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 CHAPTER 8
TECHNOLOGY-BASED TRAINING METHODS

ESSENTIAL OUTCOME

After completing the lesson on this chapter, if nothing else, students should be able to
distinguish between and differentiate amongst the various training methods that
constitute technology-based training, and have an appreciation for the important and
increasing role technology plays in the design and delivery of workplace training.

CHAPTER LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:

1. Define and discuss technology-based training, traditional training, computer-based

training, and e-learning.
2. Compare and contrast instructor-led and self-directed learning.
3. Define and give examples of asynchronous and synchronous training.
4. Define and discuss electronic performance support systems.
5. Define and discuss video conferencing, web conferencing, webinars, webcasts, and
the virtual classroom.
6. Define and discuss social constructivism and generative learning.
7. Define and discuss social media, Web 2.0 technologies, and Web 3.0.
8. Define mobile learning and discuss its use for training.
9. Describe how to design computer-based training programs.
10. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer-based training for
individuals and organizations.
11. Discuss the effectiveness of computer-based training.

KEY CONCEPTS: HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER CONNECT TO THE WORLD OF

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT?

1. Technology-based training involves the use of technology to deliver the training,

while traditional training does not. An extension of computer-based training,
e-learning involves using the Web (Internet or intranet) as the medium for
delivery.

2. Technology-based training may be instructor-led or self-directed, and delivered

either synchronously or asynchronously.

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-1

 3. Electronic performance support systems (EPSS) provide information, advice, and
learning experiences to trainees in a “just-in-time” manner to facilitate learning
when it is needed, as it is needed.

4. Video and web conferencing, link trainees with trainers and other experts,
typically at the trainee’s work station or in a virtual classroom, and has the
advantage of reducing or eliminating the costs, inconveniences, and time away
from work that is often involved with traditional training.

5. A trend in technology-based training is the move toward the use of social media
(such as Facebook, Twitter, and wikis), which forms part of what is referred to as
Web 2.0 and which emphasizes the sharing of information and knowledge as
opposed to the one-way transmission of it. A key concept in relation to this is the
notion of social constructivism, which emphasizes learning through social
interaction in a dynamic learning environment. As tablets and smart phone
devices continue to increase in popularity and use, technology-based training
continues to shift more toward mobile learning.

6. When designing computer-based training, it is important to remember that

technology is the medium for delivery and not the focus of it. Regardless of the
delivery medium, effective training programs depend on good design that takes
into account learning theory and preferences and the desired outcomes of the
training. At the same time, computer-based training lends itself to the use of
computer simulations, games, and other techniques that enhance learner
engagement and interaction.

7. Like all training methods, whether on- or off-the-job, technology-based training

has advantages and disadvantages to both trainees and the organization that
must be taken into consideration. If designed appropriately for the training
objectives and under the proper conditions, technology-based training can be
extremely effective and will in all likelihood continue to grow both in popularity
and use.

STUDENT MOTIVATION: WHY SHOULD STUDENTS CARE?

Most students, regardless of their age or background, will have at least some familiarity
and most likely some direct experience with technology-based training. As computers,
smart phones, and tablets are close to the point of being ubiquitous, it is probable that
the interest in this subject matter will be rather strong for most students. As technology
changes faster than textbook examples can keep pace with, it is a good idea to draw on
fresh examples (your own and/or your students’) to illustrate the utility and application of
this topic.

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-2

BARRIERS TO LEARNING: WHAT ARE SOME COMMON STUDENT
MISCONCEPTIONS AND STUMBLING BLOCKS?

The above notwithstanding, you may find a fairly wide range of experiences in your
classroom, particularly if you are teaching a continuing studies class with a mix of
learner age and backgrounds. In other words, you might have more mature students
who have limited exposure to some of the latest technology or students who, through
lack of financial means or even personal interest, have not had much experience with
technology or technology-based training. It might be helpful in this case, without
identifying or referring to individual students, to note that this same challenge exists in
most workplaces as well.

Additionally, you may have students who are tech-savvy to the point where they are
“consumed” by the latest gadget, Apple or Android app, or latest and greatest software
version. These learners may well know more about technology than you do, but
probably not more about technology for training. In any case, their current knowledge
may make valuable contributions to the class.

Finally, acknowledge that the pace and rate of technological change represent great
challenges and opportunities for all concerned. As an example of this, you may wish to
point out that while the textbook makes several references to CD-ROMs and even
“diskettes,” many students will view these media as irrelevant (or even extinct), or at the
very least, quaint references to out-dated technology.

ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES: WHAT CAN I DO IN CLASS?

1. For In-Class Exercise 1, on page 248: Conduct this exercise in pairs if students
have a reasonable amount of experience. If they are less experienced, do in
small teams of 4–6, ensuring each team has a member who can offer and
describe a training program in sufficient detail to enable the rest of the team to
complete the exercise. Debrief.

2. For In-Class Exercise 2, on page 249: Divide the class into groups of 4–5. Have
each group answer the questions for the current class and present their analysis
in class. Summarize the analyses made by the various groups. As an alternative,
determine whether there are students who have done online training and ask
them to make presentations answering these questions in class. (Note: Revert to
the textbook suggestion of allowing the students to select a class for a course of
their choosing if you sense they might be reluctant to critique your class).

3. For In-Class Exercise 3, on page 249: Assign this activity as a group exercise
with a class presentation by each group. Alternatively, if you have engaged the
services of an HR professional as a guest speaker, you may also ask him/her to
respond to these questions as part of the presentation.

4. For In-Class Exercise 4, on page 249: Assign as an in-class group activity with
group representatives presenting and answering queries by classmates.

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-3

 Summarize and debrief. Consider combining this exercise with the Case Study
found on pages 251–253.

5. For In-Class Exercise 5, on page 249: Assign as a small team exercise (see
Lecture Outline, H – Designing Technology-Based Training, below).

Suggestions for Large Class Exercises

a) This is best for classes where there are a large number of students with access to a
laptop during class. Using the class website (if available; if necessary create a google+
group or wiki page for the class), have students participate in live blogging during a
portion of the class to have them post their questions, comments, or observations about
the lecture of the day. Discuss how this tool can be helpful to encourage participation in
large classes. Discuss any disadvantages to this kind of participation.

b) For classes with a dedicated class website, discuss how the course website acts as a
form of web-based learning even in a traditional classroom. How has this helped
students compared to classes they take where this feature is not an option?

Suggestions for Technology-Enhanced Classrooms

a) Ask one or more students in advance to select a web-based training program that
they have access to (ensure there are no confidentiality issues, etc.) and demonstrate it
to the class. Have the other students critique the elements of the course and identify
any recommendations for improvement.

b) Ask a student to bring in a current and popular video game or online game/simulation
(ensure it is appropriate for general audience). Have them demonstrate the
game/simulation. Ask students to identify elements of the game/simulation that are
similar or in keeping with design principles for computer-based learning. How do these
elements make the game/simulation interesting, entertaining, or effective? What
application does this have to web-based learning?

Suggestions for Internet Classes

a) Have students identify the various design elements recommended for web-based
learning that are present in this course. Which are missing and how would these
enhance their learning experience?

b) Debate whether motivation to learn is more important than design features on your
course discussion board.

c) On the course discussion board, discuss how Senge’s concepts of community of

practice (Chapter 2) are evident and used in the design of this course.

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-4

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

You may wish to make use of the Test Bank, PowerPoint slides, or at the end of a class,
ask a student to summarize the key points from the lesson.

REFLECTIONS ON TEACHING: HOW CAN I ASSESS MY OWN “PERFORMANCE”?

Good teaching requires the practice of ongoing self-assessment and reflection. At the
completion of this lesson, you may find it helpful to reflect on the following and consider
whether or not you want or need to make any adjustments for subsequent lessons.

