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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Transfiguration of Miss Philura, by 
+Florence Morse Kingsley
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Transfiguration of Miss Philura
+
+Author: Florence Morse Kingsley
+
+Release Date: February 17, 2009 [EBook #28102]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRANSFIGURATION OF MISS PHILURA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Annie McGuire
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSFIGURATION
+
+OF MISS PHILURA
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Smart's Theme was Thought Forces and the Infinite
+
+[_See page 18_]
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSFIGURATION
+OF
+MISS PHILURA
+
+
+_By_
+FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY
+
+
+_THIRTEENTH EDITION_
+FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY
+NEW YORK AND LONDON
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY
+FLORENCE M. KINGSLEY
+_Registered at Stationers' Hall, London, England_
+[PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]
+Hour-Glass Stories Edition. Published March, 1902
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+
+Miss Philura Rice tied her faded bonnet-strings under her faded chin
+with hands that trembled a little; then she leaned forward and gazed
+anxiously at the reflection which confronted her. A somewhat pinched and
+wistful face it was, with large, light-lashed blue eyes, arched over
+with a mere pretense at eyebrows. More than once in her twenties Miss
+Philura had ventured to eke out this scanty provision of Nature with a
+modicum of burned match stealthily applied in the privacy of her virgin
+chamber. But the twenties, with their attendant dreams and follies, were
+definitely past; just how long past no one knew exactly--Miss Philura
+never informed the curious on this point.
+
+As for the insufficient eyebrows, they symbolized, as it were, a meagre
+and restricted life, vaguely acknowledged as the dispensation of an
+obscurely hostile but consistent Providence; a Providence far too awful
+and exalted--as well as hostile--to interest itself benignantly in so
+small and neutral a personality as stared back at her from the large,
+dim mirror of Cousin Maria Van Deuser's third-story back bedroom. Not
+that Miss Philura ever admitted such dubious thoughts to the select
+circle of her conscious reflections; more years ago than she cared to
+count she had grappled with her discontent, had thrust it resolutely
+out of sight, and on the top of it she had planted a big stone marked
+Resignation. Nevertheless, at times the stone heaved and trembled
+ominously.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At sound of a brisk tap at her chamber door the lady turned with a
+guilty start to find the fresh-colored, impertinent face of the French
+maid obtruding itself into the room.
+
+"Ze madame waits," announced this individual, and with a coldly
+comprehensive eye swept the small figure from head to foot.
+
+"Yes, yes, my dear, I am quite ready--I am coming at once!" faltered
+Miss Philura, with a propitiatory smile, and more than ever painfully
+aware that the skirt of her best black gown was irremediably short and
+scant, that her waist was too flat, her shoulders too sloping, her
+complexion faded, her forehead wrinkled, and her bonnet unbecoming.
+
+As she stepped uncertainly down the dark, narrow stairway she rebuked
+herself severely for these vain and worldly thoughts. "To be a church
+member, in good and regular standing, and a useful member of society,"
+she assured herself strenuously, "should be and _is_ sufficient for me."
+
+Ten minutes later, Miss Philura, looking smaller and more insignificant
+than usual, was seated in the carriage opposite Mrs. J. Mortimer Van
+Deuser--a large, heavily upholstered lady of majestic deportment, paying
+diligent heed to the words of wisdom which fell from the lips of her
+hostess and kinswoman.
+
+"During your short stay in Boston," that lady was remarking
+impressively, "you will, of course, wish to avail yourself of those
+means of culture and advancement so sadly lacking in your own
+environment. This, my dear Philura, is pre-eminently the era of
+progressive thought. We can have at best, I fear, but a faint
+conception of the degree to which mankind will be able, in the years of
+the coming century, to shake off the gross and material limitations of
+sense."
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser paused to settle her sables preliminary to recognizing
+with an expansive smile an acquaintance who flashed by them in a
+victoria; after which she adjusted the diamonds in her large, pink ears,
+and proceeded with unctuous tranquillity. "On this occasion, my dear
+Philura, you will have the pleasure of listening to an address by Mrs.
+B. Isabelle Smart, one of our most advanced thinkers along this line.
+You will, I trust, be able to derive from her words aliment which will
+influence the entire trend of your individual experience."
+
+"Where--in what place will the lady speak--I mean, will it be in the
+church?" ventured Miss Philura in a depressed whisper. She sighed
+apprehensively as she glanced down at the tips of her shabby gloves.
+
+"The lecture will take place in the drawing-room of the Woman's
+Ontological Club," responded Mrs. Van Deuser, adding with austere
+sweetness of tone: "The club deals exclusively with those conceptions or
+principles which lie at the base of all phenomena; including being,
+reality, substance, time, space, motion, change, identity, difference,
+and cause--in a word, my dear Philura, with ultimate metaphysical
+philosophy." A majestic and conclusive sweep of a perfectly gloved hand
+suggested infinity and reduced Miss Philura into shrinking silence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Mrs. B. Isabelle Smart began to speak she became almost directly
+aware of a small, wistful face, with faded blue eyes and a shabby,
+unbecoming bonnet, which, surrounded as it was on all sides by tossing
+plumes, rich velvets and sparkling gems, with their accompaniments of
+full-fleshed, patrician countenances, took to itself a look of positive
+distinction. Mrs. Smart's theme, as announced by the President of the
+Ontological Club, was Thought Forces and the Infinite, a somewhat
+formidable-sounding subject, but one which the pale, slight, plainly
+dressed but singularly bright-eyed lady, put forward as the speaker of
+the afternoon, showed no hesitancy in attacking.
+
+Before three minutes had passed Miss Philura Rice had forgotten that
+such things as shabby gloves, ill-fitting gowns, unbecoming bonnets and
+superfluous birthdays existed. In ten minutes more she was leaning
+forward in breathless attention, the faded eyes aglow, the unbecoming
+bonnet pushed back from a face more wistful than ever, but flushed with
+a joyful excitement.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"This unseen Good hems us about on every side," the speaker was saying,
+with a comprehensive sweep of her capable-looking hands. "It presses
+upon us, more limitless, more inexhaustible, more free than the air that
+we breathe! Out of it _every_ need, _every_ want, _every_ yearning of
+humanity can be, must be, supplied. To you, who have hitherto led
+starved lives, hungering, longing for the good things which you believe
+a distant and indifferent God has denied you--to you I declare that in
+this encircling, ever-present, invisible, exhaustless Beneficence is
+already provided a lavish abundance of everything which you can possibly
+want or think! Nay, desire itself is but God--Good--Love, knocking at
+the door of your consciousness. It is impossible for you to desire
+anything that is not already your own! It only remains for you to bring
+the invisible into visibility--to take of the everlasting substance what
+you will!
+
+"And how must you do this? Ask, and _believe that you have_! You have
+asked many times, perhaps, and have failed to receive. Why? You have
+failed to _believe_. Ask, then, for what you will! Ask, and at once
+return thanks for what you have asked! In the asking and _believing_ is
+the thing itself made manifest. Declare that it is yours! Expect it!
+Believe it! Hold to it without wavering--no matter how empty your hands
+may seem! _It is yours_, and God's infinite creation shall lapse into
+nothingness; His stars shall fall from high Heaven like withered leaves
+sooner than that you shall fail to obtain all that you have asked!"
+
+When, at the close of the lecture, Mrs. B. Isabelle Smart became the
+center of a polite yet insistent crush of satins, velvets and
+broadcloths, permeated by an aroma of violets and a gentle hum of
+delicate flattery, she was aware of a timid hand upon her arm, and
+turned to look into the small, eager face under the unfashionable
+bonnet.
+
+"You--you meant religious gifts, did you not?" faltered the faint,
+discouraged voice; "faith, hope and--and--the--the being resigned to
+God's will, and--and endeavoring to bear the cross with patience."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I meant _everything_ that _you_ want," answered the bright-eyed one
+with deliberate emphasis, the bright eyes softening as they took in more
+completely the pinched outlines and the eager child's look shining from
+out the worn and faded woman's face.
+
+"But--but there is so much! I--I never had anything that I really
+wanted--things, you know, that one could hardly mention in one's
+prayers."
+
+"Have them now. Have them all. God is all. All is God. You are God's.
+God is yours!"
+
+Then the billowing surges of silk and velvet swept the small, inquiring
+face into the background with the accustomed ease and relentlessness of
+billowing surges.
+
+Having partaken copiously of certain "material beliefs" consisting of
+salads and sandwiches, accompanied by divers cups of strong coffee, Mrs.
+J. Mortimer Van Deuser had become pleasantly flushed and expansive. "A
+most unique, comprehensive and uplifting view of our spiritual
+environment," she remarked to Miss Philura when the two ladies found
+themselves on their homeward way. Her best society smile still lingered
+blandly about the curves and creases of her stolid, high-colored visage;
+the dying violets on her massive satin bosom gave forth their sweetest
+parting breath.
+
+The little lady on the front seat of the carriage sat very erect; red
+spots glowed upon her faded cheeks. "I think," she said tremulously,
+"that it was just--wonderful! I--I am so very happy to have heard it.
+Thank you a thousand times, dear Cousin Maria, for taking me."
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser raised her gold-rimmed glasses and settled them under
+arching brows, while the society smile faded quite away. "Of course,"
+she said coldly, "one should make due and proper allowance for facts--as
+they exist. And also--er--consider above all what interpretation is best
+suited to one's individual station in life. Truth, my dear Philura,
+adapts itself freely to the needs of the poor and lowly as well as to
+the demands of those upon whom devolve the higher responsibilities of
+wealth and position; our dear Master Himself spoke of the poor as always
+with us, you will remember. A lowly but pious life, passed in humble
+recognition of God's chastening providence, is doubtless good and proper
+for many worthy persons."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Miss Philura's blue eyes flashed rebelliously for perhaps the first time
+in uncounted years. She made no answer. As for the long and presumably
+instructive homily on the duties and prerogatives of the lowly, lasting
+quite up to the moment when the carriage stopped before the door of Mrs.
+Van Deuser's residence, it fell upon ears which heard not. Indeed, her
+next remark was so entirely irrelevant that her august kinswoman stared
+in displeased amazement. "I am going to purchase some--some necessaries
+to-morrow, Cousin Maria; I should like Fifine to go with me."
+
+Miss Philura acknowledged to herself, with a truthfulness which she felt
+to be almost brazen, that her uppermost yearnings were of a wholly
+mundane character.
+
+During a busy and joyous evening she endeavored to formulate these
+thronging desires; by bedtime she had even ventured--with the aid of a
+stubbed lead-pencil--to indite the most immediate and urgent of these
+wants as they knocked at the door of her consciousness. The list, hidden
+guiltily away in the depths of her shabby purse, read something as
+follows:
+
+"I wish to be beautiful and admired. I want two new dresses; a hat with
+plumes, and a silk petticoat that rustles. I want some new kid gloves
+and a feather boa (a long one made of ostrich feathers). I wish----" The
+small, blunt pencil had been lifted in air for the space of three
+minutes before it again descended; then, with cheeks that burned, Miss
+Philura had written the fateful words: "I wish to have a lover and to
+be married."
+
+"There, I have done it!" she said to herself, her little fingers
+trembling with agitation. "He must already exist in the encircling Good.
+He is mine. I am engaged to be married at this very moment!"
+
+To lay this singular memorandum before her Maker appeared to Miss
+Philura little short of sacrilegious; but the thought of the mysterious
+Abundance of which the seeress had spoken, urging itself, as it were,
+upon her acceptance, encouraged her. She arose from her evening orisons
+with a glowing face. "I have asked," she said aloud, "and I _believe_ I
+shall have."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mademoiselle Fifine passed a very enjoyable morning with Miss Philura.
+To choose, to purchase, and above all to transform the ugly into the
+beautiful, filled the French woman's breast with enthusiasm. Her glance,
+as it rested upon her companion's face and figure, was no longer coldly
+critical, but cordially appreciative. "Ze madame," she declared, showing
+her white teeth in a pleasant smile, "has very many advantage. _Voilà_,
+ze hair--_c'est admirable_, as any one may perceive! Pardon, while for
+one little minute I arrange! Ah--_mon dieu!_ Regard ze difference!"
+
+The two were at this moment in a certain millinery shop conducted by a
+discreet and agreeable compatriot of Fifine's. This individual now
+produced a modest hat of black, garnished with plumes, which, set
+lightly on the loosened bands of golden-brown hair, completed the effect
+"_délicieusement!_" declared the French women in chorus.
