The Voice

The Voice is a short story by the American writer Margaret Deland (1857–1945), one of her series of stories set in the fictional town of Old Chester. The story is in the public domain and the English original is freely available through Project Gutenberg. The story takes place in Old Chester: old Mr. Roberts, a follower of the Irvingite faith, firmly believes he can hear the voice of God and often proclaims it to others. His daughter Philippa is gentle, sensible, and a little playful; she cannot fully share her father's fervent faith, yet secretly harbors feelings for the young and mild-mannered minister John Fenn of the Perryville church. The town's two doctors and old friends, Dr. Lavendar and Dr. William King, bear the family goodwill and often comment on Mr. Roberts's "voice" in their conversations. When the "voice" begins to interfere with Philippa's marriage prospects and future, she tries a folk charm to win John's affection, but unexpectedly triggers serious consequences that nearly send John to the brink of death. Philippa thereby comes to deeply understand the cost of her actions and gains a new understanding of her father's piety, John's faith, and the weight of forgiveness. The story unfolds daily human feeling through light, humorous dialogue and ultimately settles on faith, love, and understanding within a family; it is a work by Deland marked by warmth and moral reflection. This entry refers to the English original, Project Gutenberg eBook #2387; there is currently no authoritative Chinese translation.