Trail-Tales of Western CanadaRobinson, F. A. (Frank Alfred)
Religion
Trail-Tales of Western Canada
Robinson, F. A. (Frank Alfred)
Canadian fiction -- 20th century; Missions -- Canada, Western -- Fiction; Short stories, Canadian
Mrs. Nicholson, as a bride, had brought to her Western home the
handiwork of three busy years, and when the furnishing had been
completed and her "extras" tastefully arranged, the minister and his
young wife had looked with grateful pride upon the attractiveness of
the manse. During the ten subsequent years her enthusiasm in keeping
that home orderly, clean and cosy, had never failed. And now she had
less than half an hour in which to select what she most desired from
that home that had become endeared by ten years of effort to keep it,
as it had been kept, a radiant centre of helpfulness--and that
selection from their entire earthly possessions must fit the narrow
compass of two valises.
The reader who is able to imagine Mrs. Nicholson's feelings on that
memorable nineteenth day of August will readily believe that a few
minutes were lost in the feeling of helplessness as to what was best to
select. A glance through the window at the smoke-filled street, and
occasional sparks, put an end to her hesitancy. Whatever was to be
done must be done quickly. Her husband's request was first complied
with, then such clothing as she and the children might need was
included, and a small supply of food for immediate needs. Within a few
minutes she had gathered together the few articles of jewellery she
possessed, a package of business papers, a bit of silverware, one or
two photographs, and an "encyclopædic" scrapbook which contained, among
many other interesting items, several newspaper clippings of the work
and doings of the Rev. W. Nicholson. From her much-prized secretary, a
Christmas gift from the children in her Sunday School class, she took a
locket in which was a small curl of hair--her mother's hair.
In her hurried packing she had not forgotten that at least two things
must be included from her box of relics and sentimental treasures in
the attic. The first pair of baby shoes ever worn in the manse were
among Mrs. Nicholson's most valued reminders of the happy days spent in
caring for Baby Dorothy--now a bright girl of eight years. Whenever a
visit had been made to the box in the attic, the little shoes were
always taken out and looked upon with a loving smile.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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