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.