1. What worked in this lesson? What didn’t?

2. Were students engaged? Were they focused or did they go off on tangents?
3. Did I take steps to adequately assess student learning?
4. Did my assessments suggest that they understood the key concepts?
5. What (if anything) should I do differently next time?
6. How can I gather student feedback?
7. How can I use this feedback for continuous improvement of my teaching?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Chapter Summary

This chapter described technology-based training methods and serves as a

complement to Chapters 6 and 7, which described on-the-job and off-the-job training
methods. First, we described the meaning of technology-based training, computer-
based training, and e-learning. Then we described the differences between instructor-
led training and self-directed learning, and between synchronous and asynchronous
training. This was followed by a description of different types of technology-based
training including electronic performance support systems, video and web conferencing,
webinars and webcasts, and the use of social media and Web 2.0 technologies. We
then described how to design computer-based training programs and their advantages
and disadvantages for individuals and organizations. The chapter concluded with a
discussion of the effectiveness of computer-based training.

Lecture Outline

COMMENTS ACTIVITY
A. Introduction
Unless you have been living in a cave Ask students to identify when, where, and
somewhere for the past few years, under what circumstances they have been
chances are you have had at least some involved in technology-based training, and
experience with technology-based record their answers on the board or
training! flipchart. Show definitions and compare/
contrast with traditional training. Discuss.

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-5

B. Types of Technology-Based Training
Let’s look at the most commonly used Starting with the list the students created,
methods of technology-based training and move through each of the nine types
share some real-life examples. identified in Table 8.1. Ask students to
elaborate on their experiences and
supplement the discussion with your own
examples.

C. How Prevalent Is Technology-Based

Training in Canada and the US?
So, is technology-based training going to Discuss the emergence of this technology
replace traditional training too? and where it seems to be moving.

D. Computer-based Training and

E-Learning
How training is organized and delivered Differentiate e-learning from the more
are important considerations. Let’s look at generic term of computer-based training
some key concepts. and provide examples of each.

E. Instructor-Led and Self-Directed

Learning
One of the most discussed aspects of Ask students to share their thoughts on
technology-based training is the changing the topic, from both an objective and
role of the trainer. What are the various personal perspective. Use the discussion
roles for trainers in technology-based as a way of describing instructor-led
training? technologies and self-directed learning.

F. Asynchronous and Synchronous

Training
The former is training that is prerecorded Discuss examples of asynchronous and
and available to employees and the latter synchronous and the merits of each.
is live, requiring real-time attention from
trainees.

G. Common Forms of Technology-based

Training
Now we will look at a common form of Prepare and provide examples of each,
asynchronous training—electronic depending on your access to technology
performance support systems—and one in the classroom. If you have Internet
popular form of synchronous learning— access, go to http://www.skillsoft.com and
video/web conferencing. show an example of an e-learning course.
To demonstrate an EPSS, enable the
animated Office Assistant in Microsoft
Word or PowerPoint. Offer an example of
video conferencing or ask the class to
share experiences they have with this. Go

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-6

 to http://www.endnote.com/training/ to
show examples of online tutorials as well
as regularly scheduled free webinars.

H. Designing Technology-Based Training

Is technology the focus, or is learning? With students, identify common pitfalls
and mistakes made in designing
technology-based training, and review
adult learning and active practice
principles. This discussion should cover
computer games, simulations, role plays,
stories, customization, personalization,
human interaction, and feedback. In small
teams, have students complete In-Class
Exercise 5 (see Engagement Strategies,
above).

I. Advantages and Disadvantages and

Effectiveness
Like anything, technology-based training In small groups, have students assess the
has an upside and a downside. disadvantages and advantages and
determine how these impact the
effectiveness of technology-based
training. Discuss Trainer’s Notebook 8.1
on strategies for making technology-based
training effective.

J. Future of Technology-Based Training

New learning on social constructivism Review slides on social constructivism.
demonstrates how it lends itself to web- Demonstrate examples of Web 2.0 tools
based learning. such as blogs, wikis, podcasts, and mobile
learning apps. Have students identify how
these could be used in everyday learning
situations.

Web Links

 Training Zone article on technology-based training: Excellent source of free

training articles, but requires setting up a log-in account):
http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/item/14534

 EndNote Product Training website: A good sample of online tutorials as well as

regularly scheduled live webinars:
http://www.endnote.com/training/

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-7

New Case Incident 1

The Shoe Club is a national retailer in Canada. It has locations in all provinces, with
several stores in major cities and rural locations. Customer-service training for staff has
traditionally been done at the closest major city by the regional trainer. However, it has
required a lot of travel and expense on the part of the trainees and a high workload for
the regional trainer, as there is often high turnover in the customer-service staff. The
company is considering moving to a web-based training program but doesn’t want to
lose the “personal touch” of the regional trainer.

a) What factors would make it attractive for the organization to move to a web-based
training program for its customer-service staff?

b) How would you ensure the “personal touch” is not lost in this training?

Answers

a) A variety of factors would make The Shoe Club a good candidate for using web-
based training. The store is national and has multiple locations. The store likely already
has a computerized network and supporting infrastructure to enable the use of web-
based learning. There are stores in rural locations where it becomes costly for the
trainee to travel to the major city for training. High turnover in the customer-service role
means the regional trainer is doing a lot of “repeat” training of the same content that
could easily be provided on demand through web-based learning. The customer-service
content translates well in web-based programs.

b) In order not to lose the “personal touch” in the training, the organization can design in
various elements including some synchronous portions where the trainer and trainee
could be online together; a web/video conference with the trainer at various points
during the training; or periods of time where the trainer can be available for on-demand
support. In addition, there can be the use of an asynchronous discussion board or chat
feature where the trainer can answer trainee questions.

New Case Incident 2

The staff who are responsible for product-buying at The Shoe Club work primarily from
their home offices as well as travel extensively in Europe and Asia, visiting shoe
manufacturers. They have often struggled to stay on top of organizational changes,
information, and new business information, as they are not in the office very often. They
have asked if there are ways in which they can access training, new company
information, and yet not be required to attend sessions at the office or be “chained” to
their desktop computer.

a) As the training manager, how would you use Web 2.0 technologies to meet the
needs of the buyers?

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-8

b) Could these technologies be beneficial within the rest of the organization?

Answers

a) Assuming that the buyers would all have some form of mobile device (Blackberry,
iPhone, etc.), they could definitely make use of Web 2.0 technology to stay up-to-date
with training and organizational information. The training manager could create a wiki
site for buyers to share current information amongst each other and have an RSS feed
to let each other know when new content has been added; they could tap into webinars
or podcasts of organizational messages or short training sessions sent to their mobile
device. Their mobile device would allow them to view PowerPoint slides and/or audio
portion. Accessing these tools via their mobile device would not restrict them to attend
training in the office or require them to be stuck at their desk in their home office. It
would also allow them access to these tools while travelling overseas. The addition of
photo and video technology on mobile devices would also allow them to link into video
conferences as required.

b) Yes, all of these tools could have application with the other staff in the organization;
however, it would be important to match the tool with the content and the audience to
ensure that it meets their needs. Not all staff need or want to learn in these ways.

Flashback Answers

1. Training design and e-learning:

 The strategy for introducing e-learning relied heavily on re-purposing
existing training material designed for traditional classroom-based
delivery. Little thought went into what changes in training design might be
necessary for an effective e-learning course.
 Refer to Table 5.3 on page 146. The e-learning course consisted entirely
of passive learning (watching video clips of the trainer presenting “live,”
augmented with text)—there was no inclusion of active practice (e.g.,
having trainees respond to quiz questions on key information before being
able to proceed to the next learning point, or work on a web-based
simulation as part of the course). Further, the training was hyped as a “big
thing,” but little if anything was done to prepare trainees in advance (pre-
training interventions), and it does not appear that the course incorporated
any of the conditions of practice during training, such as overlearning, task
sequencing, or feedback or knowledge of results (which could also have
been at least partially accomplished by incorporating a quiz component).
2. Use of active learning and adaptive expertise:
 To make full use of these techniques, perhaps sales training was not the
best course to start with, even though the vice president had a rationale
for selecting this course. That said, it was still possible to incorporate
active learning through the above-mentioned quiz technique or by
including features in the course such as various role-play techniques that

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-9

 the trainee has to watch and then decide which technique is most
appropriate for a given sales situation.
 While challenging to incorporate adaptive expertise, the requirement to
select the best option among many could possible also accomplish this.
3. Learning theories and theories of motivation:
 Several aspects of adult learning theory may explain some of the
challenges, including resistance to change and a lack of intrinsic
motivation related to perceiving the training as being helpful for solving
actual problems. Trainees may have in the past been motivated to attend
the live training for its entertainment value, as a change of pace from the
“daily grind” of the job, or even as a “reward” (free coffee and donuts)—
none of which were attached to the new e-learning version. Further, if the
trainees lacked the expectation that the training would actually benefit
them in some way or did not see a connection between the training and
attainment of their goals (assuming they have goals, such as sales
targets), then they will have very low training motivation and will not get
much out of the course.
 The implication is that in order for e-learning to be effective, it must be
seen to be important (leading toward the achievement of desired goals)
and be engaging (involve active learning and active practice).

