Sister Carmen | Page 9

if not to
the dear Lord Himself?"
"Surely, my Sister, you say well; and therefore it would be better for
her to have a helpmate ever at her side, who would remind her of her
holy calling," returned Jonathan, earnestly. "Next week she will be
eighteen years of age, and will then be numbered among the
marriageable sisters. It would certainly be the best thing for her to have
a husband; therefore seek one for her, Sister Agatha; and if you and the
assembly of elders can find no one better, then will I, for the sake of her
welfare, give up the freedom of my single life and take her to myself, to
be to her a faithful protector and husband, for the glory of God."
While speaking, he had risen nervously from his seat, and leaning one
arm on the back of the chair, uttered the last words hastily, as if
impelled thereto by a sudden overwhelming emotion. His eyes were
fixed on the floor, only once in a while looking furtively up, as if to
watch the effect of his words. But the Sister's open countenance
showed only a joyful surprise.
"You would really sacrifice yourself for Sister Carmen's benefit?" she

cried. "How can I do otherwise than approve, dear Brother? You, the
pious, wise, experienced physician, full of love and kind forbearance
towards her, and knowing so well, all the while, what is for her good!
Where in all the wide world could she ever find a better counsellor and
guide?"
"Nay, say not so, Sister Agatha," he interrupted reprovingly. "No sinful
creature deserves such praise; least of all I. None of us are more than
humble instruments for good, and have no merit at all of ourselves."
"Yet, my dear Brother, we cannot but recognize the good in others,"
replied she in a gentle tone. "And I say no more than the truth. If every
one as worthy as you had only a portion of your modesty! The sick
long for you and praise you as their benefactor; the well welcome you
everywhere as a friend and adviser. Let me thank you for offering
yourself to Carmen, for you have done so with true kindness and love.
After the feast this evening, I will communicate your proposal to the
elders; and if they consent to it, then, afterwards, I will speak to
Carmen on the subject. I have notified her to come to me, without
reference to this matter, as I want to make some inquiries about her
behavior this morning. But now it is the hour for evening prayer."
She arose, and extended her hand to Jonathan, who returned its hearty
pressure. Never had his manner been more humble than it now was as
he left the room. But when the door was closed behind him, he stood
quite still for a moment, and the disagreeable expression of his mouth
was greatly enhanced by the smile of triumph which lit up his
countenance.
"Ah!" he exclaimed under his breath, "beauty and wealth; they will
indeed compensate for the past."

CHAPTER IV.
When Frau von Trautenau, with her family, entered the spacious
prayer-room, to be present at the love-feast, the mass of the

congregation had already assembled, and were singing to the
accompaniment of the organ. The lady accepted the places assigned to
her and Adele by Sister Agatha, but Alexander and his brother took
possession of an empty bench near the door.
The room presented a strange appearance for a place of worship. It was
destitute of any ornament whatever. The altar, which was at one end,
consisted of a simple wooden table, on which stood a large crucifix.
The brothers and sisters sat at long tables covered with white linen; but,
as usual, the sexes were seated apart. Each member was served with a
small cup of tea and a little bun.
After a while the music ceased, and a long prayer by the principal elder
followed after which another member read a letter from one of their
missionaries, Joseph Hubner, who was at work in the land of the
Kaffres. This letter presented a touching picture of humble
self-sacrifice and sincere devotion.
Alexander felt deeply moved, and forgot the strange mixture of
religious exercises and temporal enjoyment which this feast displayed.
Absorbed in listening, he did not observe that, in his immediate vicinity,
a singular commotion had arisen, and that a good deal of whispering
was carried on among the Brothers, as they regarded him and Hans
with curious glances. After the reading of the letter another hymn was
given out; then Hans nudged his brother.
"What is there so peculiar about us? Everybody is gazing at us so!"
Alexander glanced about, to see if anything was wrong, but could
discover nothing amiss.