Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-05-29
The Minister'S Daughter.
A DOMESTIC STORY, WITH A GOOD
MORAL.

Reverend DIR. Hall was sitting in his
study one pleasant August afternoon,
his thoughts intent upon his Sunday
sermon, and his mind withdrawn from
earthly cares, when his train of thought
was radely interrupted, and his atten.
tion distracted from his theme by the
following conversation g
"Oh, Nellie Hall where are you p
you'd ought to have been here--just
the stunningest fellow"
Then sound of running feet, and
pretty soon he heard his daughter ex.
claim
"Is that you, Maggie ?"
"Yes, come down quick, I've got
something to tell you"
"I'll be there in half jify."
Then a door opened and shut. and
in a few moments
"What do you think, as I was com
ing over here, there was just the stun
ningest fellow right in front of me
just as | got in front Of the new
church my music roll slipped, and
every paper in it fell out on the side
walk. "
"Gracious! l should have been
dumbfounded"
And so | was but it was so ridic-
ulous that [ almost died laughing -
"Well, that fellow, do you think,
stopped, turned around, and helped me
to pick them up. | was all hunky
dory then. He walked as far as here
with me thanked him, of course, etc,
etc. You know how tbs yourself >
The good doctor scratched his head.
Could that be his Nellie, whom he
thought so ladylike? lie opened the
door softly. little crack, thinking, no
doubt, that he had the right to play
the part Of listener to so strangely
mixed conversation, and in his own
house. Very soon it was continued.
this time his daughter commencing the
| conversation
There how's that for high :?
ooh, ism t it sweet how much was
it 2"
"Only five dollars cheap enough" :"
"Ies, indeed; but you said you
were going to have pink--this is
blue
"Ncver mind-its all the same in
Dutch. =
The doctor peeked to see what they
were talking about--and Miss Nellie
was exhibiting her new bonnet to the
admiring gaze of her friend.
Its raging hot here
Veil, | don't know as | can make
it any cooler,'' sad Nellie, looking
around, Il 'spose father'd kill me if l
opened the door, Her father had
requested her the day before to keep
the door closed
II guess it's time for me to absquat-
ulate. . said Maggie, rising.
"Don't tear yourself away Are
you going to the lecture tonight @
Yes; | had staving old time last
Tuesday night .
George Sanders said he should go
home with you tonight"
Did he? He'd better learn to spell
able first
''That's so. IF there's anything I
hate, it's these boys bothering around
they ought to be put into barrel and
fed through a bunghole until they are
old enough to behave"
Il must bid you fond adieu now
| have thousands of errands to do.
"Well, goodbye"
80, the dickens. I've left my para
sol y
Here it is"
"Now ood-night; be sure and
come tonight"
Yes, good-bye.'
Then the door closed and Nellie
went off up stairs.
The doctor gently shut the door,
with a sly twinkle in his eyes. He nat
buried in thought some little time.
Now and then a good humored smile
broke over his face, and once he shook
with silent laughter Then again his
face heightened and his brow grew
dark, till at last, with profound shake
of the head he sat down to resume his
sermon but in vain--not an idea
would enter his head; SO he sat idly
scratching his pen on the paper, till at
last with gesture Of impatience, he
pushed back his chair, got up, shook
himself, took his hat and went out for
a walk He got as far as the gate,
when an idea seemed to strike him.
He came back, hung up his hat, and
went in search of his wife. For long
time they were closeted together, until
time for tea. When tea WAS ready,
Miss Nellie came down equipped for
the lecture. After they were fairly
seated at the table, Mrs. Hall said:
MY dear sir, will you have some
tea 20
I'm half ajiffy, madam
Nellie looked up, but her father took
no notice.
REALLY, this cake is quite stunning"
went on the doctor, as solemn as a
judge. Just then his napkin fell to
the floor. -" "Gracious, I'm con-dum-
founded" calculated the doctor, getting
it a little wrong.
Nellie gazed at her father in perfect
amazement.