if I too harshly refused your request, if I wounded
you."

She held out her hand, but Beryl did not see it; she had covered her
face, and unable to speak she leaned forward and laid her head on the
matron's lap. Gently the thin fingers stroked the shining hair, until
they were drawn down and pressed to the girl's lips.

"Again, I asked myself, whether my decision had not been inspired by an
overweening pride in the public estimation of our home; rather than by
an unselfish regard for the welfare and peace of mind of one of its
members? What will the world think of us, must be subordinated to, what
is the best for my young sister, whose cross it is my duty to lighten?
I cannot bear to give you up; and I shall, I will trust you. Wear the
'gray' armor, and remember, if any blot stain it, you will bring
disgrace upon a holy cause; you will be the first to stain the Umilta
uniform; and I shall be blamed, for reposing confidence in one who
betrayed us to public scorn. My Sister Beryl, I give you 'the gray'.
God grant it may shelter you from harm, and bring you home to fill my
place with honor, when I have passed into the eternal Anchorage."

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Over the region of the great lakes, her favorite haunt, hung the
enchanted stillness, the misty glamour of the purple-cloaked
witch--Indian Summer; whose sorcery veiled the dazzling face of the
sun, and changed the silver lustre of Selene into the vast, solemn red
blot that stared wonderingly at its own weird image in the glassy
waters.

Wrapped in that soft, sweet haze, which like the eider down of charity
smooths all roughness, rounds all angles, the world of shore and lake
presented a magical panorama of towns and villages, herds of cattle,
flocks of sheep, spires of churches, masts of vessels,--all flashing
past the open window of the car, where Beryl sat, watching the shadows
lengthen as the long train thundered eastward, and the tree dials
marked the hour record on the golden brown stubble fields.

When the goal is in sight, do we dwell on the hazard, the strained
muscles, the blistered feet, and the fierce thirst the long race-course
cost us? Who know that they are weary and spent, while the prize
brightens, nears as