that quietly ticked on in its usual
monotonous fashion.

At last the hands pointed to the appointed hour, and eleven deliberate
strokes chimed forth; whereupon the Sisters began to issue forth from
every door, and betook themselves to the assembly-room.

Sister Agatha and the recently elected supervisor of the unmarried
Sisters, Brother Jonathan, stood in the centre of the room, and near
them the teachers and elders. When all had entered, and an expectant
silence prevailed, Jonathan commenced an address to the congregation.

"As you probably already know, dear Sisters, a letter has been received
from Brother Daniel, at Cape Colony, in which he informs us of his safe
arrival in the country of the Caffres. He goes on to tell how he has
met Brother Joseph Hubner and two other Brothers; and how a little band
of devout Christians has begun to spring up, which with the Lord's help
will further the work of rescuing souls from the darkness of
heathenism, and win them to the truth. It is a glorious work which
they have so piously undertaken, and blessed is every one who lends
them a helping hand. Nothing is needed in their simple life, except
one thing. They have no women to help to lighten the labor, and so
Brother Joseph begs that his wife Christina, whom he left behind, may
follow him; and Brother Daniel desires that we choose a helpmate for
him, who may be sent out in company with Sister Christina. This
request is very proper, and a beautiful field of work is thus opened
for her who will become his wife, as she will be of the greatest
assistance to her husband. We now wish, dear Sisters, to draw lots,
and thereby decide which of you is called to this honor of helping our
dear Brother in building up the faith; and we are prepared to recognize
in the result a direct expression of the Lord's will, hoping it will be
gladly and humbly obeyed."

When Jonathan had finished speaking, and arrangements were being made
in the usual manner for the drawing, a buzz of excitement arose among
the Sisters. Suspense was written on every face, but no one showed any
fear. Custom and habit, which govern so completely the feelings of
people, prevented the Sisters from feeling wounded or alarmed at being
disposed of in this business-like manner; and therefore they allowed
the ceremony to go on with cheerful resignation. Brother Jonathan laid
down one after another of the drawn papers containing the names of the
Sisters, while Sister