but seeking something to
lean on, she grasps the Church, which proves a broken reed. No whit
disheartened, she turns from one sect to another, trying each by the
infallible touchstone of that clear, child-like conscience. The two old,
lonely Quakers rest her foot awhile. But the eager soul must work, not
rest in testimony. Coming North at last, she makes her own religion one
of sacrifice and toil. Breaking away from, rising above, all forms, the
dove floats at last in the blue sky where no clouds reach.... This is no
place for tears. Graciously, in loving kindness and tenderly, God broke
the shackles and freed her soul. It was not the dust which surrounded
her that we loved. It was not the form which encompassed her that we
revere; but it was the soul. We linger a very little while, her old
comrades. The hour comes, it is even now at the door, that God will open
our eyes to see her as she is: the white-souled child of twelve years
old ministering to want and sorrow; the ripe life, full of great
influences; the serene old age, example and inspiration whose light will
not soon go out. Farewell for a very little while. God keep us fit to
join thee in that broader service on which thou hast entered.

* * * * *

TEN DAYS IN NANTUCKET.

By Elizabeth Porter Gould.[2]

One night in the early part of July, 1883, as the successful real-estate
broker, Mr. Gordon, returned to his home from his city office, his
attention was arrested by a lively conversation between the members of
his family on the wonders of Nantucket. The sound of this old name
brought so vividly back to him his own boyish interest in the place,
that almost before he was aware of it he announced his return home to
his family by saying: "Well, supposing we go to Nantucket this summer?
It is thirty-four miles from mainland, and so free from malaria there is
no better place for fishing and sailing, and there would be a mental
interest in looking around the island which would be instructive and
delightful, and, perhaps, profitable; for me from a business point of
view."

[Illustration: EARLY MORNING, NANTUCKET.]

Mrs. Gordon, who had of late years developed a keen interest for
the historic and antique, immediately seconded her husband in his
suggestion; and before the evening closed a letter was sent to Nantucket
asking for necessary information as to a boarding-place there, for at
le