Out of the depths

"Out of the depths" by Madeline Leslie is a novel written in the late 19th century. A domestic and religious tale, it follows a beloved clergyman whose honesty is suddenly called into question and the steadfast family who stand by him, especially his talented daughter Emily as she begins life away from home. Set between a New England village and a nearby city (and a refined girls’ school), the story explores faith under trial, reputation, and the pressures of community judgment. The opening of the novel introduces Rev. Henry Washburn and his wife Mary, whose quiet evening gives way to anxiety as rumors of missing missionary funds gather while he endures dizzy spells and faltering confidence. A retrospective traces his fruitful ministry, illness, resignation, and new post as secretary-treasurer of a missionary society; meanwhile, their daughter Emily, wary of the unwelcome attentions of the reformed-but-suspect Barnes Bailey, accepts a music post at a distant school. After Henry collapses in the city, a bishop’s letter confronts him with an alleged deficit; at home Mary demands the truth, believes his innocent intent, and urges a full investigation, bolstering him with prayer and resolve. In parallel, Emily flourishes socially and artistically, befriending the gracious Cecilia and Judge Wilson, captivating guests with her singing, and meeting the reserved Hon. Frederic Lawrence, while back in Canterbury the family endures coolness from former friends as the shadow over the rector deepens.

Out of the depths, by Madeline Leslie. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #78705.