Copyright © 2013 by Nelson Education Ltd.| C8-10

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 She was transfigured with the intensity of her emotions. In her
exaltation of spirit she was so aloof from Everett that he stood dumb
before her.
“Stephen, hast thou nothing to say? Dost thou not rejoice with
me?”
“I am glad to know that you are happy, Walda; but being just a
man of the world, I am selfish enough to feel unreconciled to your
separation from me. Walda, I crave a little part of your thoughts. I
want to share your joy. And now I behold you carried so far away
from me that I cannot even comprehend the transformation which is
taking place in you. Is it prayer that is raising your spirit above the
earth?”
“It is not prayer alone that hath made me behold new glories,
Stephen, for through all my years spent in Zanah I have prayed
unceasingly. Thou hast helped to open mine eyes; thou hast been
the messenger that hath turned my face to the light. Verily, it is
written that the Lord doth choose mysterious ways by which to work
his will.”
For a moment Everett felt he was, indeed, a hypocrite. He was not
an egotist, but his hopes, which a moment before had been cast
down by the girl’s extraordinary rapture, now rose, for he perceived
that he had, indeed, gained an influence over her.
“I want to talk to you, Walda,” Everett said, after he had thought
for a moment. “Come with me down to the shore of the lake, where
there is a log that makes a comfortable seat.”
Walda hesitated.
“Nay, Stephen, I must hasten to Marta Bachmann’s grave.”
“Don’t you think that sometimes it may be better to talk with the
living than to pray with the dead?” Everett asked. “I thought you
were interested in my welfare. Don’t you know that a few words
from you may change my whole life?”
“If I could lead thee towards heaven it would be my duty to speak
with thee.”
 “Well, you can lead me to heaven.”
Everett parted the low branches of the trees so that Walda could
pass through, and as she stepped into the little path to the water’s
edge one of her long, fair braids caught upon a twig. She turned her
face backward as she felt the sharp pull, and Everett, thanking his
stars for a lucky fate that appeared to be attending him on this
particular evening, disengaged the shining hair. He pretended to be
very clumsy, and his head was brought close to Walda’s. The
slightest trace of embarrassment showed itself in the manner of the
prophetess of Zanah as she smoothed the braid and adjusted her
cap. She walked forward rather hastily, and Everett pointed out the
log, at one end of which the limbs made a graceful back for the
rustic seat.
“Let me help you over these stones,” said Everett, and, taking her
hand, he led her to the log. He placed her comfortably, and,
standing beside her, told her to look at the wavering shadows in the
water.
“All is peace here, Stephen,” the girl said, looking up at him. “In
Zanah there is rest for the weary spirit. Couldst thou not be
contented here always?”
“If we could always be together as we are now, Walda, it seems to
me I could never wish for anything more.”
He seated himself upon the log quite close to her, and, leaning
with his elbow on his knee, studied every feature of her beautiful
face. In his heart was a tumultuous longing to make her know that
he loved her, but her presence overcame him with a feeling that she
was too holy to be disturbed by the knowledge of his passion. Walda
said, presently:
“It is strange that when I am with thee neither the past nor the
future harasses me. I am satisfied with the present; it is as if thou
didst encompass my soul with the fortress of thy strength. To-night
all my fears about the future are gone. I am happy, Stephen—
strangely happy.”
 She leaned back against the gnarled limbs of the old tree, and
turned her face towards the lake.
“Walda, has your religion never taught you that only in the union
of a man’s soul and a woman’s soul can there be perfect knowledge
of life?”
She thought a moment, and then answered:
“Nay, Stephen, there is naught in the Bible which teacheth that
the prophets needed any but divine aid. In no place in the Bible
were two souls united in receiving the inspiration of God. Yet it hath
seemed to me that thou wert somehow joined to me in my
inspiration. Instead of separating me from thee, the knowledge that
is coming to me maketh me feel dependent upon thee.”
Stephen touched her hand, and she drew it away to hide it in the
folds of her blue cotton gown.
“You don’t mind having me near you, do you, Walda?” he asked.
“Nay, Stephen; it hath seemed lately that I craved thy presence
too much.”
Everett felt his pulses quicken.
“I know that thou hast been sent to me by divine dispensation,”
she continued. “But since the spirit of prophecy hath begun to come
to me, thou dost stir my heart. I know that I must withdraw from
association with thee and with my people. To-night there cometh
over me a vague alarm. I am happy near thee, and yet I fear this
peace may vanish.”
“You cannot deny me the privilege of speaking to you in these few
days before the Untersuchung,” Everett answered. He gently took
the hand Walda had hidden in her gown, and, holding it in a firm
clasp, said:
“I have a mind never to let you go from me, Walda. I need you all
my life. I cannot look forward to the years out there in the world
without you.”
“Dost thou mean, Stephen, that thou wouldst stay here in Zanah
serving the Lord with the men of the colony? Stay for the good of
thy soul?”
Everett pictured himself attired in colony garb and meekly
accepting the orders of Adolph Schneider and Karl Weisel; but,
holding Walda’s hand, the absurdity of such a position became every
second less apparent to him. He felt that no sacrifice could be too
great if it kept him near to the prophetess of Zanah.
“Do you want me to stay, Walda?” he asked.
“Yea, Stephen, even if I might not speak to thee, it would cheer
me to look upon thy face. I have thought much of thy going away,
and I have felt that Zanah will be dreary without thee. Sometimes I
have feared lest I might be tempted to carry thine image in my
heart. It is gratitude that maketh thee thus inhabit my thoughts.”
“It is not your gratitude that I want, Walda,” Stephen said. “No,
you cannot take away your hand. I want to hold it while I talk to
you. In these few weeks in Zanah I have come to know that you will
be always the one woman who can command all my reverence, my
respect, and my allegiance. You have taught me that I have lived too
much for self; you have aroused in me an impulse to make more of
my opportunities. You have become my good angel. I cannot go
back to the world, and to a lazy, careless existence. I have forsaken
my old idols, Walda.”
“Thou hast builded thee a new altar, Stephen. And now thou wilt
not profane it.”
It was the prophetess, not the woman, who spoke. Walda had
forgotten all the vague alarm. She was looking upon Stephen as a
new disciple of Zanah whom she was glad to welcome into the fold.
“Yes, I have a new altar upon which I am willing to sacrifice all my
old habits, my previous interests,” he confessed. “To it I bring the
incense of love and service and loyalty. Before it I feel my own
unworthiness. Walda, I am but an ordinary man, one who has been
content to live for the day. Since I came to Zanah, my future years
have a new meaning.”
“When a man turneth his footsteps towards heaven, then, indeed,
the future is glorified. Henceforth thou wilt press onward towards
the gates of heaven.”
“But, Walda, I may find the gates closed, after all. Don’t you know
it is you who hold the key?”
“Nay, thou art almost blasphemous. I can only point the way.”
They sat there silent for a few minutes. The twilight was
gathering. The shadows of evening closed out Zanah and all the
earth. A soft wind rippled the lake, which broke in tiny waves at their
feet.
“Walda, you who are so wise in the knowledge of things that
pertain to heaven are ignorant of many of the fundamental principles
of life here upon earth. Cannot you understand that at this very
moment I am like a wayfarer standing at the gate of paradise?”
Involuntarily he tightened the clasp of his hand, and love, sleeping
in the heart of the woman, was suddenly disturbed.
Walda drew her hand away, and, rising to her feet, looked at
Everett with fear in her face.
“To-night thou dost speak in parables, Stephen,” she said. “To-
night thou dost cause me to tremble before thee. Let me go to the
grave of Marta Bachmann, where I can pray until my spirit is
soothed.”
Everett stood before her as if he would block her path. He
uncovered her head, and gazed at her with all the passionate
longing of a strong nature. He would have put out his arms to draw
her close to him, but her sweetness and innocence made him
ashamed of the impulse. She was in his power, but he saw that her
momentary fear had passed away, for, with her eyes raised to the
stars that had appeared above the horizon, she was praying. The
man’s mood changed instantly. He could have knelt before her to
kiss the hem of her gown.
“Walda, I ask your forgiveness for showing to-night that I am
almost unworthy of your trust in me,” he said. “Turn your face to me
now, and tell me that you will go away thinking of me as one who
would hold you so sacred that he would sacrifice his heart’s desire if
in so doing he could assure you of the fulfilment of life’s best
promises.”
Walda had folded her hands upon her breast. Having thus made
the sign of Zanah, which was believed to ward off all earthly
influences, she said:
“Verily, Stephen, thou hast put unrest in my heart, yet even now I
feel an abiding faith in thee.”
“I shall try to be worthy of your faith, Walda.”
While they stood close together the curfew-bell sounded from the
village belfry. It brought back to earth the man and woman who
lingered thus just outside the walls of paradise.
“Good-night, Stephen. God be with thee.”
Walda had again become the prophetess of Zanah. She passed
him in the narrow path from which he had stepped aside, and he let
her go without a word. She walked a few paces only, her face still
uplifted to the sky and her hands still folded across her breast. Then
she paused to look backward at the man whose parables had in
them a meaning which she had never found in the words of Holy
Writ.
And being a woman, as well as a prophetess, she saw that Everett
was good to look upon.
 XV