+
+With a beating heart Miss Philura stared into the mirror at her changed
+reflection. "It is quite--quite true!" she said aloud. "It is all true."
+
+Fifine and the milliner exchanged delighted shrugs and grimaces. In
+truth, the small, erect figure, in its perfectly fitting gown, bore
+no resemblance to the plain, elderly Miss Philura of yesterday.
+As for the face beneath the nodding plumes, it was actually
+radiant--transfigured--with joy and hope.
+
+Mrs. J. Mortimer Van Deuser regarded the apparition which greeted her at
+luncheon with open disapproval. This new Miss Philura, with the prettily
+flushed cheeks, the bright eyes, the fluff of waving hair, and--yes,
+actually a knot of fragrant violets at her breast, had given her an
+unpleasant shock of surprise. "I am sure I hope you can _afford_ all
+this," was her comment, with a deliberate adjustment of eyebrows and
+glasses calculated to add mordant point and emphasis to her words.
+
+"Oh, yes," replied Miss Philura tranquilly, but with heightened color;
+"I can afford whatever I like now."
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser stared hard at her guest. She found herself actually
+hesitating before Philura Rice. Then she drew her massive figure to its
+full height, and again bent the compelling light of her gold-rimmed
+glasses full upon the small person of her kinswoman. "What--er--I do not
+understand," she began lamely. "_Where_ did you obtain the money for all
+this!"
+
+Miss Philura raised her eyebrows ever so little--somehow they seemed to
+suit the clear blue eyes admirably today.
+
+"The money?" she repeated, in a tone of surprise. "Why, out of the
+bank, of course."
+
+Upon the fact that she had drawn out and expended in a single morning
+nearly the whole of the modest sum commonly made to supply her meager
+living for six months Miss Philura bestowed but a single thought. "In
+the all-encircling Good," she said to herself serenely, "there is plenty
+of money for me; why, then, should I not spend this?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+
+The village of Innisfield was treated to a singular surprise on the
+Sunday morning following, when Miss Philura Rice, newly returned from
+her annual visit to Boston, walked down the aisle to her accustomed
+place in the singers' seat. Whispered comment and surmise flew from pew
+to pew, sandwiched irreverently between hymn, prayer and sermon.
+Indeed, the last-mentioned portion of the service, being of unusual
+length and dullness, was utilized by the female members of the
+congregation in making a minute inventory of the amazing changes which
+had taken place in the familiar figure of their townswoman.
+
+"Philury's had money left her, I shouldn't wonder;" "Her Cousin Van
+Deuser's been fixin' her up;" "She's a-goin' to be married!" were some
+of the opinions, wholly at variance with the text of the discourse,
+which found their way from mouth to mouth.
+
+Miss Electa Pratt attached herself with decision to her friend, Miss
+Rice, directly the service was at an end. "I'm just _dying_ to hear all
+about it!" she exclaimed, with a fond pressure of the arm linked within
+her own--this after the two ladies had extricated themselves from the
+circle of curious and critical faces at the church door.
+
+Miss Philura surveyed the speaker with meditative eyes; it seemed to her
+that Miss Pratt was curiously altered since she had seen her last.
+
+"_Have_ you had a fortune left you?" went on her inquisitor, blinking
+enviously at the nodding plumes which shaded Miss Philura's blue eyes.
+"Everybody _says_ you have; and that you are going to get married soon.
+I'm sure you'll tell _me_ everything!"
+
+Miss Philura hesitated for a moment. "I haven't exactly had money left
+me," she began; then her eyes brightened. "I have all that I need," she
+said, and straightened her small figure confidently.
+
+"And _are_ you going to be married, dear?"
+
+"Yes," said Miss Philura distinctly.
+
+"Well, I _never_--Philura Rice!" almost screamed her companion. "Do tell
+me _when_; and _who_ is it?"
+
+"I can not tell you that--now," said Miss Philura simply. "He is in----"
+She was about to add "the encircling Good," but she reflected that Miss
+Pratt might fail to comprehend her. "I will introduce you to
+him--later," she concluded with dignity.
+
+To follow the fortunes of Miss Philura during the ensuing weeks were a
+pleasant though monotonous task; the encircling Good proved itself
+wholly adequate to the demands made upon it. Though there was little
+money in the worn purse, there were numerous and pressing invitations
+to tea, to dinner, and to spend the day, from hosts of friends who had
+suddenly become warm, affectionate, and cordially appreciative; and not
+even the new Methodist minister's wife could boast of such lavish
+donations, in the shape of new-laid eggs, frosted cakes, delicate
+biscuit, toothsome crullers and choice fruits as found their way to Miss
+Philura's door.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The recipient of these manifold favors walked, as it were, upon air.
+"For unto every one that hath shall be given," she read in the privacy
+of her own shabby little parlor, "and he shall have abundance."
+
+"Everything that I want is mine!" cried the little lady, bedewing the
+pages of Holy Writ with happy tears. The thought of the lover and
+husband who, it is true, yet lingered in the invisible, brought a
+becoming blush to her cheek. "I shall see him soon," she reflected
+tranquilly. "He is mine--mine!"
+
+At that very moment Miss Electa Pratt was seated in the awe-inspiring
+reception-room of Mrs. J. Mortimer Van Deuser's residence in Beacon
+Street. The two ladies were engaged in earnest conversation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"What you tell me with regard to Philura fills me with surprise and
+alarm," Mrs. Van Deuser was remarking with something more than her
+accustomed majesty of tone and mien. "Philura Rice certainly did _not_
+become engaged to be married during her stay in Boston. Neither has she
+been the recipient of funds from myself, nor, to the best of my
+knowledge, from any other member of the family. Personally, I have
+always been averse to the encouragement of extravagance and vanity in
+those destined by a wise Providence to pass their lives in a humble
+station. I fear exceedingly that Philura's visits to Boston have failed
+to benefit her as I wished and intended."
+
+"But she _said_ that she had money, and that she was going to get
+married," persisted Miss Pratt. "You don't suppose"--lowering her
+strident tones to a whisper--"that the poor thing is going crazy?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser had concentrated her intellectual and penetrating orbs
+upon a certain triangular knob that garnished the handle of her
+visitor's umbrella; she vouchsafed no reply. When she did speak, after
+the lapse of some moments, it was to dismiss that worthy person with a
+practiced ease and adroitness which permitted of nothing further, either
+in the way of information or conjecture.
+
+"Philura is, after all, a distant relative of my own," soliloquized Mrs.
+Van Deuser, "and _as such_ is entitled to consideration."
+
+Her subsequent cogitations presently took shape to themselves and
+became a letter, dispatched in the evening mail and bearing the address
+of the Rev. Silas Pettibone, Innisfield. Mrs. Van Deuser recalled in
+this missive Miss Philura's "unfortunate visit" to the Ontological Club,
+and the patent indications of its equally unfortunate consequences. "I
+should be inclined to take myself severely to task in the matter," wrote
+the excellent and conscientious lady, "if I had not improved the
+opportunity to explain at length, in the hearing of my misguided
+relative, the nature and scope of God's controlling providence, as
+signally displayed in His dealings with the humbler classes of society.
+As an under-shepherd of the lowly flock to which Miss Rice belongs, my
+dear Mr. Pettibone, I lay her spiritual state before you, and beg that
+you will at once endeavor to set right her erroneous views of the
+overruling guidance of the Supreme Being. I shall myself intercede for
+Philura before the Throne of Grace."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Rev. Silas Pettibone read this remarkable communication with
+interest; indeed, after returning it to its envelope and bestowing it in
+his most inaccessible coat-pocket, the under-shepherd of the lowly flock
+of Innisfield gave himself the task of resurrecting and reperusing the
+succinct yet weighty words of Mrs. Van Deuser.
+
+If the Rev. Silas had been blessed with a wife, to whose nimbler wits he
+might have submitted the case, it is probable that he would not have sat
+for so long a time in his great chair brooding over the contents of the
+violet-tinted envelope from Boston. But unfortunately the good minister
+had been forced to lay his helpmate beneath the rough sods of the
+village churchyard some three years previous. Since this sad event, it
+is scarcely necessary to state, he had found it essential to his peace
+of mind to employ great discretion in his dealings with the female
+members of his flock. He viewed the matter in hand with vague
+misgivings. Strangely enough, he had not heard of Miss Philura's good
+fortune, and to his masculine and impartial vision there had appeared no
+especial change in the aspect or conduct of the the little woman.
+
+"Let me think," he mused, passing his white hand through the thick, dark
+locks, just touched with gray, which shaded his perplexed forehead. He
+was a personable man, was the Rev. Silas Pettibone. "Let me think: Miss
+Philura has been very regular in her attendance at church and
+prayer-meeting of late. No, I have observed nothing wrong--nothing
+blameworthy in her walk and conversation. But I can not approve of
+these--ah--clubs." He again cast his eye upon the letter. "Ontology,
+now, is certainly not a fit subject for the consideration of the female
+mind."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Having delivered himself of this sapient opinion, the reverend gentleman
+made ready for a round of parochial visits. Foremost on his list
+appeared the name of Miss Philura Rice. As he stood upon the door-step,
+shaded on either side by fragrant lilac plumes, he resolved to be
+particularly brief, though impressive, in his pastoral ministrations.
+If this especial member of his flock had wandered from the straight and
+narrow way into forbidden by-paths, it was his manifest duty to restore
+her in the spirit of meekness; but he would waste no unnecessary time or
+words in the process.
+
+The sunshine, pleasantly interrupted by snowy muslin curtains, streamed
+in through the open windows of Miss Philura's modest parlor, kindling
+into scarlet flame the blossoms of the thrifty geranium which stood
+upon the sill, and flickered gently on the brown head of the little
+mistress of the house, seated with her sewing in a favorite
+rocking-chair. Miss Philura was unaffectedly glad to see her pastor. She
+told him at once that last Sunday's sermon was inspiring; that she felt
+sure that after hearing it the unconverted could hardly fail to be
+convinced of the error of their ways.
+
+The Rev. Silas Pettibone seated himself opposite Miss Philura and
+regarded her attentively. The second-best new dress was undeniably
+becoming; the blue eyes under the childish brows beamed upon him
+cordially. "I am pleased to learn--ah--that you can approve the
+discourse of Sabbath morning," he began in somewhat labored fashion. "I
+have had occasion to--that is--er, my attention has been called of late
+to the fact that certain members of the church have--well, to put it
+briefly, some have fallen grievously away from the faith."
+
+Miss Philura's sympathy and concern were at once apparent. "I do not
+see," she said simply, "how one can fall away from the faith. It is so
+beautiful to believe!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The small, upturned face shone with so sweet and serene a light that the
+under-shepherd of the Innisfield flock leaned forward and fixed his
+earnest brown eyes on the clear blue eyes of the lady. In treatises
+relating to the affections this stage of the proceedings is generally
+conceded to mark a crisis. It marked a crisis on this occasion; during
+that moment the Rev. Silas Pettibone forgot at once and for all time the
+violet-tinted envelope in his coat-tail pocket. It was discovered six
+month's later and consigned to oblivion by--but let us not anticipate.
+
+"God is so kind, _so generous_!" pursued Miss Philura softly. "If we
+once know Him as our Father we can never again be afraid, or lonely, or
+poor, or lacking for any good thing. How is it possible to fall away? I
+do not understand. Is it not because they do not know Him?"
+
+It is altogether likely that the pastor of the Innisfield Presbyterian
+Church found conditions in the spiritual state of Miss Philura which
+necessitated earnest and prolonged admonition; at all events, the sun
+was sinking behind the western horizon when the reverend gentleman
+slowly and thoughtfully made his way toward the parsonage. Curiously
+enough, this highly respectable domicile had taken on during his absence
+an aspect of gloom and loneliness unpleasantly apparent. "A scarlet
+geranium in the window might improve it," thought the vaguely
+dissatisfied proprietor, as he put on his dressing-gown and thrust his
+feet into his newest pair of slippers. (Presented by Miss Electa Pratt
+"to my pastor, with grateful affection.")
+
+"I believe I failed to draw Miss Philura's attention to the obvious
+relation between faith and works," cogitated the reverend Silas, as he
+sat before his lonely hearth, placidly scorching the soles of his new
+slippers before the cheerful blaze. "It will be altogether advisable, I
+think, to set her right on that point without delay. I will--ah--just
+look in again for a moment to-morrow afternoon."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  "God's purposes will ripen fast,
+    Unfolding every hour.
