Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

170
THE ATTEMPT
The thought struck her—“ Even if she should he dead (she was so ill I fear she may
he), surely they will grant me lodgings for one night; ” and she hastened on as fast as
her strength would allow her.
Contrary to her fears, she found sister Agnes much better, and she gladly welcomed
her kind benefactress, thinking that as usual it was merely a visit of benevolence.
But Alice told her that her father was dead, that she was alone in the world, that she
wished to leave Edinburgh, and for reasons that she could not explain she did not
wish to return to her former abode, and begged of her to let her share her lodgings for
the night, and that on the morrow she must leave her. Agnes, delighted to return in
some measure Miss Howard’s former kindness, did all in her power to cheer and console
her, and a gleam of comfort entered the forlorn girl’s heart as she lay down to rest on
the humble couch of the grateful nun.
Ladybird.
IV.
The god whose music fills the wood and lawn;
Goddess who comes resplendent with the dawn.
1. “ Sad maiden taken from the light of day,
Proud Queen who o’er the realms of night held sway.”
2. “ One of the three relentless ones who spied
Upon the track of every evil deed.”
3. “ Beautiful youth, hard-hearted as a stone,
Melted at last, but for thyself alone.”
Elsie Strivelyne.