I t was a rainy day in Zanah. Early in the morning, when Everett

looked out of the diamond-paned window of his bedroom, he saw
that the trees and vines in the garden were dripping. The night-wind
had beaten off many of the leaves, which had grown yellow in the
long drought and the dying summer. The distant bluffs were hidden
behind a curtain of mist. Two village “mothers” passed, their shawls
drawn over their heads and their feet dragging slowly in their
clumsy, wooden shoes. Everett dressed quickly, for his room was
dark, and the silence of the village oppressed him. When he went
out to his breakfast in the long, bare dining-room, Mother Werther
served him in silence. He wondered at her unusual taciturnity, and
he tried to start a cheerful conversation. She replied to him in
monosyllables. The entrance of a boy whom he remembered seeing
at the learning-school temporarily diverted Mother Werther from her
unpleasant thoughts.
“This is my son Johann,” she said, pushing the lad forward.
The boy hung his head, and Everett inquired why Johann was
never at home.
“It is not wise that he should be kept at the gasthaus,” Mother
Werther explained, as she fixed a place for Johann at the distant end
of the table.
“Does some unusual occurrence bring him here to-day?” Everett
inquired, with a show of interest.
“It is the Day of Warning, and families hold communion before
they go to the meeting-house,” Mother Werther explained. “It is the
last Sabbath before the Untersuchung, and we make ready for the
annual accounting of our faults and follies.”
The woman’s words brought uppermost in his mind the thought
that had harassed him in the hours of the night. The time of Walda’s
ordination as prophetess was very near. He rose from the table. He
heard the rain falling upon the slate roof of the side porch upon
which the dining-room opened. Lifting the heavy latch, he pushed
the door slightly ajar. The downpour was steady.
“Does your prophetess take any special part in to-day’s
ceremonies?” Everett asked, because he felt that he must contrive to
see Walda.
“Nay, she will be present at the meeting, that is all,” said Mother
Werther, bustling out into the back kitchen.
Everett sauntered into the office, which was occupied by Hans
Peter. The simple one had placed upon the mantel-shelf above the
fireplace half a dozen of his marked gourds, and he was studying
them intently. He did not pay any attention to Everett, who stepped
up beside him.
“Are you preparing for the Day of Warning and the Untersuchung,
Hans Peter?” Everett asked.
The village fool shook his head.
“Thou forgettest that Hans Peter is one whom the Lord hath
forgotten,” he said. “The Almighty taketh no account of the sayings
and doings of the simple one.”
The simple one took into his hand a gourd which bore but one or
two deep cuts dried into its hardened surface.
“This Hans Peter had in his pocket on the day that he carried the
carpet-bag of the stranger,” he said.
“What do the marks stand for, Hans Peter? I hope they do not
mean anything uncomplimentary.”
The simple one said that he did not understand, and Everett
explained.
 “This meaneth that the stranger in Zanah bringeth trouble,” the
village fool answered.
Everett paced up and down the sanded floor for a few moments.
“You are not a prophet, Hans Peter,” he said, stopping to pull the
village fool’s ear. “Have I done any harm in Zanah?”
“Thou hast sown some seeds of discord.”
“Cannot you forgive me for the Bible episode? You know I have
done my best to make amends. You will not always blame me for
your suffering in the stocks, I hope.”
The simple one put the gourd he had been examining into one of
his deep pockets.
“Thou knowest the stocks were but the penalty of mine own
deed,” he said. “There are other things that even a fool can see and
hear. Thou hast a soft voice when thou speakest to the prophetess
of Zanah. Thine eyes watch her always when she is near thee.”
Hans Peter folded his arms in imitation of Everett and stared at
him with unblinking eyes.
“You are observant, Hans Peter. As I have often told you, every
day I am more and more convinced you are the wisest man in
Zanah.” Everett flicked the ashes from the cigar he was smoking and
smiled down at the queer little figure. “What conclusions do you
draw from your two discoveries?”
“It seemeth that thine actions are like Joseph Hoff’s, and the
people of Zanah say that he hath earthly love in his heart.”
“If my memory serves me right, it was you who aided Joseph Hoff
to send messages to the one he loves,” said Everett.
“She was not a prophetess,” the fool declared.
Hans Peter had selected a second gourd from the shelf, and had
fled from the room before Everett could sound him on the subject of
acting as errand-boy.
Still the rain poured down. Everett chafed under his enforced
inactivity, for he felt that every hour meant much to him. Presently,
because he had nothing better to do, he took down from its place
beside Hans Peter’s gourds the old tinder-box, and lighted the wood
that was piled in the fireplace. He lounged upon the settle and idly
watched the flames creep along the logs. His thoughts flew out to
Walda. He wondered what she was doing. He felt a disgust for the
fanaticism of the colony, and he tried to think of some way of
claiming the woman he loved. He was ready to carry her off without
any ado, but he knew that as long as her father lived he could not
persuade her to go away. Although he had not yet made her realize
she loved him, he would not harbor the thought that he could lose
her—and yet his suit appeared hopeless.
His reflections were disturbed by the voice of Mother Werther
raised in indignant remonstrance. She was in the next room, and he
heard her say:
“Diedrich, thou dost vex me much lately. And now thou dost tell
me thou likest to gaze through the car-windows to behold the
women of the world as they pass by Zanah.”
“They are comely,” the innkeeper answered, in his laconic fashion.
“How darest thou tell me that? To-day I am half persuaded to
confess to the elders that at last I have learned the love of man is
not to be trusted. I have a mind to claim promotion to the second
rank of the colony, and who knows but I may soon hate thee enough
to serve the Lord in singleness of purpose!”
“Thy tongue proveth thou mayst yet become like Mother
Schneider and Mother Kaufmann, who have long been in the third
rank because they love not men,” remarked Diedrich Werther.
“Thou speakest hateful words.” Mother Werther’s voice was
choked with anger. “Many times hast thou tried me sorely, but never
until to-day have I seen that thou art indeed a man with sinful
impulses. Thy feet have been turned from the straight and narrow
way. Thou hast a liking for wicked things.”
Everett smiled when he heard what he might take as an object-
lesson of the inevitable experience of even the most faithful of
married couples. He shrugged his shoulders, and thought that, after
all, it was only the few who knew the real meaning of love, the love
that blended worship and lofty aspiration.
Diedrich Werther came into the office. It was plain that the
berating he had received had not disturbed his phlegmatic calm. He
shuffled along in his carpet slippers until he reached the desk,
behind which he perched himself on a high stool. Everett felt
irritated at the unpleasant interruption to his thoughts of Walda. He
snatched up his soft felt hat and went out into the muddy street. He
turned his steps towards Wilhelm Kellar’s room, where he found his
patient sitting up in an arm-chair. Gerson Brandt was with him. The
two colonists showed an unusual restraint in the presence of the
stranger in Zanah.
“I have been telling Brother Brandt that I need thy services no
longer,” said Wilhelm Kellar, addressing Everett. “There is nothing to
hinder thee from leaving Zanah to-morrow.”
Everett noticed that Gerson Brandt watched him closely while
Wilhelm Kellar spoke.
“I shall not go away for at least a week,” said Everett, leaning
against the chest of drawers, and assuming an indifferent manner.
“It is strange that thou findest colony life so pleasant,” said Gerson
Brandt.
“It is restful and interesting to me,” Everett replied, carelessly.
As he faced the two elders of Zanah he felt a twinge of remorse,
because his dearest purpose in life was to win from them Walda
Kellar. He who had held honor first experienced a certain amount of