+  The bud may have a bitter taste,
+    But sweet will be the flower!"
+
+sang the choir of the Innisfield Presbyterian Church one Sunday morning
+a month later. And Miss Philura Rice--as was afterward remarked--sang
+the words with such enthusiasm and earnestness that her high soprano
+soared quite above all the other voices in the choir, and this despite
+the fact that Miss Electa Pratt was putting forth her nasal contralto
+with more than wonted insistence.
+
+The last-mentioned lady found the sermon--on the text, "Little children,
+love one another, for love is of God"--so extremely convincing, and her
+own subsequent spiritual state in such an agitated condition, that she
+took occasion to seek a private conversation with her pastor in his
+study on that same Sunday afternoon.
+
+"I don't know _when_ I've been so wrought up!" declared Miss Pratt, with
+a preliminary display of immaculate handkerchief. "I cried _and cried_
+after I got home from church this morning. Ma she sez to me, sez she,
+'What ails you Lecty?' And I sez to ma, sez I, 'Ma, it was that
+_blessed_ sermon. I don't know _when_ I ever heard anything like it!
+That dear pastor of ours is just ripening for a better world!'" Miss
+Electa paused a moment to shed copious tears over this statement. "It
+does seem to me, _dear_ Mr. Pettibone," she resumed, with a tender
+glance and a comprehensive sniff, "that you ain't looking as well as
+usual. I said so to Philura Rice as we was coming out of church, and I
+really hate to tell you how she answered me; only I feel as though it
+was my duty. 'Mr. Pettibone is perfectly well!' she says, and tossed
+those feathers of hers higher'n ever. Philura's awful worldly, I _do
+grieve_ to say--_if not worse_. I've been a-thinking for some time that
+it was my Christian duty (however painful) to tell you what Mis' Van
+Deuser, of Boston, said about----"
+
+The Rev. Silas Pettibone frowned with awful dignity. He brought down his
+closed fist upon his open Bible with forensic force and suddenness.
+"Miss Philura Rice," he said emphatically, "is one of the most
+spiritual--the most lovely and consistent--Christian characters it has
+ever been my privilege to know. Her faith and unworldliness are
+absolutely beyond the comprehension of--of--many of my flock. I must
+further tell you that I hope to have the great happiness of leading
+Miss Rice to the matrimonial altar in the near future."
+
+Miss Electa Pratt sank back in her chair petrified with astonishment.
+"Well, I _must say_!" she gasped. "And she was engaged to you _all this
+time_ and I never knew it!"
+
+The Rev. Pettibone bent his eyes coldly upon his agitated parishioner.
+"I am at a loss to comprehend your very strange comment, Miss Pratt," he
+said; "the engagement has been of such very short duration that I can
+not regard it as surprising that you should not have heard of it.
+It--ah--took place only yesterday."
+
+Miss Electa straightened her angular shoulders with a jerk. "Yesterday!"
+she almost screamed. "Well! I can tell _you_ that Philura Rice told _me_
+that she was engaged to be married more than three months ago!"
+
+"You are certainly mistaken, madam," began the minister in a somewhat
+perturbed tone, which did not escape the notice of the now flushed and
+triumphant spinster.
+
+"More than three months ago!" she repeated with incisive emphasis.
+"_Now_ maybe you'll listen to me while I tell you what I know about
+Philura Rice!"
+
+But the lady had reckoned without her host. The Rev. Silas arose to his
+feet with decision. "I certainly will _not_ listen to anything
+derogatory to Miss Rice," he said sternly. "She is my promised wife,
+you will remember." With that the prudent minister beat a hasty retreat,
+to entrench himself without apology or delay in the inner fastnesses of
+the parsonage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Miss Electa rolled her greenish orbs about the chamber of learning with
+a thoughtful smile. "If Philura Rice ain't crazy," she said aloud; "an'
+I guess she ain't far from it. She's told a wicked lie! In either case,
+it's my Christian duty to see this thing put a stop to!"
+
+That evening after service Miss Philura, her modest cheeks dyed with
+painful blushes, confessed to her promised husband that she had indeed
+announced her intentions of matrimony some three months previous. "I
+wanted somebody to--to love me," she faltered; "somebody in particular,
+you know; and--and I asked God to give me--a--a husband. After I had
+asked, of course I _believed_ that _I had_. He--he was already in the
+encircling Good, you know, or I should not have wanted him! When Electa
+asked me point blank, what could I say without--without denying--_God_?"
+
+The brave voice faltered more than once during this recital; and finally
+broke down altogether when the Rev. Silas Pettibone, his brown eyes
+shining, exclaimed in joyful yet solemn tones, "and God sent me!"
+
+The encircling Good was perfectly manifest at that moment in the shape
+of two strong arms. Miss Philura rested in them and was glad.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+HOUR-GLASS
+
+STORIES
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE COURTSHIP OF SWEET ANNE PAGE
+
+By ELLEN V. TALBOT. A brisk little love story incidental to "The Merry
+Wives of Windsor," full of fun and frolic, and telling of the Courtship
+of Sweet Anne Page by three rivals lovers chosen by her father, her
+mother, and herself.
+
+THE SANDALS
+
+By REV. ZELOTES GRENELL. A beautiful little idyl of sacred story dealing
+with the sandals of Christ.
+
+THE TRANSFIGURATION OF MISS PHILURA
+
+By FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY. This clever story is based on the theory
+that every physical need and every desire of the human heart can be
+claimed and received from the "Encircling Good" by the true believer.
+
+THE HERR DOCTOR
+
+By ROBERT MACDONALD. A novelette of artistic literary merit, narrating
+the varied experiences of an American girl in her effort toward
+capturing a titled husband.
+
+ESARHADDON
+
+By COUNT LEO TOLSTOY. Three allegorical stories illustrating Tolstoy's
+theories of non-resistance, and the essential unity of all forms of
+life.
+
+THE CZAR'S GIFT
+
+By WILLIAM ORDWAY PARTRIDGE. How freedom was obtained for an exiled
+brother.
+
+THE EMANCIPATION OF MISS SUSANA
+
+An entrancing love story that ends in a most romantic marriage.
+
+THE OLD DARNMAN
+
+By CHARLES L. GOODELL, D.D. A character known to many a New England boy
+and girl, in which the "lost bride" is the occasion for a lifelong
+search from door to door.
+
+BALM IN GILEAD
+
+By FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY. A very touching story of a mother's grief
+over the loss of her child of tender years, and her search for comfort,
+which she finds at last in her husband's loyal Christian faith.
+
+MISERERE
+
+By MABEL WAGNALLS. The romantic story of a sweet voice that thrilled
+great audiences in operatic Paris, Berlin, etc.
+
+PARSIFAL
+
+By H. R. HAWEIS. An intimate study of the great operatic masterpiece.
+
+THE TROUBLE WOMAN
+
+By CLARA MORRIS. A pathetic little story full of heart interest.
+
+THE RETURN OF CAROLINE
+
+By FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY. Companion story to the "Transfiguration of
+Miss Philura," by the same author.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Small l2mo, Dainty Cloth Binding, Illustrated._
+
+_40 cents each_
+
+FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY, Pubs.
+
+NEW YORK AND LONDON
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Transfiguration of Miss Philura, by 
+Florence Morse Kingsley
+
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Transfiguration of Miss Philura, by 
+Florence Morse Kingsley
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Transfiguration of Miss Philura
+
+Author: Florence Morse Kingsley
+
+Release Date: February 17, 2009 [EBook #28102]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRANSFIGURATION OF MISS PHILURA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Annie McGuire
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<h1><span class="smcap">The Transfiguration</span></h1>
+
+<h1><span class="smcap">of Miss Philura</span></h1>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 353px;">
+<img src="images/illo_001.jpg" width="353" height="500" alt="Mrs. Smart&#39;s Theme was Thought Forces and the Infinite [See page 18" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Mrs. Smart&#39;s Theme was Thought Forces and the Infinite [See page 18</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1><a name="THE_TRANSFIGURATION" id="THE_TRANSFIGURATION"></a>THE TRANSFIGURATION</h1>
+
+<h1>OF</h1>
+
+<h1>MISS PHILURA</h1>
+
+<h3><i>By</i></h3>
+
+<h2>FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY</h2>
+
+<h3><i>THIRTEENTH EDITION</i></h3>
+
+<h3>FUNK &amp; WAGNALLS COMPANY</h3>
+
+<h3>NEW YORK AND LONDON</h3>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY</span></h4>
+
+<h4>FLORENCE M. KINGSLEY</h4>
+
+<h4><i>Registered at Stationers' Hall, London, England</i></h4>
+
+<h4>[PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]</h4>
+
+<h4>Hour-Glass Stories Edition. Published March, 1902</h4>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_ONE" id="CHAPTER_ONE"></a>CHAPTER ONE</h2>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Miss Philura Rice tied her faded bonnet-strings under her faded chin
+with hands that trembled a little; then she leaned forward and gazed
+anxiously at the reflection which confronted her. A somewhat pinched and
+wistful face it was, with large, light-lashed blue eyes, arched over
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>with a mere pretense at eyebrows. More than once in her twenties Miss
+Philura had ventured to eke out this scanty provision of Nature with a
+modicum of burned match stealthily applied in the privacy of her virgin
+chamber. But the twenties, with their attendant dreams and follies, were
+definitely past; just how long past no one knew exactly&mdash;Miss Philura
+never informed the curious on this point.</p>
+
+<p>As for the insufficient eyebrows, they symbolized, as it were, a meagre
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>and restricted life, vaguely acknowledged as the dispensation of an
+obscurely hostile but consistent Providence; a Providence far too awful
+and exalted&mdash;as well as hostile&mdash;to interest itself benignantly in so
+small and neutral a personality as stared back at her from the large,
+dim mirror of Cousin Maria Van Deuser's third-story back bedroom. Not
+that Miss Philura ever admitted such dubious thoughts to the select
+circle of her conscious reflections; more years ago than she cared to
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>count she had grappled with her discontent, had thrust it resolutely
+out of sight, and on the top of it she had planted a big stone marked
+Resignation. Nevertheless, at times the stone heaved and trembled
+ominously.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>At sound of a brisk tap at her chamber door the lady turned with a
+guilty start to find the fresh-colored, impertinent face of the French
+maid obtruding itself into the room.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p><p>"Ze madame waits," announced this individual, and with a coldly
+comprehensive eye swept the small figure from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, my dear, I am quite ready&mdash;I am coming at once!" faltered
+Miss Philura, with a propitiatory smile, and more than ever painfully
+aware that the skirt of her best black gown was irremediably short and
+scant, that her waist was too flat, her shoulders too sloping, her
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>complexion faded, her forehead wrinkled, and her bonnet unbecoming.</p>
+
+<p>As she stepped uncertainly down the dark, narrow stairway she rebuked
+herself severely for these vain and worldly thoughts. "To be a church
+member, in good and regular standing, and a useful member of society,"
+she assured herself strenuously, "should be and <i>is</i> sufficient for me."</p>
+
+<p>Ten minutes later, Miss Philura, looking smaller and more insignificant
+than usual, was seated in the carriage opposite Mrs. J. Mortimer<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> Van
+Deuser&mdash;a large, heavily upholstered lady of majestic deportment, paying
+diligent heed to the words of wisdom which fell from the lips of her
+hostess and kinswoman.</p>
+
+<p>"During your short stay in Boston," that lady was remarking
+impressively, "you will, of course, wish to avail yourself of those
+means of culture and advancement so sadly lacking in your own
+environment. This, my dear Philura, is pre-eminently the era of
+progressive thought. We can have at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> best, I fear, but a faint
+conception of the degree to which mankind will be able, in the years of
+the coming century, to shake off the gross and material limitations of
+sense."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Van Deuser paused to settle her sables preliminary to recognizing
+with an expansive smile an acquaintance who flashed by them in a
+victoria; after which she adjusted the diamonds in her large, pink ears,
+and proceeded with unctuous tranquillity. "On this occasion, my dear
+Philura,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> you will have the pleasure of listening to an address by Mrs.
+B. Isabelle Smart, one of our most advanced thinkers along this line.
