Story of Chester Lawrence: Being the Completed Account of One who Played an Important Part in "Piney Ridge Cottage"Anderson, Nephi
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Story of Chester Lawrence: Being the Completed Account of One who Played an Important Part in "Piney Ridge Cottage"
Anderson, Nephi
Christian fiction; Latter Day Saints -- Fiction
The minister took his daughter's arm and they went along the deck to
where a group was laughing merrily over the defeat and victory in the
games. Chester watched them mingle with the company, then he opened his
book again; but he did not complete his story at the time he had
appointed.
To those who can possess their souls in peace, life on ship-board in
pleasant weather is restful, and may be thoroughly enjoyed. A little
world is here compactly put together, and human nature may be studied at
close range. From the elegant apartments of the saloon to the
ill-smelling quarters of the steerage, there is variety enough.
Representatives are here from nearly "every nation under heaven:" every
creed, every color; every grade of intelligence and worldly position,
from the prince who occupies exclusively the finest suite of rooms, to
the begrimed half-naked stoker in the furnace room in the depths of the
vessel; every occupation; every disposition. And yet, even in this
compact city in a shell of steel, one may seclude himself from his
fellows and commune solely with his own thoughts or his books.
The three "Mormon" elders, reticent and quiet, had made few
acquaintances. The Rev. Mr. Strong and his daughter, not being very
well, had not been active in the social proceedings of the ship's
company.
Chester Lawrence had formed an acquaintance which seemed to him to fill
all requirements, so that he cared not whether he learned to know any
more of his fellow travelers. And now further association with this
pleasant acquaintance must stop. Well, once again he said to himself, he
would be glad at sight of Liverpool, and again some deeply hidden voice
protested.
Chester tried to keep his word with Mr. Strong. He made no efforts to
see Lucy or talk with her, and he even evaded her as much as possible.
This he could not wholly do without acting unmannerly. All were on deck
during those beautiful days, and twice on Tuesday Lucy and Chester and
the elders had played deck quoits, the father joining in one of them.
Lucy beamed on Chester in her quiet way until she noted the change in
his conduct towards her. The pained expression on the girl's face when
she realized this change, went to Chester's heart and he could have
cried out in explanation.
That evening Lucy found Chester in a corner of the library pretending to
read. There was no escape for him as she approached. What a sweet
creature she was, open-hearted and unafraid! His heart met her half way.
"What is the matter with you, Brother Lawrence?" she asked.
"There is nothing the matter with me."
"Then what have _I_ done?" She seated herself, and Chester laid his book
on the table. He would be plain and open with this girl. In the end
nothing is gained by mystery and silence. He told her plainly what had
taken place between himself and her father. She listened quietly, the
tears welling in her eyes as he progressed. Then for a moment she hid
her face in her hands while she cried softly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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