self-abasement, but he quieted his conscience, as he had many
times before, by the thought that love was the ruling power of the
world, and that all things should give way before it.
“The colony of Zanah would recompense thee for thy services in
helping to restore me to health,” said Wilhelm Kellar. “Wilt thou
render to me thine accounting?”
“Whatever aid you have received from me has not been given for
money,” Everett replied, in a voice so decided in its accents that both
his hearers felt there was beneath his words something which they
could not understand.
“The colony never shirks the payment of its debts,” Wilhelm Kellar
declared, proudly.
“If you think you owe me anything, accept the amount as a gift to
Zanah,” said Everett.
A moment of embarrassment followed, and he was glad to take
his leave rather hastily. When he reached the inn, many of the
villagers were assembled in the main room and on the porches. The
meeting-house bell sounded as he went up the steps, and instantly
the men and women moved towards the old building on the hill. The
women drew heavy shawls over their heads to protect them from
the rain, and the men, who walked apart from them, now and then
removed their caps to shake off the water which ran down upon
their hair and shoulders. No one spoke. It was evident that the Day
of Warning had its terrors for many of the colonists. Everett stood on
the topmost step watching the little children, who were miniature
reproductions of the men and women, and listening to the click of
the wooden shoes upon the board walk. He looked down the street
in the hope that he might see Walda Kellar, but he was disappointed.
“Would I be admitted to the meeting-house?” he asked Diedrich
Werther, who was putting a long-tailed coat over a faded blue-
gingham shirt.
“Ja, ja; if thou desirest to attend a service of much solemnity,
come with me,” the innkeeper answered.
The meeting-house was crowded when they entered. Its interior
was as devoid of ornament as its exterior. The bare, white walls
were broken at regular intervals with small-paned, clear glass
windows, which let in but little light on a gloomy day. A broad middle
aisle led straight to a platform upon which sat the thirteen elders, for
Everett was astonished to see that Wilhelm Kellar had been carried
in his arm-chair from his room in the near-by school-house. The men
occupied rude benches on the right side of the meeting-house, and
the women sat on the left. The children were placed in front, the
boys on the men’s side and the girls on the women’s. On a dais in
the middle of the elders’ platform was a heavy oaken chair.
A few moments after Everett’s entrance a group of colonists, who
still lingered at the door, separated to allow some one to pass in. A
hush fell upon the assemblage, for Walda Kellar was walking up the
aisle. Over her blue gown she wore a long cloak with a pointed hood
that she put back from her head as she moved slowly forward. The
damp air had caused her hair to curl in many unruly ringlets about
her forehead, and her pure skin had the peculiar clearness and
transparency that a rainy day imparts to a delicate complexion.
Everett could see only her profile. There was a majesty in her
carriage, a consciousness of power in her pose, that made her seem
far off from him. His heart beat wildly as he looked at her, and when
the villagers knelt in acknowledgment of her presence, he obeyed
the impulse of worship, and bent forward with a despairing humility
in his heart. He, to whom prayer had long ceased to be a daily habit,
breathed his heart’s sincere desire in a petition that his love might
be given its reward.
When Everett raised his eyes again Walda had ascended the
platform, and had taken her place on the steps in front of the chair
which it was plain was the seat reserved for the prophetess. She had
thrown aside her cloak, and she sat with her hands folded in her lap.
Adolph Schneider spoke, in German, the words of a droning
invocation. He left the front of the platform, and Everett was
surprised to see Walda come forward as if she were about to speak.
Instead of making an address, she began to sing a monotonous
hymn, to which her rich voice lent a glorious melody.
While Walda sang, the man of the world listened in breathless
awe. Her voice thrilled with the diapason of hope. It rose in
triumphant notes, and then fell with a softened cadence. His soul
went out to hers, but in the tense moment that followed her hymn
he felt as if she were far away from him. Her purity rebuked the
passion of love in him, and yet he could scarcely restrain himself
from the impulse to claim her there before all Zanah. She went back
to her place on the steps before the chair of the prophetess, which
she was to occupy before another week had passed.
Adolph Schneider commanded the colonists to listen with
undivided attention to what he had to say to them. It was the Day of
Warning, when all who felt they were not prepared for the
Untersuchung would make confession. If there was any man or
woman who desired to ask for promotion in the colony, the time had
come to show reason for a desire for advancement.
A tall, large-boned woman rose from her place far back in the
congregation.
“I would seek advancement to the first grade of the colony,” she
said.
“What is thy ground for making this request? Why dost thou
believe that thou art worthy?” the Herr Doktor asked.
“It is five years since I refused to listen to the elders of Zanah
when they told me of the trials earthly love would bring,” answered
the woman, turning a sallow, weather-beaten face towards the
platform. “Now have I learned that marriage is a hard discipline.
Otto Schmidt hath vexed me every day for forty months. I have
found that the love of man for woman is fleeting, and now do I
know that I can worship God in singleness of heart.”
On the men’s side a stout mill-worker pulled himself to his feet.
“Christina hath not suffered the smallest tithe of the mortification
of spirit that hath been mine,” he declared, in an emphatic tone. “It
was for her sake that I gave up my place in the first grade of
Zanah’s people, and now do I confess that the elders of Zanah are
wise when they entreat the people to beware of love. Love is but the
fire of man’s vanity kindled to flame by a woman’s wanton eyes.”
“Nay, it is but a woman’s faith which is nourished by man’s false
promises of kindness and constancy,” replied the woman, who was
still standing.
“Let the brother and sister of Zanah be seated,” commanded
Adolph Schneider.
 As she obeyed, Christina Schmidt cast a glance of hatred towards
her husband.
The elders spoke together. While they were holding their
conference, Everett noticed that Hans Peter was creeping slowly up
the aisle with a letter in his hand. He passed the envelope up to
Adolph Schneider and tiptoed to a vacant place on the front seat.
The elders examined the letter. The colonists waited without any
show of impatience.
“It is my sad duty to announce that one of the colony youths hath
looked with longing eyes on a maid, and that he entreats permission
to wed her,” said the Herr Doktor, standing upon the edge of the
platform and looking down at the people with a stern expression on
his face. His small eyes scanned the women and then the men. “I
would have Frieda Bergen and Joseph Hoff step forward.”
It would not have been in human nature for the people to remain
impassive. More than half of them turned their heads to look for the
culprits. Joseph Hoff made his way towards the elders. He carried his
head high, and had an air of bravado that showed how little he
cared because he was transgressing the laws of the colony. He
waited for Frieda Bergen, who came towards him with her head bent
and her cheeks flaming. “Be of good courage,” he whispered, as
they faced Adolph Schneider.
“You two have made for yourselves idols here on earth,” said the
president of the colony in a thundering tone, which frightened every
youth and maiden in the meeting-house. “Ye have not heeded the
behests of Zanah. How did Satan manage to tempt you when all the
safeguards of Zanah were thrown around you?”
Neither of the lovers spoke.
“It is not permitted here in the colony for men and women who
are unmarried to speak together except on rare occasions, and
never are they allowed to talk when no one is near them; how then