+You will, I trust, be able to derive from her words aliment which will
+influence the entire trend of your individual experience."</p>
+
+<p>"Where&mdash;in what place will the lady speak&mdash;I mean, will it be in the
+church?" ventured Miss Philura in a depressed whisper. She sighed
+apprehensively as she glanced down at the tips of her shabby gloves.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The lecture will take place in the drawing-room of the Woman's
+Ontological Club," responded Mrs. Van Deuser, adding with austere
+sweetness of tone: "The club deals exclusively with those conceptions or
+principles which lie at the base of all phenomena; including being,
+reality, substance, time, space, motion, change, identity, difference,
+and cause&mdash;in a word, my dear Philura, with ultimate metaphysical
+philosophy." A majestic and conclusive sweep<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> of a perfectly gloved hand
+suggested infinity and reduced Miss Philura into shrinking silence.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>When Mrs. B. Isabelle Smart began to speak she became almost directly
+aware of a small, wistful face, with faded blue eyes and a shabby,
+unbecoming bonnet, which, surrounded as it was on all sides by tossing
+plumes, rich velvets and sparkling gems, with their accompaniments of
+full-fleshed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> patrician countenances, took to itself a look of positive
+distinction. Mrs. Smart's theme, as announced by the President of the
+Ontological Club, was Thought Forces and the Infinite, a somewhat
+formidable-sounding subject, but one which the pale, slight, plainly
+dressed but singularly bright-eyed lady, put forward as the speaker of
+the afternoon, showed no hesitancy in attacking.</p>
+
+<p>Before three minutes had passed Miss Philura Rice had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> forgotten that
+such things as shabby gloves, ill-fitting gowns, unbecoming bonnets and
+superfluous birthdays existed. In ten minutes more she was leaning
+forward in breathless attention, the faded eyes aglow, the unbecoming
+bonnet pushed back from a face more wistful than ever, but flushed with
+a joyful excitement.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"This unseen Good hems us about on every side," the speaker was saying,
+with a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> comprehensive sweep of her capable-looking hands. "It presses
+upon us, more limitless, more inexhaustible, more free than the air that
+we breathe! Out of it <i>every</i> need, <i>every</i> want, <i>every</i> yearning of
+humanity can be, must be, supplied. To you, who have hitherto led
+starved lives, hungering, longing for the good things which you believe
+a distant and indifferent God has denied you&mdash;to you I declare that in
+this encircling, ever-present, invisible, exhaustless Beneficence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> is
+already provided a lavish abundance of everything which you can possibly
+want or think! Nay, desire itself is but God&mdash;Good&mdash;Love, knocking at
+the door of your consciousness. It is impossible for you to desire
+anything that is not already your own! It only remains for you to bring
+the invisible into visibility&mdash;to take of the everlasting substance what
+you will!</p>
+
+<p>"And how must you do this? Ask, and <i>believe that you have</i>! You have
+asked many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> times, perhaps, and have failed to receive. Why? You have
+failed to <i>believe</i>. Ask, then, for what you will! Ask, and at once
+return thanks for what you have asked! In the asking and <i>believing</i> is
+the thing itself made manifest. Declare that it is yours! Expect it!
+Believe it! Hold to it without wavering&mdash;no matter how empty your hands
+may seem! <i>It is yours</i>, and God's infinite creation shall lapse into
+nothingness; His stars shall fall from high Heaven like withered<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> leaves
+sooner than that you shall fail to obtain all that you have asked!"</p>
+
+<p>When, at the close of the lecture, Mrs. B. Isabelle Smart became the
+center of a polite yet insistent crush of satins, velvets and
+broadcloths, permeated by an aroma of violets and a gentle hum of
+delicate flattery, she was aware of a timid hand upon her arm, and
+turned to look into the small, eager face under the unfashionable
+bonnet.</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;you meant religious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> gifts, did you not?" faltered the faint,
+discouraged voice; "faith, hope and&mdash;and&mdash;the&mdash;the being resigned to
+God's will, and&mdash;and endeavoring to bear the cross with patience."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"I meant <i>everything</i> that <i>you</i> want," answered the bright-eyed one
+with deliberate emphasis, the bright eyes softening as they took in more
+completely the pinched outlines and the eager child's look<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> shining from
+out the worn and faded woman's face.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;but there is so much! I&mdash;I never had anything that I really
+wanted&mdash;things, you know, that one could hardly mention in one's
+prayers."</p>
+
+<p>"Have them now. Have them all. God is all. All is God. You are God's.
+God is yours!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the billowing surges of silk and velvet swept the small, inquiring
+face into the background with the accustomed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> ease and relentlessness of
+billowing surges.</p>
+
+<p>Having partaken copiously of certain "material beliefs" consisting of
+salads and sandwiches, accompanied by divers cups of strong coffee, Mrs.
+J. Mortimer Van Deuser had become pleasantly flushed and expansive. "A
+most unique, comprehensive and uplifting view of our spiritual
+environment," she remarked to Miss Philura when the two ladies found
+themselves on their homeward way. Her best society<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> smile still lingered
+blandly about the curves and creases of her stolid, high-colored visage;
+the dying violets on her massive satin bosom gave forth their sweetest
+parting breath.</p>
+
+<p>The little lady on the front seat of the carriage sat very erect; red
+spots glowed upon her faded cheeks. "I think," she said tremulously,
+"that it was just&mdash;wonderful! I&mdash;I am so very happy to have heard it.
+Thank you a thousand times, dear Cousin Maria, for taking me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Van Deuser raised her gold-rimmed glasses and settled them under
+arching brows, while the society smile faded quite away. "Of course,"
+she said coldly, "one should make due and proper allowance for facts&mdash;as
+they exist. And also&mdash;er&mdash;consider above all what interpretation is best
+suited to one's individual station in life. Truth, my dear Philura,
+adapts itself freely to the needs of the poor and lowly as well as to
+the demands of those upon whom<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> devolve the higher responsibilities of
+wealth and position; our dear Master Himself spoke of the poor as always
+with us, you will remember. A lowly but pious life, passed in humble
+recognition of God's chastening providence, is doubtless good and proper
+for many worthy persons."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Miss Philura's blue eyes flashed rebelliously for perhaps the first time
+in uncounted years. She made no answer.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> As for the long and presumably
+instructive homily on the duties and prerogatives of the lowly, lasting
+quite up to the moment when the carriage stopped before the door of Mrs.
+Van Deuser's residence, it fell upon ears which heard not. Indeed, her
+next remark was so entirely irrelevant that her august kinswoman stared
+in displeased amazement. "I am going to purchase some&mdash;some necessaries
+to-morrow, Cousin Maria; I should like Fifine to go with me."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Miss Philura acknowledged to herself, with a truthfulness which she felt
+to be almost brazen, that her uppermost yearnings were of a wholly
+mundane character.</p>
+
+<p>During a busy and joyous evening she endeavored to formulate these
+thronging desires; by bedtime she had even ventured&mdash;with the aid of a
+stubbed lead-pencil&mdash;to indite the most immediate and urgent of these
+wants as they knocked at the door of her consciousness. The list, hidden
+guiltily<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> away in the depths of her shabby purse, read something as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to be beautiful and admired. I want two new dresses; a hat with
+plumes, and a silk petticoat that rustles. I want some new kid gloves
+and a feather boa (a long one made of ostrich feathers). I wish&mdash;&mdash;" The
+small, blunt pencil had been lifted in air for the space of three
+minutes before it again descended; then, with cheeks that burned, Miss
+Philura had written the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> fateful words: "I wish to have a lover and to
+be married."</p>
+
+<p>"There, I have done it!" she said to herself, her little fingers
+trembling with agitation. "He must already exist in the encircling Good.
+He is mine. I am engaged to be married at this very moment!"</p>
+
+<p>To lay this singular memorandum before her Maker appeared to Miss
+Philura little short of sacrilegious; but the thought of the mysterious
+Abundance of which the seeress had spoken, urging itself,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> as it were,
+upon her acceptance, encouraged her. She arose from her evening orisons
+with a glowing face. "I have asked," she said aloud, "and I <i>believe</i> I
+shall have."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Mademoiselle Fifine passed a very enjoyable morning with Miss Philura.
+To choose, to purchase, and above all to transform the ugly into the
+beautiful, filled the French woman's breast with enthusiasm. Her glance,
+as it rested<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> upon her companion's face and figure, was no longer coldly
+critical, but cordially appreciative. "Ze madame," she declared, showing
+her white teeth in a pleasant smile, "has very many advantage. <i>Voil&agrave;</i>,
+ze hair&mdash;<i>c'est admirable</i>, as any one may perceive! Pardon, while for
+one little minute I arrange! Ah&mdash;<i>mon dieu!</i> Regard ze difference!"</p>
+
+<p>The two were at this moment in a certain millinery shop conducted by a
+discreet and agreeable compatriot of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> Fifine's. This individual now
+produced a modest hat of black, garnished with plumes, which, set
+lightly on the loosened bands of golden-brown hair, completed the effect
+"<i>d&eacute;licieusement!</i>" declared the French women in chorus.</p>
+
+<p>With a beating heart Miss Philura stared into the mirror at her changed
+reflection. "It is quite&mdash;quite true!" she said aloud. "It is all true."</p>
+
+<p>Fifine and the milliner exchanged delighted shrugs and grimaces. In
+truth, the small,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> erect figure, in its perfectly fitting gown, bore
+no resemblance to the plain, elderly Miss Philura of yesterday.
+As for the face beneath the nodding plumes, it was actually
+radiant&mdash;transfigured&mdash;with joy and hope.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. J. Mortimer Van Deuser regarded the apparition which greeted her at
+luncheon with open disapproval. This new Miss Philura, with the prettily
+flushed cheeks, the bright eyes, the fluff of waving hair, and&mdash;yes,
+actually a knot<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> of fragrant violets at her breast, had given her an
+unpleasant shock of surprise. "I am sure I hope you can <i>afford</i> all
+this," was her comment, with a deliberate adjustment of eyebrows and
+glasses calculated to add mordant point and emphasis to her words.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," replied Miss Philura tranquilly, but with heightened color;
+"I can afford whatever I like now."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Van Deuser stared hard at her guest. She found herself actually
+hesitating before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> Philura Rice. Then she drew her massive figure to its
+full height, and again bent the compelling light of her gold-rimmed
+glasses full upon the small person of her kinswoman. "What&mdash;er&mdash;I do not
+understand," she began lamely. "<i>Where</i> did you obtain the money for all
+this!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Philura raised her eyebrows ever so little&mdash;somehow they seemed to
+suit the clear blue eyes admirably today.</p>
+
+<p>"The money?" she repeated,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> in a tone of surprise. "Why, out of the
+bank, of course."</p>
+
+<p>Upon the fact that she had drawn out and expended in a single morning
+nearly the whole of the modest sum commonly made to supply her meager
+living for six months Miss Philura bestowed but a single thought. "In
+the all-encircling Good," she said to herself serenely, "there is plenty
+of money for me; why, then, should I not spend this?"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_TWO" id="CHAPTER_TWO"></a>CHAPTER TWO</h2>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+<p>The village of Innisfield was treated to a singular surprise on the
+Sunday morning following, when Miss Philura Rice, newly returned from
+her annual visit to Boston, walked down the aisle to her accustomed
+place in the singers' seat. Whispered comment and surmise flew from pew
+to pew, sandwiched irreverently between hymn, prayer and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> sermon.
+Indeed, the last-mentioned portion of the service, being of unusual
+length and dullness, was utilized by the female members of the
+congregation in making a minute inventory of the amazing changes which
+had taken place in the familiar figure of their townswoman.</p>
+
+<p>"Philury's had money left her, I shouldn't wonder;" "Her Cousin Van
+Deuser's been fixin' her up;" "She's a-goin' to be married!" were some
+of the opinions, wholly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> at variance with the text of the discourse,
+which found their way from mouth to mouth.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Electa Pratt attached herself with decision to her friend, Miss
+Rice, directly the service was at an end. "I'm just <i>dying</i> to hear all
+about it!" she exclaimed, with a fond pressure of the arm linked within
+her own&mdash;this after the two ladies had extricated themselves from the
+circle of curious and critical faces at the church door.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Miss Philura surveyed the speaker with meditative eyes; it seemed to her
+that Miss Pratt was curiously altered since she had seen her last.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Have</i> you had a fortune left you?" went on her inquisitor, blinking
+enviously at the nodding plumes which shaded Miss Philura's blue eyes.
+"Everybody <i>says</i> you have; and that you are going to get married soon.
