Dorothea Kirke; Or, Free to Serve (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos or missing text. Not indexed. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1884. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. "unto The Perfect Day...". "She filled The empty chalices of other lives, And time and thought were henceforth spent for Him Who loved her with His everlasting love.--F. R. H. NCE again Mary Fenwick and Doro-thea Western sat together in the red fire-light discussing the mystery of life. It was the month of November now, and Robert Western's widow had but newly come up from Hartfield; for there were many precious ties to bind her to the placeAunt Janet had returned to London also, and Hartfield House was left in the care of the two tried and faithful servants who had seen so many changes during the ten years they had been with the Kirkes. It was very still in the house--painfully still, Mary Fenwick thought, remembering the gay and happy evenings she had spent with other friends in Mrs. Western's drawing-room. Dorothea did not seem to feel it. She was leaning back in her chair, with her hands folded on her lap, her face showing very fair against the sombre hue of her mourning gown; and yet there was no oppressive trappings of woe about her attire. It was simplicity itself, and exquisitely relieved by soft white frilling at her throat and wrists. Although much thinner and older-looking, Mary Fenwick thought that in all the years she had known and loved that face, it had never been so beautiful as now. The stamp of the King's beauty was upon it--the light of that peace which passeth understanding. "It is oppressively still in the house, Dorothea," said Mary, presently. "Was it not an unspeakable trial to you to come home yesterday?" "In one way, yes. The emptiness went to my heart," said Dorothea, very quietly. "It was only after I had gone through every room, and stayed a little in the study, that I grew calm. I thought I was brave; I found I ...