did ye two surrender to the tempter?”
Still there was no answer.
 “Speak, Joseph Hoff!” Adolph Schneider shouted, in a tone which
showed that he was filled with indignation.
“Love needeth not words or messengers; love is carried on the
winds that blow across a woman’s cheek,” said Joseph.
“Nay, it is like a prayer that cometh from the heart of man to the
heart of woman,” faltered Frieda, bending in a low courtesy.
“Thou art blaspheming!” Adolph Schneider cried, looking on the
maiden with angry eyes. “It is plain that thou art made mad by what
thou callest love. To you two erring ones shall be given a chance to
repent between now and the Untersuchung, but if your eyes are
then still blind to your iniquities ye shall be allowed to marry. Ponder
well upon the testimony given here this day by Otto and Christina
Schmidt. Human love lasteth but a few years, and eternity is not
long enough to blot out the sorrow it can bring to a human soul. Go
hence to pray that ye may be delivered from paying the hard
penalties earthly love bringeth to all.”
Tears were streaming from the girl’s eyes as she walked back to
the women’s side of the building, but in her face was no sign of
repentance.
Karl Weisel and the other elders had listened with stolid faces
while Adolph Schneider rebuked the people. After the young lovers
had taken their seats, Wilhelm Kellar pronounced a benediction. The
colonists filed slowly out of the meeting-house. Everett lingered in
the hope that by some happy circumstance he might speak to
Walda, but she was detained by the elders, who gathered around
her. He had given up hope of getting near her when it occurred to
him to make Wilhelm Kellar’s imprudence an excuse by which he
might at least go closer to the woman he loved. He went forward to
where Wilhelm Kellar stood at the foot of the platform steps.
“You have taken a great risk,” he said, to his patient. “You should
not have come here to-day.”
The old man drew himself up with a show of strength and said he
was well enough to make an effort to enter the Lord’s house.
 Walda, who had smiled upon Everett when she saw him coming
towards her, put her hand upon her father’s shoulder and persuaded
him to be carried back to his room. Gerson Brandt and another man
of Zanah lifted the invalid’s chair. Everett opened the side door that
they might pass out. Walda, who was anxious for her father’s
comfort, would have gone into the rain ahead of them, but Everett
reminded her she had not put on her cloak. He stepped up to the
chair of the prophetess without taking thought that he might be
profaning the place of the elders, and, taking the long garment, put
it around her. Although Karl Weisel and the other elders stood by, he
calmly fastened the clasp at the neck and drew the hood over the
head of the prophetess. Walda, looking up into his face, beheld in
the deep-set eyes as they rested upon her something that sent the
blood to her face. Gerson Brandt, looking back over his shoulder,
saw Everett hold the door open while Walda went through, and he
noticed that the strong face of the man of the world had upon it a
look of tenderness such as he had never seen before.
Everett hesitated a moment as he buttoned his mackintosh. He
was uncertain whether to go out into the woods for a long walk or
whether to return to the dreary inn. He turned his steps towards the
inn, and he had not gone half-way down the hill before he saw
Walda coming from the school-house. The prophetess was with
Frieda Bergen, and behind them walked two of the village “mothers.”
Everett let them pass him, but he noticed with a pang that Walda
appeared not to see him as he stood with uncovered head while she
walked by.
“The elders have asked me to entreat thee to overcome this love
that thou hast confessed,” he heard Walda say to Frieda Bergen; but
they had gone beyond ear-shot before the girl replied.
They went into the inn, whither Everett followed them after a
time. Walda drew Frieda Bergen to the settle near the fire which
Everett had kindled.
“Thou seemest so happy in thy sin that I would know what is thy
feeling,” said Walda. “Thou hast the look of one to whom heaven
hath been revealed.”
 “A great joy hath come to me, Walda. If it is wicked to love, then
would I continue in my sin,” answered Frieda. “Hast thou never
known the temptation of love? Hast thou never seen one who
maketh the world seem better to thee?”
“Gerson Brandt and Stephen Everett have taught me much,” said
Walda, “but no one hath ever tempted me to forget God and to
worship man. Doth not thy conscience make thee repentant?”
“Nay, I cannot believe that it is wicked to love.”
“How didst thou come to know that thou lovest?”
“One day, as we worked together, Joseph Hoff looked at me
through the trellis of a hop-vine. He was on one side and I was on
the other. My heart trembled, and thenceforth his face was often
before me.”
“That is but a small matter. The stranger in Zanah hath sometimes
made my heart leap, but that meaneth naught.”
“After the hour in which Joseph Hoff looked at me, the day was
happier when I could see him. I no longer rebelled against the hard
tasks given me. I had sweet dreams,” declared Frieda.
“I have felt as thou sayest thou feelest, but it was prayer and
fasting that made the earth like the outer courts of heaven. Frieda,
Frieda, thou hast mistaken the spirit of holiness for earthly love.”
Walda Kellar leaned forward, clasping her hands together in a
gesture which betrayed her relief at what she supposed was her
discovery of the true state of her companion’s mind.
“Nay, nay, it was love that made a new life for me,” insisted
Frieda, shaking her black-capped head and speaking in a low voice.
“How couldst thou know?”
“One day Joseph spoke to me sweet words; he touched my hand.
Life became changed again. In my heart thenceforth was a great
loneliness except when I was near Joseph Hoff. I trembled when he
touched my hand, and I would have had him always by my side.”
“Ah, this that thou tellest me is strange indeed. I have known
something of this loneliness, but it was the loneliness of the soul
that seeketh God and feareth to lose the way to heaven. Tell me
something more of thy love.”
“Joseph Hoff sometimes said I was like an angel to him. He spoke
softly of love.”
“Thou wert wrong to listen,” said Walda.
“Thou hast spoken often with the stranger in Zanah.”
“True, but we talked of books, and the woods; of the wonders of
the heavens and the glories of the earth.”
“We spoke few words, but they gave me strange strength. The
earth seemed a pleasanter place after we had talked together. Hast
thou never known a day when suddenly the flowers became more
beautiful and the sun shone brighter?”
“Yea, lately, since the inspiration hath come to me, it is as if Zanah
were bathed in a heavenly radiance. But tell me more, Frieda.”
“The days became pleasant; every one was joyous. There was in
my heart a singing that made me care not for the reproofs of the
village mothers.”
“I know what thou meanest. Thy experiences are not different
from mine.” Walda looked into her companion’s face with a smile of
sympathy. “Disturb not thyself any longer. Thou hast the revelation
of divinity that the Lord sendeth to those who serve Him. Why didst
thou think this new glory in thy life was an earthly love? Foolish girl,
I am glad that I did have this chance to probe thy heart to-day.”
“It was not love of God that was in my heart, Walda.” Frieda
looked into the fire and shook her head thoughtfully. “Else why
should I look each day for a glimpse of Joseph Hoff? Why should the
simplest word from him be more to me than the longest prayer of
any of the elders? Even if I had thought in the beginning that the
tumult in my heart was due to the fervor of my religious faith, I
found out very soon that it was Joseph Hoff I loved.”
“How did the revelation come?” Walda whispered.
“One day, when I went back into the hay-field to find a rake I had
left, Joseph Hoff, who was working on the top of the stack, came
down to the field, and, taking both my hands, he kissed me.” Frieda
lifted the corner of her apron and half hid her face as she made this
confession.
“Ah, that was sinful, indeed!” exclaimed Walda, her eyes wide with
horror. “We of Zanah have been taught that a kiss is the password
that Satan giveth to weak and foolish men and women. I hope that
