The Woodcraft Girls in the City Part 28

1

America, America, thou gavest birth To light that lighteth all the earth.

G.o.d keep it pure!

We love that onward leading light; We will defend it with our might, It shall endure!

2

America, America, our love of thee Is free-men's love of Liberty, The Spirit blest, Which holds high happiness in store, When Right shall reign from sh.o.r.e to sh.o.r.e.

From East to West.

3

America, America, thy seer-graved seal Foretells the perfect Commonweal Of G.o.d-made men; Its eagle with unwearied wings Is symbol of the thought-seen things Of prophet's ken.

4

America, America, on-pressing van Of all the hopes of waking man, We love thy flag!-Thy stately flag of steadfast stars, And white, close held to heart-red bars, Which none shall drag!

5

America, America, in thee is found Mana.s.seh's tribe, to Ephraim bound By Israel's vow, Whose destiny is heaven-sealed; Far spreading vine in fruitful field G.o.d's planting, thou!

6

America, America, faith-shadowed land, Truth dwells in Thee, and Truth shall stand To guard thy gate.

Thy planted seed of potent good Shall grow to world-wide brotherhood, Man's true estate.

7

America, America, the G.o.d of love Whose name is ev'ry name above Is thy defence.

'Tis thou must lead the longing world From phantom fears to Love's unfurled Omnipotence.

The music was played through and then the Guide began the song again, expecting the girls to sing, but they were so intensely interested in watching her deft fingers touch the rims of the bowls that they quite forgot to sing. As Miss Miller concluded the song the second time, she looked around and laughed:

"That was the softest singing I ever thought possible!"

The girls laughed, too, and Zan said: "Try us again-maybe we can voice more sound."

Then the song was played and sung through and Mrs. Baker came in to listen, saying: "It sounded so sweet that I wanted to hear it at closer range."

"I think the idea is charming, but of course there is nothing like the tomtom for an Indian scalp dance or Hopi Indian song," said Miss Miller.

She then played several old ballads, the girls humming the chorus of each as she played it.

"Girls, let's have Miss Miller play that Morning Prayer that was written for us by request. We all know the words and with this sweet music it ought to sound lovely!" exclaimed Zan.

Then the ma.n.u.script sheet of music sent the Band by a friend was produced and the Guide played it. At the second playing the girls all sang in low sweet voices and who can say that the genuine desire expressed in the words of the simple verses was not as acceptable to the Great Spirit as any scholastic prayer ever uttered by famous theologians.

"If Miss Miller will agree, we can practise this gla.s.s music at odd moments during the week and any member excelling in the performance on Sat.u.r.day will have a prize-same as May's chest," ventured Jane. "Yes, unless we have a camp this week-end. If we do we can award the prize some evening next week," a.s.sented Zan.

"You girls can all try but I have too many other things to do this week.

Besides, I wouldn't bother to work for such nonsensical prizes as the kind you gave May," said Eleanor, aggravatingly.

Zan flared up but a look from the Guide calmed her again.

"By the way, Eleanor, did you ever complete your Woodcraft test of carpentry?" now asked Miss Miller, meaningly.

"Why, no-I thought I would leave the Band so I did not bother to waste my time."

"Well, as long as you remained with us, I would advise you to finish it without more delay so we can credit up your Tally."

Eleanor said nothing but she sulked all evening, and when the girls were ready to leave, Miss Miller said: "I am walking down your way, Eleanor, and I will be glad to have company part of the way."

The girl would much rather not have had the Guide walk home with her for the memory of her confession at Staten Island Camp was never forgotten although she had tried to bury it many a time. So she was not in a very friendly mood when the two were alone and walking down the quiet street.

"I made this opportunity on purpose, Eleanor, and I trust you will remember why?" said Miss Miller.

"I haven't the slightest idea of what you mean, but if you walked this way just to be with me why should you prevaricate before the whole crowd?"

"I hardly think I did that! I always try to speak the truth-in thought as well as in deed. But in this instance I felt sure you would prefer to have me word my invitation as I did rather than speak bluntly of my purpose. I believe in using the 'wisdom of the serpent' when one can be absolutely true to one's self."

"Huh! 'And gentleness of the dove,' why don't you add?" sneered Eleanor, unkindly.

"I didn't think it necessary to add that with you, as you should be aware of my gentleness in handling this delicate situation. As long as you fail to appreciate my good intentions it may be that you will understand bluntness better."

Miss Miller waited but Eleanor made no reply, so she added:

"When do you intend telling May and the others about the theft?"

"How dare you say that to me!" cried Eleanor, trying to be furiously insulted.

"Because I dare to stand for the truth. I have waited many days now, and offered you many good opportunities to admit your deed, but you seem farther from doing the right thing than ever. Do you know that the hiding of any wrong thing is a hindrance in itself to one's progress?"

"I shall turn in this side street unless you mind your own business!"

flared Eleanor, looking down the uninviting dark road. "You may do that but you cannot run away from your own self-condemnation and conscience.

And I know from the signs that you have shown, that the trouble is preying upon your mind and making of you a most petulant, disagreeable being. Rid yourself of the error and see the uplifting you will feel at once."

Whether it was the yearning in Miss Miller's voice or the answer to her earnest silent prayer for guidance, it matters not, for both were sweet to the Father's ear, and Eleanor again felt the surging desire to reform and build up a different character for herself.

Quite unexpectedly, she turned and threw her arms about the Guide's neck and wept forth: "Oh, if I could only see the girls this very minute-here in the dark-I would be so happy to confess."