Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-04-04
POMPS AND YANITIES.

lie was young and handsome and unmar-
red and AIillicent Dunalan had given
him back his troth only the night before.
Millicent, stately and beautiful, with
"sweetest lips that were ever kissed" and
eyes that made one think of heaven, with
great coils of golden hair wreathed about
her head, with smile that enchanted all
who were thrown under its spells-yes,
at last look had conquered the man who
at twenty-eight could say, " have never
yet seen the woman | should wish to mar
ry."
The rector lived in his brothers house,
and that brother, wealthy merchant,
was Millicent Dunalan's guardian. She
was an orphan, and had come there at his
desire, and that was how the rector met
her; and his cool blood was stirred, to his
own great establishment.
The months passed on, and Paul fan
cied that Millicent was not averse to re-
ceivng his little attentions. They talked
together in the sweet twilight hours and
she sang for him, while the moments
golden-footed, fled, till he was fain to
tear himself away where sterner duties
called. They often left the house togeth-
er on the Sabbath, and the young maidens
of st. Marys looked coldly upon her, or
lent their ears with forced attention when
she sang; for it WAS evident to the lockers
on that the rector was very deeply in love,
and that a stranger, scarcely more than a
schoolgirl, had carried off the prize,
Rv and Inv II urnu rrrpnrnl III ot tba two
were engaged. The rector had never
seemed so handsome, so radiant, so per-
fectly happy in all his life before. Strive
against it as he would, when he preached,
Millicent's were the eyes for which he
looked, hers was the praise lie longed for.
God forbid that my love become idol
airy" he sometimes said to himself as he
caught sight of the fair, bowed head, on
his entrance to the chancel, and Their
straightway forgot every thing but hii
love.
What more could he desire? Millcen
was beautiful, accomplished, well educated
and devout. lie would not allow himsel
to fear that she was proud and worldly a
his mother had said; her face was as tina
of some sweet saint.
But the time of trial was at hand. Pau
Regley was now to show the strength o
his character, the power of his manhood
and the stability of his principles.
How is it, Paul, about the downtown
parish of Ascension'" his brother aske'
him one morning, as they sat at breakfast
His mother looked quickly up.
81 think shall decide to take it," Pau
answered, briefly. "They are in grea
need, and | like the field 1t will give m
plenty to do, and at present | am like
gentleman in retirement-ycry pleasan
for time, but irksome and unproftabl
to one Of my temperament"
Millicent's eyes met his; there was
new expression in their violet depths
look that puzzled him till she explained il
That was a week after.
care you really going to that poo
old.tashioned church downtown n sh
asked, when they were alone by then
selves, little Stella's presence excepted
The child sat at the piano, playing he
lesson over, and the sweet chords made
pleasant accompaniment to their murmul
ed speech.
"Yes, | am really going. l decide
some days ago, and have so signifed to m
bishop. 1t is a splendid field for labor
But look what you leave" said Mill
cent in low, melodious voice; ~ shoul
think such parish as this much MOI
suitable for your gifts and graces," 81
added, in that sweet, caressng tone whic
made her every word musical.
sit seems so to my friends, perhaps
but feel drawn toward old Ascenso
and from the start have coverted hard
work. The Schools the poor, and Il
charities there will be more congenial
me than the pomp and fashion of
Mary's which is somewhat given pom
and vanities."
Millicent looked troubled. She was n
prepared for any sacriice-hardly kne
the meaning of the word, in fact-dear
as she loved Paul and she did love hi
though as yet heart had only spoken
heart in mute but eloquent language. Al
presently they talked OF other things, al
Paul sent along the passionate tide OF
love the words that had been so loI
burning within him.
"But if am to be your wife, de
Paul." said Millicent, after rapture
hour had flown, "you must give up A
cension and stay with st. Mary's."
"Give up Ascension, my love | ha
accepted, and am already looked upon
the rector there. You surely could 4
ask me to 60 back of my word 1t is
my plighted troth to you"
"But for my sake, Paul. / don't We
to 60 to that parish" she pleaded, /
beautiful eyes bewildering him. "Her'
am at home, and so happy ! have ma
many friends here; | am getting inc
and more attached to the dear old churc
1t was there / first heard you prea'
Paul; for my sake don't leave il"
dearest, it pains me to hear you tt
So" said Paul :, his heart and his cours
sinking. "You surely would not cha
me even from what hold to be my bour
en- duty. If it is only the forming of n
ties you dread, that will be soon acco
plished Hand in hand we will go
gether, and in our grand work forget
own petty, personal feelings. You
soon like it. Ascension is not quite
beautiful in its adornments as ST. Mary
but, for all that, it is noble old chur
and more suited to my taste"
Millicent looked panied. Little ST.
had quietly glided from the room l.
ago. The rays of the moon, glorious
its fullness, stole in at the easement |
revealed the face of the beautiful girl;
9 n