thou didst rebuke the bold and sinful youth.”
Frieda raised her apron a little higher and made no reply.
“What didst thou do when he had kissed thee?” Walda asked,
after a moment of silence.
“I—I—waited for him to kiss me again.”
Walda drew away from the girl beside her. “How couldst thou let
any man touch thy lips?” she exclaimed in indignation.
“Because I loved him.”
“And since Joseph Hoff hath kissed thee, hast thou not lost the
sense of holiness that belongeth to the people of Zanah?”
“Nay, every kiss hath added a glory to the earth. I care no longer
for heaven if I may dwell with Joseph Hoff here in Zanah.”
“Truly, thy state of mind doth alarm me, Frieda. Thou hast many
of the emotions that have come to me since the beginning of mine
inspiration, and yet thou hast fallen a victim to the wiles of man.
Pray that thine eyes may be opened to thine errors.”
“Nay, I would not pray that, lest my prayer should be answered. If
I prayed from my heart, I would ask that many years might be given
me to live and love Joseph Hoff here on earth.” Frieda Bergen rose
and walked away, but she turned back to put her hand on Walda
Kellar’s shoulder.
“Forgive me if I seem of a stubborn spirit. I know that thou canst
not understand how the love of man can take possession of a
woman’s heart. Thou wilt be satisfied to live aloof from the people of
Zanah that thou mayst be near to God, but I would rather have the
love of Joseph Hoff than the inspiration that cometh to a prophetess
of Zanah.”
 “It is my duty to reprimand thee for thy sin, but somehow, when
thou speakest of Joseph Hoff, I cannot feel the abhorrence for thy
transgression that should fill my heart. I will pray that the Lord may
show thee the right way.”
Walda leaned her head against the settle and thought about
Frieda Bergen’s state of mind, but her thoughts were confused. Her
reflections were interrupted by Everett, who came into the inn.
Drawing near to the fireplace, he made a great show of drying his
hat, which was wet from the rain. Walda did not seem to notice his
presence.
“You appear to be troubled about something,” he said.
“Yea. A matter of much moment hath been laid before me, and I
have not wisdom enough to see it in all its sinfulness.”
“Do you suppose my worldly advice would help you?” Everett
asked.
“Nay, thou hast different measures of judgment from those set by
the people of Zanah. Thou dost not hold earthly love a sin.”
“No, I do not, Walda.” Everett smiled. “I hold love—the earthly
love you are taught to try to escape—as the most precious gift the
Creator gave to the children of men.”
His voice was low, and it betrayed an intensity of feeling that
caused Walda to give him a questioning glance. Everett looked at
her with so much tenderness she turned her head away.
“Thou hast in thy tones the same sound that was strange in
Frieda’s voice. Dost thou love? Hast thou the same unreasoning
rapture as Joseph Hoff?”
“Not the same, Walda. I love much more than any man in Zanah.”
Walda’s face became as white as the cap upon her soft hair. She
clasped her hands tightly together and said, with a catch in her
voice:
“Stephen, why hast thou never told me of thy love?”
“Because I thought you would not care to hear about it. Because
it is forbidden to speak of love in Zanah,” Everett answered.
 He seated himself beside her on the settle. From behind the high
desk Diedrich Werther now and then stared at them with a glimmer
of suspicion in his eyes. His recent contact with the world at the
railway station evidently had made him less trustful than his fellow-
colonists. Everett noticed the innkeeper’s watchfulness, and
therefore was careful not to betray emotion.
“Walda, you are not angry because I have deceived you, are you?”
he said, when she did not answer him.
“Angry with thee, Stephen? Nay, thy love cannot concern the
prophetess of Zanah.” Her lip quivered, but she held her head high,
and disdained to let him know that the heart beneath her kerchief
was throbbing so that her words were almost smothered in her
throat. “Thy confession did cause me to be abashed for a moment. I
had never thought that out in the world some woman loved thee.”
She rose to her feet as she spoke, and she would have gone away
without another word but he boldly caught her hand and pulled her
back upon the settle. Diedrich Werther looked on with jaw dropped
and pipe suspended at elbow-length, but Everett defied him.
“You misunderstand me, Walda. I want to explain to you, but this
is not the place.”
“I—I would not hear what thou hast to say about thy love,
Stephen,” she said, with a faint smile. “Frieda hath told me her story,
and it is enough for me to think of in the watches of the night.
Detain me not. I must pray for Frieda Bergen. I must seek divine
light for the understanding of mortal weaknesses, of which love is
said to be the most dangerous. Verily, to-day I fear the inspiration
hath been withdrawn from me, for I am dull of comprehension.”
Before Everett could reply, Gerson Brandt entered the room. The
school-master came towards them with a stern look upon his face.
“Why dost thou talk here with the prophetess of Zanah?” he said,
addressing Everett. “Thou canst have nothing to say that will be
worthy of her hearing, since she is close to heaven and thou art of
the wicked world.”
 His long hair was wet as it lay upon his shoulders, and his thin
face was deeply lined.
“We were talking of love—earthly love,” Walda said, leaving her
place beside Everett. “Gerson Brandt, he hath just told me that he
loveth.”
The school-master’s tall, gaunt form swayed beneath the burden
of a great emotion.
“Tell me, sir, thou hast not dared to speak of love to the
prophetess of Zanah?” he cried.
“Yes, I have spoken of love,” said Everett, going to the farther side
of the fireplace. “Yes, I have spoken of love.” He was again the cool,
well-poised man of the world. Carelessly he took up an old pair of
bellows, as he added: “But you need not fear. The prophetess of
Zanah did not care to hear about my love.”
“Walda, thou wouldst not listen to any man who would dare to
speak of love to thee, wouldst thou?” Gerson Brandt asked, in an
agony of fear.
“Disturb not thyself, Gerson Brandt,” Walda answered. “What harm
can there be in Stephen Everett’s declaration that he loveth a
woman out in the world?”
An expression of relief passed over the face of the school-master.
Beads of perspiration stood upon his white forehead. He was
shaking so that he had to steady himself against the end of the
settle.
“Thy time of inspiration is so near that thou shouldst not speak to
the stranger,” he said, in a softened tone. “Thou art close to heaven,
and it is not wise for thee to commune with any man.”
“Must I speak no more with thee, Gerson Brandt?” Walda looked
at him with all the tenderness of a deep affection shining in her
eyes. Everett watched her as she addressed the school-master. The
childish heart and the unawakened soul associated with the majestic
form of a woman had fascinated him when he first came to Zanah,
but he saw that the face, once as placid as a nun’s, showed the
inner disquietude that is the recompense of those who come into a
knowledge of the great emotions of life.
“Thou wouldst better dwell alone until the great day of the
Untersuchung,” Gerson Brandt said to Walda. “Go now to thy closet,
where thou canst pray until thou forgettest what thou hast heard of
earthly love.”
Walda started to obey the counsel of the school-master, but she
hesitated after she had gone to the door. She glanced at Everett. His
tall form was outlined in the fire-light, but she could not see his face,
which was in the shadow.
“I would speak a last word with Stephen Everett,” she said. Gerson
Brandt stood by the door while she went near to Everett.
“Since this may be my last meeting with thee, I would offer thee
gratitude from my heart for all that thou hast done for my father and
for me,” she said. “Thou hast helped me to gain wisdom, Stephen.”
“Do not speak of gratitude, Walda. You cannot say good-bye to
me here, for I shall see you again.”
“Nay, I may not be permitted to see thee again.” She stopped, as
if she were taking care to speak wisely. “It is my prayer, Stephen,
that thy love shall bring happiness to thee and to the woman upon
whom thou hast set thine heart.”
She was gone before she could hear Everett’s reply.
 XVI