+I'm sure you'll tell <i>me</i> everything!"</p>
+
+<p>Miss Philura hesitated for a moment. "I haven't exactly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> had money left
+me," she began; then her eyes brightened. "I have all that I need," she
+said, and straightened her small figure confidently.</p>
+
+<p>"And <i>are</i> you going to be married, dear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Miss Philura distinctly.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I <i>never</i>&mdash;Philura Rice!" almost screamed her companion. "Do tell
+me <i>when</i>; and <i>who</i> is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can not tell you that&mdash;now," said Miss Philura simply. "He is in&mdash;&mdash;"
+She was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> about to add "the encircling Good," but she reflected that Miss
+Pratt might fail to comprehend her. "I will introduce you to
+him&mdash;later," she concluded with dignity.</p>
+
+<p>To follow the fortunes of Miss Philura during the ensuing weeks were a
+pleasant though monotonous task; the encircling Good proved itself
+wholly adequate to the demands made upon it. Though there was little
+money in the worn purse, there were numerous and pressing invitations
+to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> tea, to dinner, and to spend the day, from hosts of friends who had
+suddenly become warm, affectionate, and cordially appreciative; and not
+even the new Methodist minister's wife could boast of such lavish
+donations, in the shape of new-laid eggs, frosted cakes, delicate
+biscuit, toothsome crullers and choice fruits as found their way to Miss
+Philura's door.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The recipient of these manifold favors walked, as it were,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> upon air.
+"For unto every one that hath shall be given," she read in the privacy
+of her own shabby little parlor, "and he shall have abundance."</p>
+
+<p>"Everything that I want is mine!" cried the little lady, bedewing the
+pages of Holy Writ with happy tears. The thought of the lover and
+husband who, it is true, yet lingered in the invisible, brought a
+becoming blush to her cheek. "I shall see him soon," she reflected
+tranquilly. "He is mine&mdash;mine!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At that very moment Miss Electa Pratt was seated in the awe-inspiring
+reception-room of Mrs. J. Mortimer Van Deuser's residence in Beacon
+Street. The two ladies were engaged in earnest conversation.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>"What you tell me with regard to Philura fills me with surprise and
+alarm," Mrs. Van Deuser was remarking with something more than her
+accustomed majesty of tone and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> mien. "Philura Rice certainly did <i>not</i>
+become engaged to be married during her stay in Boston. Neither has she
+been the recipient of funds from myself, nor, to the best of my
+knowledge, from any other member of the family. Personally, I have
+always been averse to the encouragement of extravagance and vanity in
+those destined by a wise Providence to pass their lives in a humble
+station. I fear exceedingly that Philura's visits to Boston have failed
+to benefit<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> her as I wished and intended."</p>
+
+<p>"But she <i>said</i> that she had money, and that she was going to get
+married," persisted Miss Pratt. "You don't suppose"&mdash;lowering her
+strident tones to a whisper&mdash;"that the poor thing is going crazy?"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Mrs. Van Deuser had concentrated her intellectual and penetrating orbs
+upon a certain triangular knob that garnished the handle of her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>
+visitor's umbrella; she vouchsafed no reply. When she did speak, after
+the lapse of some moments, it was to dismiss that worthy person with a
+practiced ease and adroitness which permitted of nothing further, either
+in the way of information or conjecture.</p>
+
+<p>"Philura is, after all, a distant relative of my own," soliloquized Mrs.
+Van Deuser, "and <i>as such</i> is entitled to consideration."</p>
+
+<p>Her subsequent cogitations<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> presently took shape to themselves and
+became a letter, dispatched in the evening mail and bearing the address
+of the Rev. Silas Pettibone, Innisfield. Mrs. Van Deuser recalled in
+this missive Miss Philura's "unfortunate visit" to the Ontological Club,
+and the patent indications of its equally unfortunate consequences. "I
+should be inclined to take myself severely to task in the matter," wrote
+the excellent and conscientious lady, "if I had not improved the
+opportunity<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> to explain at length, in the hearing of my misguided
+relative, the nature and scope of God's controlling providence, as
+signally displayed in His dealings with the humbler classes of society.
+As an under-shepherd of the lowly flock to which Miss Rice belongs, my
+dear Mr. Pettibone, I lay her spiritual state before you, and beg that
+you will at once endeavor to set right her erroneous views of the
+overruling guidance of the Supreme Being. I shall myself intercede for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+Philura before the Throne of Grace."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The Rev. Silas Pettibone read this remarkable communication with
+interest; indeed, after returning it to its envelope and bestowing it in
+his most inaccessible coat-pocket, the under-shepherd of the lowly flock
+of Innisfield gave himself the task of resurrecting and reperusing the
+succinct yet weighty words of Mrs. Van Deuser.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>If the Rev. Silas had been blessed with a wife, to whose nimbler wits he
+might have submitted the case, it is probable that he would not have sat
+for so long a time in his great chair brooding over the contents of the
+violet-tinted envelope from Boston. But unfortunately the good minister
+had been forced to lay his helpmate beneath the rough sods of the
+village churchyard some three years previous. Since this sad event, it
+is scarcely necessary to state, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> had found it essential to his peace
+of mind to employ great discretion in his dealings with the female
+members of his flock. He viewed the matter in hand with vague
+misgivings. Strangely enough, he had not heard of Miss Philura's good
+fortune, and to his masculine and impartial vision there had appeared no
+especial change in the aspect or conduct of the the little woman.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me think," he mused, passing his white hand through the thick, dark
+locks, just<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> touched with gray, which shaded his perplexed forehead. He
+was a personable man, was the Rev. Silas Pettibone. "Let me think: Miss
+Philura has been very regular in her attendance at church and
+prayer-meeting of late. No, I have observed nothing wrong&mdash;nothing
+blameworthy in her walk and conversation. But I can not approve of
+these&mdash;ah&mdash;clubs." He again cast his eye upon the letter. "Ontology,
+now, is certainly not a fit subject for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> consideration of the female
+mind."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Having delivered himself of this sapient opinion, the reverend gentleman
+made ready for a round of parochial visits. Foremost on his list
+appeared the name of Miss Philura Rice. As he stood upon the door-step,
+shaded on either side by fragrant lilac plumes, he resolved to be
+particularly brief, though impressive, in his pastoral<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> ministrations.
+If this especial member of his flock had wandered from the straight and
+narrow way into forbidden by-paths, it was his manifest duty to restore
+her in the spirit of meekness; but he would waste no unnecessary time or
+words in the process.</p>
+
+<p>The sunshine, pleasantly interrupted by snowy muslin curtains, streamed
+in through the open windows of Miss Philura's modest parlor, kindling
+into scarlet flame the blossoms of the thrifty geranium<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> which stood
+upon the sill, and flickered gently on the brown head of the little
+mistress of the house, seated with her sewing in a favorite
+rocking-chair. Miss Philura was unaffectedly glad to see her pastor. She
+told him at once that last Sunday's sermon was inspiring; that she felt
+sure that after hearing it the unconverted could hardly fail to be
+convinced of the error of their ways.</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Silas Pettibone seated himself opposite Miss<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> Philura and
+regarded her attentively. The second-best new dress was undeniably
+becoming; the blue eyes under the childish brows beamed upon him
+cordially. "I am pleased to learn&mdash;ah&mdash;that you can approve the
+discourse of Sabbath morning," he began in somewhat labored fashion. "I
+have had occasion to&mdash;that is&mdash;er, my attention has been called of late
+to the fact that certain members of the church have&mdash;well, to put it
+briefly, some have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> fallen grievously away from the faith."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Philura's sympathy and concern were at once apparent. "I do not
+see," she said simply, "how one can fall away from the faith. It is so
+beautiful to believe!"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The small, upturned face shone with so sweet and serene a light that the
+under-shepherd of the Innisfield flock leaned forward and fixed his
+earnest brown eyes on the clear blue<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> eyes of the lady. In treatises
+relating to the affections this stage of the proceedings is generally
+conceded to mark a crisis. It marked a crisis on this occasion; during
+that moment the Rev. Silas Pettibone forgot at once and for all time the
+violet-tinted envelope in his coat-tail pocket. It was discovered six
+month's later and consigned to oblivion by&mdash;but let us not anticipate.</p>
+
+<p>"God is so kind, <i>so generous</i>!" pursued Miss Philura softly. "If we
+once know Him as our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> Father we can never again be afraid, or lonely, or
+poor, or lacking for any good thing. How is it possible to fall away? I
+do not understand. Is it not because they do not know Him?"</p>
+
+<p>It is altogether likely that the pastor of the Innisfield Presbyterian
+Church found conditions in the spiritual state of Miss Philura which
+necessitated earnest and prolonged admonition; at all events, the sun
+was sinking behind the western horizon when the reverend gentleman<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+slowly and thoughtfully made his way toward the parsonage. Curiously
+enough, this highly respectable domicile had taken on during his absence
+an aspect of gloom and loneliness unpleasantly apparent. "A scarlet
+geranium in the window might improve it," thought the vaguely
+dissatisfied proprietor, as he put on his dressing-gown and thrust his
+feet into his newest pair of slippers. (Presented by Miss Electa Pratt
+"to my pastor, with grateful affection.")<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I believe I failed to draw Miss Philura's attention to the obvious
+relation between faith and works," cogitated the reverend Silas, as he
+sat before his lonely hearth, placidly scorching the soles of his new
+slippers before the cheerful blaze. "It will be altogether advisable, I
+think, to set her right on that point without delay. I will&mdash;ah&mdash;just
+look in again for a moment to-morrow afternoon."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p><hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"God's purposes will ripen fast,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 17em;">Unfolding every hour.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 16em;">The bud may have a bitter taste,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 17em;">But sweet will be the flower!"</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>sang the choir of the Innisfield Presbyterian Church one Sunday morning
+a month later. And Miss Philura Rice&mdash;as was afterward remarked&mdash;sang
+the words with such enthusiasm and earnestness that her high soprano
+soared quite above all the other voices in the choir, and this despite
+the fact that Miss Electa Pratt was putting forth her nasal contralto
+with more than wonted insistence.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The last-mentioned lady found the sermon&mdash;on the text, "Little children,
+love one another, for love is of God"&mdash;so extremely convincing, and her
+own subsequent spiritual state in such an agitated condition, that she
+took occasion to seek a private conversation with her pastor in his
+study on that same Sunday afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know <i>when</i> I've been so wrought up!" declared Miss Pratt, with
+a preliminary display of immaculate handkerchief. "I cried <i>and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> cried</i>
+after I got home from church this morning. Ma she sez to me, sez she,
+'What ails you Lecty?' And I sez to ma, sez I, 'Ma, it was that
+<i>blessed</i> sermon. I don't know <i>when</i> I ever heard anything like it!
+That dear pastor of ours is just ripening for a better world!'" Miss
+Electa paused a moment to shed copious tears over this statement. "It
+does seem to me, <i>dear</i> Mr. Pettibone," she resumed, with a tender
+glance and a comprehensive sniff, "that you ain't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> looking as well as
+usual. I said so to Philura Rice as we was coming out of church, and I
+really hate to tell you how she answered me; only I feel as though it
+was my duty. 'Mr. Pettibone is perfectly well!' she says, and tossed
+those feathers of hers higher'n ever. Philura's awful worldly, I <i>do
+grieve</i> to say&mdash;<i>if not worse</i>. I've been a-thinking for some time that
+it was my Christian duty (however painful) to tell you what Mis' Van
+Deuser, of Boston, said about&mdash;&mdash;"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Silas Pettibone frowned with awful dignity. He brought down his
+closed fist upon his open Bible with forensic force and suddenness.
+"Miss Philura Rice," he said emphatically, "is one of the most
+spiritual&mdash;the most lovely and consistent&mdash;Christian characters it has
+ever been my privilege to know. Her faith and unworldliness are
+absolutely beyond the comprehension of&mdash;of&mdash;many of my flock. I must
+further tell you that I hope to have the great happiness<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> of leading
+Miss Rice to the matrimonial altar in the near future."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Electa Pratt sank back in her chair petrified with astonishment.
+"Well, I <i>must say</i>!" she gasped. "And she was engaged to you <i>all this
+time</i> and I never knew it!"</p>
+
+<p>The Rev. Pettibone bent his eyes coldly upon his agitated parishioner.
+"I am at a loss to comprehend your very strange comment, Miss Pratt," he
+said; "the engagement has<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> been of such very short duration that I can
+not regard it as surprising that you should not have heard of it.
+It&mdash;ah&mdash;took place only yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>Miss Electa straightened her angular shoulders with a jerk. "Yesterday!"
