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Show BREAKING THE BARRIERS. When it was announced that the Girls' Aid Society would meet at the house of Miss Johnson on Wednesday afternoon, two hearts beat a trifle faster. It was the first time in weeks that the society had met at Grace Johnson's. Xot that this was any reason for Grace's heart to flutter so absurdly, but there was one particular girl in the society with whom Grace was not on friendly terms. They had been friends for years. Then came some hastily spoken words, anger on both sides, and a childish coolness sprang up between them. Times innumerable Grace had passed by Ellen Courtney on the street, giving the most distant bows. And times innumerable had Ellen's heart said within her, "Stop and speak some friendly words." But the other's averted face held her aloof. "If Grace would only smile!" thought Ellen. And all the time in Grace's heart these words were burning: "If Ellen would only speak one word!" And so through pride, the falsest of false pride, these two true friends were kept apart. And all the time the barrier was so slight that a sunny smile or a cheerful word would have broken it. There are too many such barriers in this world. And now the question which Grace asked herself her-self over and over was this: "Will Ellen attend the meeting at my house'?" And the question which Ellen asked herself was: "Why should I not go The pastor said he especially wished a large attendance. Then, too, the society is working to help the Kingdom of God. And if I do not go when I am able, can I still call mi-self an 'Aid Girl'?" But through all this vain pride kept whispering to her, "Do not go. Do not be the first to give in. If you do, you lack spirit." And so with these contending thoughts Monday passed away. Tuesday came, bringing no decision, but a more dissatisfied spirit. "For everyone that asketh rcceiveth," Ellen said to herself Tuesday evening, and the prayer she prayed so earnestly was that the pride in her heart might be driven away. She had made up her mind to go to Grace's. But, as if to test her purpose, pur-pose, Wednesday came" clad in a mist of fog ami rain. A cold autumn wind whistled about and the dead leaves scampered wildly through the yard. But if there was no peace outside, Ellen had peace in her heart. A. little sad, and yet happier than she had been since their quarrel, she walked tpward Grace's home. Several of the other girls joined her on the way, so quite a group waited on, Grace's porch for the door to be opened. "How will Grace act?" thought Ellen. But if she had imagined coldness on her friend's part, she was happily mistaken. Grace's co'nscienpe had not been idle since Sunday. She, too, had battled, had prayed and had won. Ellem was the last to enter the house, and so the others did not notice that the hostess lovingly kissed her and whispered something in her ear. But Ellen heard the low-spoken "Forgive me," and her answering "I should he the one to say that" came to Grace as the sweetest words she had ever heard. Xo more was said. What more was nced- cd? The other "Aid Girls" did not dream how much had been done that, afternoon to promote the Kingdom of Christ. "How well our meeting did get along today!" said one of the girls to Ellen. "And wasn't Grace pleasant! She does so many kind little things." "Yes," said Ellen, warmly, "she is the kindest and most forgiving girl I ever saw." And Ellen did not know as she spoke that Grace was just then saying to her mother: "I am so glad the Aid Girls met here this week! It has proved to me that Ellen is the dearest girl in the world." |