T he evening of the Day of Warning closed in dark and dreary. The

rain stopped and a high wind came up. After tea in the inn,
Everett walked up and down the porch. The village square and the
winding street were deserted. At long intervals lights gleamed from
fast-curtained windows. At first he took it for granted that Walda
would not make her nightly visit to the grave of Marta Bachmann.
When he thought over the matter, however, it occurred to him that it
might be well to walk out towards the cemetery. He knew the
fanaticism of the colonists caused them to be punctilious in the
smallest religious observances. He watched for Walda in vain. After
Gerson Brandt’s exhibition of evident unfriendliness to him he knew
that precautions might be taken to prevent Walda from passing the
gasthaus. As he had nothing else to do, he decided that a walk out
through the woods to the shore of the lake might possibly be
rewarded by a glimpse of the prophetess. He met no one on the way
to the cemetery, but when he reached the gate he could dimly
discern the forms of two women who were standing by the grave of
Marta Bachmann. He guessed that Mother Kaufmann had been sent
with Walda. A tall hedge surrounded the God’s-acre of Zanah, and
he followed this evergreen wall to the point where it was nearest the
grave of the dead prophetess. He was careful that his presence
should not be discovered by the colony “mother.”
An old oak-tree spread its branches over the little plot of ground in
which the tomb of Marta Bachmann was situated. The wind waved
the branches of this tree and blew a shower of brown leaves upon
the two women. It wound Walda’s cloak about her and tore the
shawl from Mother Kaufmann’s shoulders.
 “This is a night to make the spirits of the dead walk about their
old haunts,” said Mother Kaufmann.
“Put superstition away from thee,” Walda answered. “If thou hast
fixed thy faith on God, evil spirits cannot harm thee.”
Mother Kaufmann put her hand to her forehead while she peered
about her, as if to discover some chance ghost.
“Dost thou not hear footsteps among the dried leaves?” she asked
Walda.
“Nay, Mother Kaufmann. Why art thou so affrighted?” the girl
replied. At that moment a gust of wind almost swept them from
their feet. Mother Kaufmann uttered a scream of terror and pointed
to a far corner of the graveyard where a white form was moving
about among the graves. She did not wait to find out who or what
the unexpected apparition might be. Gathering her skirts in her hand
she fled, leaving Walda alone beside the grave. Everett stepped
through the hedge and spoke gently to Walda.
“Do not be afraid,” he said. “I will find out what sort of a ghost
has frightened Mother Kaufmann.” He walked towards the place,
where what appeared to be a headless form wrapped in a sheet was
moving back and forth. When he came near to it he saw that it was
a most substantial substance, for Hans Peter had borrowed a white
rubber blanket, through which he had thrust his head, and thus
improvised a most serviceable rain-coat.
“What are you doing here?” Everett asked, in an angry tone of
voice. “Do you know that you have scared one of the colony
women?”
“Thou hast no concern in what my errand may be,” said the simple
one, gathering his rubber blanket around him and calmly seating
himself upon the nearest gravestone. “If Mother Kaufmann had been
scared to death there is none in Zanah who would have wept upon
her bier.”
“You had better go back to the village,” Everett advised, as he with
difficulty restrained a laugh.
 “Nay, it is thou who hast no occasion to linger near the cemetery,”
the simple one replied. “I have come to wait for Walda Kellar.”
Another gust of wind, even stronger than the preceding one,
carried Everett’s hat away, and while he searched for it in the dark a
tree was uprooted. It fell with a crash that came from the direction
of Marta Bachmann’s grave, towards which Everett ran in a frenzy of
fear lest Walda had been injured.
“Stephen, Stephen,” he heard her call. She took a few steps
towards him, and in a moment his arms were around her.
“You are not hurt, are you?” he said, putting his right hand upon
her head, and drawing it close to him until it rested on his shoulder.
He felt her tremble, and he said:
“You are quite safe now. I will take you home.”
The simple one had come near. Without glancing towards Stephen
and Walda, he went to Marta Bachmann’s grave, and, climbing over
the branches of the fallen tree, began to search for something.
Everett gently put Walda away from him lest the simple one should
notice them. Then, taking her by the hand, he led her through the
hedge and along the road until they came to the open place by the
lake.
“Stephen, I have shown a grievous weakness and lack of faith,”
said Walda, catching her breath, and drawing her hand from his.
“The prophetess of Zanah should not know fear, and yet I felt a
strength and comfort in thine aid that my prayers have never given
me.”
Walda raised her face to him, and again he put his arms around
her.
“Walda, I mean to take care of you always,” he said. “I shall never
let you go. Cannot you understand that it is meant you should
belong to me?” He kissed her on the lips, and, abashed and
trembling, she drew away from him.
“Stephen, thou dost betray my trust in thee. Why wouldst thou
profane the lips of a prophetess of Zanah?” she cried. She put her
hands over her heart, as if to still its wild beating, and her eyes were
wide with fear and astonishment.
“Walda, I love you. I think I have loved you ever since the first
day I came to Zanah. I have kissed you because my heart claims
you from all the world. Life without you means nothing to me. Can’t
you love me, Walda?”
“I know not what it means to love. I have been warned that it is
selfish and sinful for men and women to fix all their thoughts upon
each other. Oh, Stephen, what have I done that thou shouldst speak
thus to me?”
“You have made me centre all my hopes in you. You have won my
reverence. I know I am unworthy to touch your hand, but this love
that has come to me gives me a supreme courage. Walda, surely
your heart answers mine. Words are so clumsy that, now that my
tongue should tell you how great and holy a thing is the love of a
man for a woman, I am but a poor supplicant.” He took both her
hands in his and drew her towards him. Again he kissed her, and,
instead of resenting the caress, she hid her face upon his shoulder.
He held her thus for a moment. He pushed back the white cap and
softly touched her hair.
“Walda, do you know, I have often been afraid of the prophetess
of Zanah,” he said, in a low tone, “and if it were not for my great
love I would not have the courage to covet you for my wife. Love is
stronger than reason, and so I dare covet you for my own forever.
You are mine, for I could not love you so if you were not the woman
destined to rule my life. Cannot you find in your heart a little love for
me?”
“I know not what is in my heart,” she answered. “Thy kisses make
me ashamed, Stephen, and yet my heart is glad. This night my
weakness hath been revealed to me. Even now I cling to thee when
I should bid thee go away from me.”
“You do love me, Walda. You must love me. It was fate that
brought me to Zanah to find you. I know that all my years I have
been waiting for you. You have been kept for me here in Zanah.
Cannot you begin to comprehend that love is the birthright of every
man and woman? Zanah would have cheated you, but now it cannot
separate us.”
“Thy words make me think of my duty, Stephen.” Walda’s voice
trembled. “Since thou hast kissed me, I am no longer fit to be the
prophetess of Zanah.”
“You will be a wife instead of a prophetess, Walda. You can still be
an instrument of the Lord, for you will make the world outside better
for your presence.”
She was very quiet for a moment. It was as if she had not heard
him.
“Is it love that maketh my heart beat? Is it love that casteth out
fear while thou hast thine arms around me?” she asked, presently.
“What meaning is there in a kiss that it should make me ashamed
and yet happy, Stephen? Verily, thy kisses are not like the kisses of
good-fellowship that the elders give one another at the
Untersuchung; they are not like the kisses the mothers have pressed
upon my forehead.”
“Of course they are not,” Everett said, and he laughed aloud in the
joy the knowledge of her love gave him. “Look up, Walda, and let
me kiss you again, and you will learn that the kiss of love is the
token that unlocks the hearts of men and women.”
She looked into his eyes, and their lips met.
“Thou speakest truly, Stephen,” Walda said. “Let us go back to the
village. I would think of thee and of love in solitude and with much
prayer. This hour hath robbed me of the mantle of the prophetess.”
“But it has given you the highest heritage of life. It is better to be
a wife than a prophetess, Walda.”
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