+she almost screamed. "Well! I can tell <i>you</i> that Philura Rice told <i>me</i>
+that she was engaged to be married more than three months ago!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are certainly mistaken, madam," began the minister<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> in a somewhat
+perturbed tone, which did not escape the notice of the now flushed and
+triumphant spinster.</p>
+
+<p>"More than three months ago!" she repeated with incisive emphasis.
+"<i>Now</i> maybe you'll listen to me while I tell you what I know about
+Philura Rice!"</p>
+
+<p>But the lady had reckoned without her host. The Rev. Silas arose to his
+feet with decision. "I certainly will <i>not</i> listen to anything
+derogatory to Miss Rice," he said sternly.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> "She is my promised wife,
+you will remember." With that the prudent minister beat a hasty retreat,
+to entrench himself without apology or delay in the inner fastnesses of
+the parsonage.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Miss Electa rolled her greenish orbs about the chamber of learning with
+a thoughtful smile. "If Philura Rice ain't crazy," she said aloud; "an'
+I guess she ain't far from it. She's told a wicked lie! In<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> either case,
+it's my Christian duty to see this thing put a stop to!"</p>
+
+<p>That evening after service Miss Philura, her modest cheeks dyed with
+painful blushes, confessed to her promised husband that she had indeed
+announced her intentions of matrimony some three months previous. "I
+wanted somebody to&mdash;to love me," she faltered; "somebody in particular,
+you know; and&mdash;and I asked God to give me&mdash;a&mdash;a husband. After I had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+asked, of course I <i>believed</i> that <i>I had</i>. He&mdash;he was already in the
+encircling Good, you know, or I should not have wanted him! When Electa
+asked me point blank, what could I say without&mdash;without denying&mdash;<i>God</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>The brave voice faltered more than once during this recital; and finally
+broke down altogether when the Rev. Silas Pettibone, his brown eyes
+shining, exclaimed in joyful yet solemn tones, "and God sent me!"<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The encircling Good was perfectly manifest at that moment in the shape
+of two strong arms. Miss Philura rested in them and was glad.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE" id="THE"></a>THE</h2>
+
+<h2>HOUR-GLASS</h2>
+
+<h2>STORIES</h2>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<h3>THE COURTSHIP OF SWEET ANNE PAGE</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Ellen V. Talbot</span>. A brisk little love story incidental to "The Merry
+Wives of Windsor," full of fun and frolic, and telling of the Courtship
+of Sweet Anne Page by three rivals lovers chosen by her father, her
+mother, and herself.</p>
+
+<h3>THE SANDALS</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Rev. Zelotes Grenell</span>. A beautiful little idyl of sacred story dealing
+with the sandals of Christ.</p>
+
+<h3>THE TRANSFIGURATION OF MISS PHILURA</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Florence Morse Kingsley</span>. This clever story is based on the theory
+that every physical need and every desire of the human heart can be
+claimed and received from the "Encircling Good" by the true believer.</p>
+
+<h3>THE HERR DOCTOR</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Robert Macdonald</span>. A novelette of artistic literary merit, narrating
+the varied experiences of an American girl in her effort toward
+capturing a titled husband.</p>
+
+<h3>ESARHADDON</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Count Leo Tolstoy</span>. Three allegorical stories illustrating Tolstoy's
+theories of non-resistance, and the essential unity of all forms of
+life.</p>
+
+<h3>THE CZAR'S GIFT</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">William Ordway Partridge</span>. How freedom was obtained for an exiled
+brother.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<h3>THE EMANCIPATION OF MISS SUSANA</h3>
+
+<p>An entrancing love story that ends in a most romantic marriage.</p>
+
+<h3>THE OLD DARNMAN</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Charles L. Goodell</span>, D.D. A character known to many a New England boy
+and girl, in which the "lost bride" is the occasion for a lifelong
+search from door to door.</p>
+
+<h3>BALM IN GILEAD</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Florence Morse Kingsley</span>. A very touching story of a mother's grief
+over the loss of her child of tender years, and her search for comfort,
+which she finds at last in her husband's loyal Christian faith.</p>
+
+<h3>MISERERE</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Mabel Wagnalls</span>. The romantic story of a sweet voice that thrilled
+great audiences in operatic Paris, Berlin, etc.</p>
+
+<h3>PARSIFAL</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;R. Haweis</span>. An intimate study of the great operatic masterpiece.</p>
+
+<h3>THE TROUBLE WOMAN</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Clara Morris</span>. A pathetic little story full of heart interest.</p>
+
+<h3>THE RETURN OF CAROLINE</h3>
+
+<p>By <span class="smcap">Florence Morse Kingsley</span>. Companion story to the "Transfiguration of
+Miss Philura," by the same author.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+<h4><i>Small l2mo, Dainty Cloth Binding, Illustrated.</i></h4>
+
+<h4><i>40 cents each</i></h4>
+
+<h3>FUNK &amp; WAGNALLS COMPANY, Pubs.</h3>
+
+<h3>NEW YORK AND LONDON</h3>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Transfiguration of Miss Philura, by 
+Florence Morse Kingsley
+
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Transfiguration of Miss Philura, by
+Florence Morse Kingsley
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Transfiguration of Miss Philura
+
+Author: Florence Morse Kingsley
+
+Release Date: February 17, 2009 [EBook #28102]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TRANSFIGURATION OF MISS PHILURA ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Annie McGuire
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSFIGURATION
+
+OF MISS PHILURA
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Mrs. Smart's Theme was Thought Forces and the Infinite
+
+[_See page 18_]
+
+
+
+
+THE TRANSFIGURATION
+OF
+MISS PHILURA
+
+
+_By_
+FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY
+
+
+_THIRTEENTH EDITION_
+FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY
+NEW YORK AND LONDON
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1901, BY
+FLORENCE M. KINGSLEY
+_Registered at Stationers' Hall, London, England_
+[PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA]
+Hour-Glass Stories Edition. Published March, 1902
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE
+
+
+Miss Philura Rice tied her faded bonnet-strings under her faded chin
+with hands that trembled a little; then she leaned forward and gazed
+anxiously at the reflection which confronted her. A somewhat pinched and
+wistful face it was, with large, light-lashed blue eyes, arched over
+with a mere pretense at eyebrows. More than once in her twenties Miss
+Philura had ventured to eke out this scanty provision of Nature with a
+modicum of burned match stealthily applied in the privacy of her virgin
+chamber. But the twenties, with their attendant dreams and follies, were
+definitely past; just how long past no one knew exactly--Miss Philura
+never informed the curious on this point.
+
+As for the insufficient eyebrows, they symbolized, as it were, a meagre
+and restricted life, vaguely acknowledged as the dispensation of an
+obscurely hostile but consistent Providence; a Providence far too awful
+and exalted--as well as hostile--to interest itself benignantly in so
+small and neutral a personality as stared back at her from the large,
+dim mirror of Cousin Maria Van Deuser's third-story back bedroom. Not
+that Miss Philura ever admitted such dubious thoughts to the select
+circle of her conscious reflections; more years ago than she cared to
+count she had grappled with her discontent, had thrust it resolutely
+out of sight, and on the top of it she had planted a big stone marked
+Resignation. Nevertheless, at times the stone heaved and trembled
+ominously.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At sound of a brisk tap at her chamber door the lady turned with a
+guilty start to find the fresh-colored, impertinent face of the French
+maid obtruding itself into the room.
+
+"Ze madame waits," announced this individual, and with a coldly
+comprehensive eye swept the small figure from head to foot.
+
+"Yes, yes, my dear, I am quite ready--I am coming at once!" faltered
+Miss Philura, with a propitiatory smile, and more than ever painfully
+aware that the skirt of her best black gown was irremediably short and
+scant, that her waist was too flat, her shoulders too sloping, her
+complexion faded, her forehead wrinkled, and her bonnet unbecoming.
+
+As she stepped uncertainly down the dark, narrow stairway she rebuked
+herself severely for these vain and worldly thoughts. "To be a church
+member, in good and regular standing, and a useful member of society,"
+she assured herself strenuously, "should be and _is_ sufficient for me."
+
+Ten minutes later, Miss Philura, looking smaller and more insignificant
+than usual, was seated in the carriage opposite Mrs. J. Mortimer Van
+Deuser--a large, heavily upholstered lady of majestic deportment, paying
+diligent heed to the words of wisdom which fell from the lips of her
+hostess and kinswoman.
+
+"During your short stay in Boston," that lady was remarking
+impressively, "you will, of course, wish to avail yourself of those
+means of culture and advancement so sadly lacking in your own
+environment. This, my dear Philura, is pre-eminently the era of
+progressive thought. We can have at best, I fear, but a faint
+conception of the degree to which mankind will be able, in the years of
+the coming century, to shake off the gross and material limitations of
+sense."
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser paused to settle her sables preliminary to recognizing
+with an expansive smile an acquaintance who flashed by them in a
+victoria; after which she adjusted the diamonds in her large, pink ears,
+and proceeded with unctuous tranquillity. "On this occasion, my dear
+Philura, you will have the pleasure of listening to an address by Mrs.
+B. Isabelle Smart, one of our most advanced thinkers along this line.
+You will, I trust, be able to derive from her words aliment which will
+influence the entire trend of your individual experience."
+
+"Where--in what place will the lady speak--I mean, will it be in the
+church?" ventured Miss Philura in a depressed whisper. She sighed
+apprehensively as she glanced down at the tips of her shabby gloves.
+
+"The lecture will take place in the drawing-room of the Woman's
+Ontological Club," responded Mrs. Van Deuser, adding with austere
+sweetness of tone: "The club deals exclusively with those conceptions or
+principles which lie at the base of all phenomena; including being,
+reality, substance, time, space, motion, change, identity, difference,
+and cause--in a word, my dear Philura, with ultimate metaphysical
+philosophy." A majestic and conclusive sweep of a perfectly gloved hand
+suggested infinity and reduced Miss Philura into shrinking silence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When Mrs. B. Isabelle Smart began to speak she became almost directly
+aware of a small, wistful face, with faded blue eyes and a shabby,
+unbecoming bonnet, which, surrounded as it was on all sides by tossing
+plumes, rich velvets and sparkling gems, with their accompaniments of
+full-fleshed, patrician countenances, took to itself a look of positive
+distinction. Mrs. Smart's theme, as announced by the President of the
+Ontological Club, was Thought Forces and the Infinite, a somewhat
+formidable-sounding subject, but one which the pale, slight, plainly
+dressed but singularly bright-eyed lady, put forward as the speaker of
+the afternoon, showed no hesitancy in attacking.
+
+Before three minutes had passed Miss Philura Rice had forgotten that
+such things as shabby gloves, ill-fitting gowns, unbecoming bonnets and
+superfluous birthdays existed. In ten minutes more she was leaning
+forward in breathless attention, the faded eyes aglow, the unbecoming
+bonnet pushed back from a face more wistful than ever, but flushed with
+a joyful excitement.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"This unseen Good hems us about on every side," the speaker was saying,
+with a comprehensive sweep of her capable-looking hands. "It presses
+upon us, more limitless, more inexhaustible, more free than the air that
+we breathe! Out of it _every_ need, _every_ want, _every_ yearning of
+humanity can be, must be, supplied. To you, who have hitherto led
+starved lives, hungering, longing for the good things which you believe
+a distant and indifferent God has denied you--to you I declare that in
+this encircling, ever-present, invisible, exhaustless Beneficence is
+already provided a lavish abundance of everything which you can possibly
+want or think! Nay, desire itself is but God--Good--Love, knocking at
+the door of your consciousness. It is impossible for you to desire
+anything that is not already your own! It only remains for you to bring
+the invisible into visibility--to take of the everlasting substance what
+you will!
+
+"And how must you do this? Ask, and _believe that you have_! You have
+asked many times, perhaps, and have failed to receive. Why? You have
+failed to _believe_. Ask, then, for what you will! Ask, and at once
+return thanks for what you have asked! In the asking and _believing_ is
+the thing itself made manifest. Declare that it is yours! Expect it!
+Believe it! Hold to it without wavering--no matter how empty your hands
+may seem! _It is yours_, and God's infinite creation shall lapse into
+nothingness; His stars shall fall from high Heaven like withered leaves
+sooner than that you shall fail to obtain all that you have asked!"
