An Ambitious Man

There was not the holy flame in the young clergyman's own heart to

ignite other souls; but his strong magnetism was perceptible to all,

and they did not realise the difference. And meantime the church

grew and prospered amazingly.

It was observed by the congregation of St Blank's Church, shortly

after the advent of the new rector, that a new organist also occupied

the organ loft; and inquiry elicited the fact that the old man who

had officiated in that capacity during many years, had been retired

on a pension, while a young lady who needed the position and the

salary had been chosen to fill the vacancy.

That the change was for the better could not be questioned. Never

before had such music pealed forth under the tall spires of St

Blank's. The new organist seemed inspired; and many people in the

fashionable congregation, hearing that this wonderful musician was a

young woman, lingered near the church door after service to catch a

glimpse of her as she descended from the loft.

A goodly sight she was, indeed, for human eyes to gaze upon. Young,

of medium height and perfectly symmetry of shape, her blonde hair and

satin skin and eyes of velvet darkness were but her lesser charms.

That which riveted the gaze of every beholder, and drew all eyes to

her whereever she passed, was her air of radiant health and

happiness, which emanated from her like the perfume from a flower.

A sad countenance may render a heroine of romance attractive in a

book, but in real life there is no charm at once so rare and so

fascinating as happiness. Did you ever think how few faces of the

grown up, however young, are really happy in expression? Discontent,

restlessness, longing, unsatisfied ambition or ill health mar ninety

and nine of every hundred faces we meet in the daily walks of life.

When we look upon a countenance which sparkles with health and

absolute joy in life, we turn and look again and yet again, charmed

and fascinated, though we do not know why.

It was such a face that Joy Irving, the new organist of St Blank's

Church, flashed upon the people who had lingered near the door to see

her pass out. Among those who lingered was the Baroness; and all day

she carried about with her the memory of that sparkling countenance;

and strive as she would, she could not drive away a vague, strange

uneasiness which the sight of that face had caused her.

Yet a vision of youth and beauty always made the Baroness unhappy,

now that both blessings were irrevocably lost to her.