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Read Ebook: Venna Hastings: Story of an Eastern Mormon Convert by Farr Julia
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Ebook has 1640 lines and 42642 words, and 33 pages
it already. But that's not what I'm thinking about."
"No? What then?" His keen, gray eyes looked surprised.
"It's just this, John. I've been thinking a great deal today about Venna's joining the Church. You know she's going to be a decided belle--her beauty, talent"--
"Naturally!" he interrupted gaily. "Why not, Emily?"
"Now don't you think she ought to enter life with some religious thought? Ought she not to join the Church, John?"
"Is she getting tired of her Sunday-school?" he asked, suddenly serious.
"Yes, I think she is. She says she's getting too big for it."
"Then why doesn't she teach? That would keep her in touch," he said with practical emphasis.
John Hastings gave a delighted laugh.
"She could teach the Church all right, Emily!"
His sister crimsoned without answering.
"There, Emily! I know you love the Church and it's right and womanly you should. I didn't mean to hurt you. Yes, let Venna join. Of course she should. It will give her something to think of besides the frivolities. Every woman should have a ballast in her life. I'll tell her I certainly wish her to join the Church, Emily!"
"But she won't, John."
"Won't? Why not?"
"Because you're her ideal and you don't join. You are her stumbling block," she added more courageously.
Her brother looked thoughtfully into the fire.
"I am her ideal? Some joke! I'm no better than the next one!"
"In her eyes, you are, dear. I don't like to criticize you, John, but you have managed Dr. Hansom's business affairs of the Church for years, sat every Sunday in your pew, and yet haven't joined the Church. Don't you think it's about time you did?"
"No and yes, Emily! I think I prefer staying out of it. I'm paid for my services. That's simply business. I've often told you the Church to me is a fine religious organization--nothing more. I help it along, don't I? I'm no more a Congregationalist than I am Methodist, Presbyterian or any other Church follower."
"Yes, John, but Dr. Hansom is so broad. You can believe almost anything and yet be admitted to his Church."
Her brother laughed.
"But, John, if it would influence Venna to join, wouldn't you sacrifice your preference?"
"Well, I guess that is one point worth considering. Our girl should have some religious influence, that is sure. We won't always be with her. And to join the Church practically means no difference to me. Just add my name to the many other Dr. Hansom worshippers!"
Emily's mild face lit up with gentle enthusiasm.
"Then I can tell Venna you've decided to join?"
"Why, yes, if you wish it."
Emily met his half-amused, tolerant gaze, with affectionate adoration.
"John," she said, simply, "you always do the best thing when it's necessary."
So Venna and her father joined Dr. Hansom's Congregational Church. John Hastings' act was for his daughter's sake, and Venna's easy compliance resulted from her adoration of "Daddy."
Four years passed over the Hastings home. Scientists tell us our characters either progress or retrograde. If this be so, the progressing and retrograding must have struck an equilibrium in the last four years of John Hastings' life and that of his sister. He was the same cool, practical man of affairs, without a single gray hair added above his high intellectual brow. Emily was the same mild, adoring sister and aunt. Perhaps both had acquired a still deeper pride and affection for Venna,--if that could be called a change.
And Venna? Watch her enter the library where her father sat, book in hand in his customary arm-chair by the fire place.
She was a few inches taller and somewhat slimmer and more graceful. Curls still rebelliously clustered around the same bright but more thoughtful countenance. Her general bearing was more pronounced in its dignified calling of supporting the accumulated knowledge of the last four years.
"Daddy, it's wonderful!" she exclaimed, as she approached and slid down upon the cushion beside him. "We have made so many plans today, I can scarcely realize what a wonderful Daddy and Auntie you are!" she continued, taking her father's hand and cuddling it affectionately against her cheek.
With his free hand, Hastings stroked her curls.
"So my petty thinks her debut affair will be a success?"
"Oh, wonderful! Auntie is planning every detail, regardless of expense. Flowers, music, supper--all to be perfect! Everyone I like in the whole wide world is coming. Just think of it!"
"Just as I wish it to be, dearie. Strange how a little bundle like you can be one big man's whole ambition!"
Venna met his gaze lovingly.
"O Daddy! Why is it? I really don't deserve it all."
"Yes, Venna, you deserve all I can give you. Do you know you are so like your mother now, that when I make you happy it seems as though I am doing it for her also."
"Daddy, you are." Her countenance became pensively thoughtful as she searched her father's face earnestly.
"What fancy now?" he asked tenderly, used to her sudden change of mood.
"No fancy, Daddy, real truth. Do you know mother is with me very often? Maybe that is why I grow so like her?"
"You've said that before, Venna. Just what have you in mind?"
Venna contemplated the fantastic logs as she tried to answer.
"I don't see mother, Daddy, but I feel her presence--Oh! so surely! My thoughts are as illusive as those flames. First here, then there. I can't seem to get any clear understanding of it, yet I know it is true. Don't you believe that she could be near us? Dr. Hansom says there may be guardian angels for all of us."
"Do you think, girlie, it's wise to think too much about the may-bes? Your imagination is very strong, Venna. I really wish you were more practical, not so much of a dreamer, dear."
"Then you wouldn't have such a wonderful musician in your family," she returned, smiling.
"Very true. I guess I don't want you changed after all. You're just like your mother and I've never found her equal elsewhere."
Venna pressed her father's hand in sympathy, and there were a few moments of thoughtful silence.
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