+
+When, at the close of the lecture, Mrs. B. Isabelle Smart became the
+center of a polite yet insistent crush of satins, velvets and
+broadcloths, permeated by an aroma of violets and a gentle hum of
+delicate flattery, she was aware of a timid hand upon her arm, and
+turned to look into the small, eager face under the unfashionable
+bonnet.
+
+"You--you meant religious gifts, did you not?" faltered the faint,
+discouraged voice; "faith, hope and--and--the--the being resigned to
+God's will, and--and endeavoring to bear the cross with patience."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I meant _everything_ that _you_ want," answered the bright-eyed one
+with deliberate emphasis, the bright eyes softening as they took in more
+completely the pinched outlines and the eager child's look shining from
+out the worn and faded woman's face.
+
+"But--but there is so much! I--I never had anything that I really
+wanted--things, you know, that one could hardly mention in one's
+prayers."
+
+"Have them now. Have them all. God is all. All is God. You are God's.
+God is yours!"
+
+Then the billowing surges of silk and velvet swept the small, inquiring
+face into the background with the accustomed ease and relentlessness of
+billowing surges.
+
+Having partaken copiously of certain "material beliefs" consisting of
+salads and sandwiches, accompanied by divers cups of strong coffee, Mrs.
+J. Mortimer Van Deuser had become pleasantly flushed and expansive. "A
+most unique, comprehensive and uplifting view of our spiritual
+environment," she remarked to Miss Philura when the two ladies found
+themselves on their homeward way. Her best society smile still lingered
+blandly about the curves and creases of her stolid, high-colored visage;
+the dying violets on her massive satin bosom gave forth their sweetest
+parting breath.
+
+The little lady on the front seat of the carriage sat very erect; red
+spots glowed upon her faded cheeks. "I think," she said tremulously,
+"that it was just--wonderful! I--I am so very happy to have heard it.
+Thank you a thousand times, dear Cousin Maria, for taking me."
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser raised her gold-rimmed glasses and settled them under
+arching brows, while the society smile faded quite away. "Of course,"
+she said coldly, "one should make due and proper allowance for facts--as
+they exist. And also--er--consider above all what interpretation is best
+suited to one's individual station in life. Truth, my dear Philura,
+adapts itself freely to the needs of the poor and lowly as well as to
+the demands of those upon whom devolve the higher responsibilities of
+wealth and position; our dear Master Himself spoke of the poor as always
+with us, you will remember. A lowly but pious life, passed in humble
+recognition of God's chastening providence, is doubtless good and proper
+for many worthy persons."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Miss Philura's blue eyes flashed rebelliously for perhaps the first time
+in uncounted years. She made no answer. As for the long and presumably
+instructive homily on the duties and prerogatives of the lowly, lasting
+quite up to the moment when the carriage stopped before the door of Mrs.
+Van Deuser's residence, it fell upon ears which heard not. Indeed, her
+next remark was so entirely irrelevant that her august kinswoman stared
+in displeased amazement. "I am going to purchase some--some necessaries
+to-morrow, Cousin Maria; I should like Fifine to go with me."
+
+Miss Philura acknowledged to herself, with a truthfulness which she felt
+to be almost brazen, that her uppermost yearnings were of a wholly
+mundane character.
+
+During a busy and joyous evening she endeavored to formulate these
+thronging desires; by bedtime she had even ventured--with the aid of a
+stubbed lead-pencil--to indite the most immediate and urgent of these
+wants as they knocked at the door of her consciousness. The list, hidden
+guiltily away in the depths of her shabby purse, read something as
+follows:
+
+"I wish to be beautiful and admired. I want two new dresses; a hat with
+plumes, and a silk petticoat that rustles. I want some new kid gloves
+and a feather boa (a long one made of ostrich feathers). I wish----" The
+small, blunt pencil had been lifted in air for the space of three
+minutes before it again descended; then, with cheeks that burned, Miss
+Philura had written the fateful words: "I wish to have a lover and to
+be married."
+
+"There, I have done it!" she said to herself, her little fingers
+trembling with agitation. "He must already exist in the encircling Good.
+He is mine. I am engaged to be married at this very moment!"
+
+To lay this singular memorandum before her Maker appeared to Miss
+Philura little short of sacrilegious; but the thought of the mysterious
+Abundance of which the seeress had spoken, urging itself, as it were,
+upon her acceptance, encouraged her. She arose from her evening orisons
+with a glowing face. "I have asked," she said aloud, "and I _believe_ I
+shall have."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mademoiselle Fifine passed a very enjoyable morning with Miss Philura.
+To choose, to purchase, and above all to transform the ugly into the
+beautiful, filled the French woman's breast with enthusiasm. Her glance,
+as it rested upon her companion's face and figure, was no longer coldly
+critical, but cordially appreciative. "Ze madame," she declared, showing
+her white teeth in a pleasant smile, "has very many advantage. _Voila_,
+ze hair--_c'est admirable_, as any one may perceive! Pardon, while for
+one little minute I arrange! Ah--_mon dieu!_ Regard ze difference!"
+
+The two were at this moment in a certain millinery shop conducted by a
+discreet and agreeable compatriot of Fifine's. This individual now
+produced a modest hat of black, garnished with plumes, which, set
+lightly on the loosened bands of golden-brown hair, completed the effect
+"_delicieusement!_" declared the French women in chorus.
+
+With a beating heart Miss Philura stared into the mirror at her changed
+reflection. "It is quite--quite true!" she said aloud. "It is all true."
+
+Fifine and the milliner exchanged delighted shrugs and grimaces. In
+truth, the small, erect figure, in its perfectly fitting gown, bore
+no resemblance to the plain, elderly Miss Philura of yesterday.
+As for the face beneath the nodding plumes, it was actually
+radiant--transfigured--with joy and hope.
+
+Mrs. J. Mortimer Van Deuser regarded the apparition which greeted her at
+luncheon with open disapproval. This new Miss Philura, with the prettily
+flushed cheeks, the bright eyes, the fluff of waving hair, and--yes,
+actually a knot of fragrant violets at her breast, had given her an
+unpleasant shock of surprise. "I am sure I hope you can _afford_ all
+this," was her comment, with a deliberate adjustment of eyebrows and
+glasses calculated to add mordant point and emphasis to her words.
+
+"Oh, yes," replied Miss Philura tranquilly, but with heightened color;
+"I can afford whatever I like now."
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser stared hard at her guest. She found herself actually
+hesitating before Philura Rice. Then she drew her massive figure to its
+full height, and again bent the compelling light of her gold-rimmed
+glasses full upon the small person of her kinswoman. "What--er--I do not
+understand," she began lamely. "_Where_ did you obtain the money for all
+this!"
+
+Miss Philura raised her eyebrows ever so little--somehow they seemed to
+suit the clear blue eyes admirably today.
+
+"The money?" she repeated, in a tone of surprise. "Why, out of the
+bank, of course."
+
+Upon the fact that she had drawn out and expended in a single morning
+nearly the whole of the modest sum commonly made to supply her meager
+living for six months Miss Philura bestowed but a single thought. "In
+the all-encircling Good," she said to herself serenely, "there is plenty
+of money for me; why, then, should I not spend this?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO
+
+
+The village of Innisfield was treated to a singular surprise on the
+Sunday morning following, when Miss Philura Rice, newly returned from
+her annual visit to Boston, walked down the aisle to her accustomed
+place in the singers' seat. Whispered comment and surmise flew from pew
+to pew, sandwiched irreverently between hymn, prayer and sermon.
+Indeed, the last-mentioned portion of the service, being of unusual
+length and dullness, was utilized by the female members of the
+congregation in making a minute inventory of the amazing changes which
+had taken place in the familiar figure of their townswoman.
+
+"Philury's had money left her, I shouldn't wonder;" "Her Cousin Van
+Deuser's been fixin' her up;" "She's a-goin' to be married!" were some
+of the opinions, wholly at variance with the text of the discourse,
+which found their way from mouth to mouth.
+
+Miss Electa Pratt attached herself with decision to her friend, Miss
+Rice, directly the service was at an end. "I'm just _dying_ to hear all
+about it!" she exclaimed, with a fond pressure of the arm linked within
+her own--this after the two ladies had extricated themselves from the
+circle of curious and critical faces at the church door.
+
+Miss Philura surveyed the speaker with meditative eyes; it seemed to her
+that Miss Pratt was curiously altered since she had seen her last.
+
+"_Have_ you had a fortune left you?" went on her inquisitor, blinking
+enviously at the nodding plumes which shaded Miss Philura's blue eyes.
+"Everybody _says_ you have; and that you are going to get married soon.
+I'm sure you'll tell _me_ everything!"
+
+Miss Philura hesitated for a moment. "I haven't exactly had money left
+me," she began; then her eyes brightened. "I have all that I need," she
+said, and straightened her small figure confidently.
+
+"And _are_ you going to be married, dear?"
+
+"Yes," said Miss Philura distinctly.
+
+"Well, I _never_--Philura Rice!" almost screamed her companion. "Do tell
+me _when_; and _who_ is it?"
+
+"I can not tell you that--now," said Miss Philura simply. "He is in----"
+She was about to add "the encircling Good," but she reflected that Miss
+Pratt might fail to comprehend her. "I will introduce you to
+him--later," she concluded with dignity.
+
+To follow the fortunes of Miss Philura during the ensuing weeks were a
+pleasant though monotonous task; the encircling Good proved itself
+wholly adequate to the demands made upon it. Though there was little
+money in the worn purse, there were numerous and pressing invitations
+to tea, to dinner, and to spend the day, from hosts of friends who had
+suddenly become warm, affectionate, and cordially appreciative; and not
+even the new Methodist minister's wife could boast of such lavish
+donations, in the shape of new-laid eggs, frosted cakes, delicate
+biscuit, toothsome crullers and choice fruits as found their way to Miss
+Philura's door.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The recipient of these manifold favors walked, as it were, upon air.
+"For unto every one that hath shall be given," she read in the privacy
+of her own shabby little parlor, "and he shall have abundance."
+
+"Everything that I want is mine!" cried the little lady, bedewing the
+pages of Holy Writ with happy tears. The thought of the lover and
+husband who, it is true, yet lingered in the invisible, brought a
+becoming blush to her cheek. "I shall see him soon," she reflected
+tranquilly. "He is mine--mine!"
+
+At that very moment Miss Electa Pratt was seated in the awe-inspiring
+reception-room of Mrs. J. Mortimer Van Deuser's residence in Beacon
+Street. The two ladies were engaged in earnest conversation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"What you tell me with regard to Philura fills me with surprise and
+alarm," Mrs. Van Deuser was remarking with something more than her
+accustomed majesty of tone and mien. "Philura Rice certainly did _not_
+become engaged to be married during her stay in Boston. Neither has she
+been the recipient of funds from myself, nor, to the best of my
+knowledge, from any other member of the family. Personally, I have
+always been averse to the encouragement of extravagance and vanity in
+those destined by a wise Providence to pass their lives in a humble
+station. I fear exceedingly that Philura's visits to Boston have failed
+to benefit her as I wished and intended."
+
+"But she _said_ that she had money, and that she was going to get
+married," persisted Miss Pratt. "You don't suppose"--lowering her
+strident tones to a whisper--"that the poor thing is going crazy?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mrs. Van Deuser had concentrated her intellectual and penetrating orbs
+upon a certain triangular knob that garnished the handle of her
+visitor's umbrella; she vouchsafed no reply. When she did speak, after
+the lapse of some moments, it was to dismiss that worthy person with a
+practiced ease and adroitness which permitted of nothing further, either
+in the way of information or conjecture.
+
+"Philura is, after all, a distant relative of my own," soliloquized Mrs.
+Van Deuser, "and _as such_ is entitled to consideration."
+
+Her subsequent cogitations presently took shape to themselves and
+became a letter, dispatched in the evening mail and bearing the address
+of the Rev. Silas Pettibone, Innisfield. Mrs. Van Deuser recalled in
+this missive Miss Philura's "unfortunate visit" to the Ontological Club,
+and the patent indications of its equally unfortunate consequences. "I
+should be inclined to take myself severely to task in the matter," wrote
+the excellent and conscientious lady, "if I had not improved the
+opportunity to explain at length, in the hearing of my misguided
+relative, the nature and scope of God's controlling providence, as
+signally displayed in His dealings with the humbler classes of society.
+As an under-shepherd of the lowly flock to which Miss Rice belongs, my
+dear Mr. Pettibone, I lay her spiritual state before you, and beg that
+you will at once endeavor to set right her erroneous views of the
+overruling guidance of the Supreme Being. I shall myself intercede for
+Philura before the Throne of Grace."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Rev. Silas Pettibone read this remarkable communication with
+interest; indeed, after returning it to its envelope and bestowing it in
+his most inaccessible coat-pocket, the under-shepherd of the lowly flock
+of Innisfield gave himself the task of resurrecting and reperusing the
+succinct yet weighty words of Mrs. Van Deuser.
+
+If the Rev. Silas had been blessed with a wife, to whose nimbler wits he
+might have submitted the case, it is probable that he would not have sat
+for so long a time in his great chair brooding over the contents of the
+violet-tinted envelope from Boston. But unfortunately the good minister
+had been forced to lay his helpmate beneath the rough sods of the
+village churchyard some three years previous. Since this sad event, it
+is scarcely necessary to state, he had found it essential to his peace
+of mind to employ great discretion in his dealings with the female
+members of his flock. He viewed the matter in hand with vague
+misgivings. Strangely enough, he had not heard of Miss Philura's good
+fortune, and to his masculine and impartial vision there had appeared no
+especial change in the aspect or conduct of the the little woman.
+
+"Let me think," he mused, passing his white hand through the thick, dark
+locks, just touched with gray, which shaded his perplexed forehead. He
+was a personable man, was the Rev. Silas Pettibone. "Let me think: Miss
+Philura has been very regular in her attendance at church and
+prayer-meeting of late. No, I have observed nothing wrong--nothing
+blameworthy in her walk and conversation. But I can not approve of
+these--ah--clubs." He again cast his eye upon the letter. "Ontology,
+now, is certainly not a fit subject for the consideration of the female
+mind."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Having delivered himself of this sapient opinion, the reverend gentleman
+made ready for a round of parochial visits. Foremost on his list
+appeared the name of Miss Philura Rice. As he stood upon the door-step,
+shaded on either side by fragrant lilac plumes, he resolved to be
+particularly brief, though impressive, in his pastoral ministrations.
+If this especial member of his flock had wandered from the straight and
+narrow way into forbidden by-paths, it was his manifest duty to restore
+her in the spirit of meekness; but he would waste no unnecessary time or
+words in the process.
+
+The sunshine, pleasantly interrupted by snowy muslin curtains, streamed
+in through the open windows of Miss Philura's modest parlor, kindling
+into scarlet flame the blossoms of the thrifty geranium which stood
+upon the sill, and flickered gently on the brown head of the little
+mistress of the house, seated with her sewing in a favorite
+rocking-chair. Miss Philura was unaffectedly glad to see her pastor. She
+told him at once that last Sunday's sermon was inspiring; that she felt
+sure that after hearing it the unconverted could hardly fail to be
+convinced of the error of their ways.
+
+The Rev. Silas Pettibone seated himself opposite Miss Philura and
+regarded her attentively. The second-best new dress was undeniably
+becoming; the blue eyes under the childish brows beamed upon him
+cordially. "I am pleased to learn--ah--that you can approve the
+discourse of Sabbath morning," he began in somewhat labored fashion. "I
+have had occasion to--that is--er, my attention has been called of late
+to the fact that certain members of the church have--well, to put it
+briefly, some have fallen grievously away from the faith."
+
+Miss Philura's sympathy and concern were at once apparent. "I do not
+see," she said simply, "how one can fall away from the faith. It is so
+beautiful to believe!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The small, upturned face shone with so sweet and serene a light that the
+under-shepherd of the Innisfield flock leaned forward and fixed his
+earnest brown eyes on the clear blue eyes of the lady. In treatises
+relating to the affections this stage of the proceedings is generally
+conceded to mark a crisis. It marked a crisis on this occasion; during
+that moment the Rev. Silas Pettibone forgot at once and for all time the
+violet-tinted envelope in his coat-tail pocket. It was discovered six
+month's later and consigned to oblivion by--but let us not anticipate.
+
+"God is so kind, _so generous_!" pursued Miss Philura softly. "If we
+once know Him as our Father we can never again be afraid, or lonely, or
+poor, or lacking for any good thing. How is it possible to fall away? I
+do not understand. Is it not because they do not know Him?"
+
+It is altogether likely that the pastor of the Innisfield Presbyterian
+Church found conditions in the spiritual state of Miss Philura which
+necessitated earnest and prolonged admonition; at all events, the sun
+was sinking behind the western horizon when the reverend gentleman
+slowly and thoughtfully made his way toward the parsonage. Curiously
+enough, this highly respectable domicile had taken on during his absence
+an aspect of gloom and loneliness unpleasantly apparent. "A scarlet
+geranium in the window might improve it," thought the vaguely
+dissatisfied proprietor, as he put on his dressing-gown and thrust his
+feet into his newest pair of slippers. (Presented by Miss Electa Pratt
+"to my pastor, with grateful affection.")
+
+"I believe I failed to draw Miss Philura's attention to the obvious
+relation between faith and works," cogitated the reverend Silas, as he
+sat before his lonely hearth, placidly scorching the soles of his new
+slippers before the cheerful blaze. "It will be altogether advisable, I
+think, to set her right on that point without delay. I will--ah--just
+look in again for a moment to-morrow afternoon."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  "God's purposes will ripen fast,
+    Unfolding every hour.
+  The bud may have a bitter taste,
+    But sweet will be the flower!"
+
+sang the choir of the Innisfield Presbyterian Church one Sunday morning
+a month later. And Miss Philura Rice--as was afterward remarked--sang
+the words with such enthusiasm and earnestness that her high soprano
+soared quite above all the other voices in the choir, and this despite
+the fact that Miss Electa Pratt was putting forth her nasal contralto
+with more than wonted insistence.
+
+The last-mentioned lady found the sermon--on the text, "Little children,
+love one another, for love is of God"--so extremely convincing, and her
+own subsequent spiritual state in such an agitated condition, that she
+took occasion to seek a private conversation with her pastor in his
+study on that same Sunday afternoon.
+
+"I don't know _when_ I've been so wrought up!" declared Miss Pratt, with
+a preliminary display of immaculate handkerchief. "I cried _and cried_
+after I got home from church this morning. Ma she sez to me, sez she,
+'What ails you Lecty?' And I sez to ma, sez I, 'Ma, it was that
+_blessed_ sermon. I don't know _when_ I ever heard anything like it!
+That dear pastor of ours is just ripening for a better world!'" Miss
+Electa paused a moment to shed copious tears over this statement. "It
+does seem to me, _dear_ Mr. Pettibone," she resumed, with a tender
+glance and a comprehensive sniff, "that you ain't looking as well as
+usual. I said so to Philura Rice as we was coming out of church, and I
+really hate to tell you how she answered me; only I feel as though it
+was my duty. 'Mr. Pettibone is perfectly well!' she says, and tossed
+those feathers of hers higher'n ever. Philura's awful worldly, I _do
+grieve_ to say--_if not worse_. I've been a-thinking for some time that
+it was my Christian duty (however painful) to tell you what Mis' Van
+Deuser, of Boston, said about----"
+
+The Rev. Silas Pettibone frowned with awful dignity. He brought down his
+closed fist upon his open Bible with forensic force and suddenness.
+"Miss Philura Rice," he said emphatically, "is one of the most
+spiritual--the most lovely and consistent--Christian characters it has
+ever been my privilege to know. Her faith and unworldliness are
+absolutely beyond the comprehension of--of--many of my flock. I must
+further tell you that I hope to have the great happiness of leading
+Miss Rice to the matrimonial altar in the near future."
+
+Miss Electa Pratt sank back in her chair petrified with astonishment.
+"Well, I _must say_!" she gasped. "And she was engaged to you _all this
+time_ and I never knew it!"
+
+The Rev. Pettibone bent his eyes coldly upon his agitated parishioner.
+"I am at a loss to comprehend your very strange comment, Miss Pratt," he
+said; "the engagement has been of such very short duration that I can
+not regard it as surprising that you should not have heard of it.
+It--ah--took place only yesterday."
+
+Miss Electa straightened her angular shoulders with a jerk. "Yesterday!"
+she almost screamed. "Well! I can tell _you_ that Philura Rice told _me_
+that she was engaged to be married more than three months ago!"
+
+"You are certainly mistaken, madam," began the minister in a somewhat
+perturbed tone, which did not escape the notice of the now flushed and
+triumphant spinster.
+
+"More than three months ago!" she repeated with incisive emphasis.
+"_Now_ maybe you'll listen to me while I tell you what I know about
+Philura Rice!"
+
+But the lady had reckoned without her host. The Rev. Silas arose to his
+feet with decision. "I certainly will _not_ listen to anything
+derogatory to Miss Rice," he said sternly. "She is my promised wife,
+you will remember." With that the prudent minister beat a hasty retreat,
+to entrench himself without apology or delay in the inner fastnesses of
+the parsonage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Miss Electa rolled her greenish orbs about the chamber of learning with
+a thoughtful smile. "If Philura Rice ain't crazy," she said aloud; "an'
+I guess she ain't far from it. She's told a wicked lie! In either case,
+it's my Christian duty to see this thing put a stop to!"
+
+That evening after service Miss Philura, her modest cheeks dyed with
+painful blushes, confessed to her promised husband that she had indeed
+announced her intentions of matrimony some three months previous. "I
+wanted somebody to--to love me," she faltered; "somebody in particular,
+you know; and--and I asked God to give me--a--a husband. After I had
+asked, of course I _believed_ that _I had_. He--he was already in the
+encircling Good, you know, or I should not have wanted him! When Electa
+asked me point blank, what could I say without--without denying--_God_?"
+
+The brave voice faltered more than once during this recital; and finally
+broke down altogether when the Rev. Silas Pettibone, his brown eyes
+shining, exclaimed in joyful yet solemn tones, "and God sent me!"
+
+The encircling Good was perfectly manifest at that moment in the shape
+of two strong arms. Miss Philura rested in them and was glad.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+HOUR-GLASS
+
+STORIES
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE COURTSHIP OF SWEET ANNE PAGE
+
+By ELLEN V. TALBOT. A brisk little love story incidental to "The Merry
+Wives of Windsor," full of fun and frolic, and telling of the Courtship
+of Sweet Anne Page by three rivals lovers chosen by her father, her
+mother, and herself.
+
+THE SANDALS
+
+By REV. ZELOTES GRENELL. A beautiful little idyl of sacred story dealing
+with the sandals of Christ.
+
+THE TRANSFIGURATION OF MISS PHILURA
+
+By FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY. This clever story is based on the theory
+that every physical need and every desire of the human heart can be
+claimed and received from the "Encircling Good" by the true believer.
+
+THE HERR DOCTOR
+
+By ROBERT MACDONALD. A novelette of artistic literary merit, narrating
+the varied experiences of an American girl in her effort toward
+capturing a titled husband.
+
+ESARHADDON
+
+By COUNT LEO TOLSTOY. Three allegorical stories illustrating Tolstoy's
+theories of non-resistance, and the essential unity of all forms of
+life.
+
+THE CZAR'S GIFT
+
+By WILLIAM ORDWAY PARTRIDGE. How freedom was obtained for an exiled
+brother.
+
+THE EMANCIPATION OF MISS SUSANA
+
+An entrancing love story that ends in a most romantic marriage.
+
+THE OLD DARNMAN
+
+By CHARLES L. GOODELL, D.D. A character known to many a New England boy
+and girl, in which the "lost bride" is the occasion for a lifelong
+search from door to door.
+
+BALM IN GILEAD
+
+By FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY. A very touching story of a mother's grief
+over the loss of her child of tender years, and her search for comfort,
+which she finds at last in her husband's loyal Christian faith.
+
+MISERERE
+
+By MABEL WAGNALLS. The romantic story of a sweet voice that thrilled
+great audiences in operatic Paris, Berlin, etc.
+
+PARSIFAL
+
+By H. R. HAWEIS. An intimate study of the great operatic masterpiece.
+
+THE TROUBLE WOMAN
+
+By CLARA MORRIS. A pathetic little story full of heart interest.
+
+THE RETURN OF CAROLINE
+
+By FLORENCE MORSE KINGSLEY. Companion story to the "Transfiguration of
+Miss Philura," by the same author.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Small l2mo, Dainty Cloth Binding, Illustrated._
+
+_40 cents each_
+
+FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY, Pubs.
+
+NEW YORK AND LONDON
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Transfiguration of Miss Philura, by
+Florence Morse Kingsley
+
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