Litchfield enquirer., 1873-12-25

! i here ?
 ''Now I believe, interrupted Miss Clemmens, looking the whole ground over that Rev. Gilbert Huntington is just the man we want Doctor Morrow says he is 1 avery popular preacher; one who draws i large audiences, and considering the 1 present state of affairs, I think he IS the right one"
 Wonder if he Is not a single man ?" John Mead suggested to Marvin Brooks. 1 iii low tone. aJ5 1 The discussion continued, Until the prime idea of the gathering became less and less apparent, and the committee felt ready to repent themselves of having been tue instigators of this mode of settling the matter. And John Mead, with mer- sy twinkle in his eyes, remarked: Hooks pretty dubious, eh, Brooks ?" At which Marvin Brooks audaciously laughed, at- l tracting the attention of Miss Clemens in the remotest corner of the crowded rooms, who, glad of an excuse to address these | ''miscreant bachelors, as she called them, arose and advanced with one long finger | raised at them in warning way. "Look there, Brooks p said Mead, ssdo you see the judgment about 10 fall on our defenceless heads by your inadverten- cy?" 5
 ''Do not distress yourselves, my dear fellow." replied his companion, 'sbut here," catching him by the arm as he was in the act of slipping away, s'don't you 1 dare to beat retreat; you know. Mead, faint heart never won fair lady Come back, like hero. ?
 '1 pray you. Brooks, from her Gen,en- cy relieve me" said Mead, with mimic groan; but as Brooks retained his hold. declared himself perfectly resigned
 'Gentlemen, why gentlemen P began Miss Clemens, who had elbowed her way to them, ''I am surprised at such levity on this occasion, with simper and look think, MT. Mead, that such conduct is in keeping with the present state of af- fairs ?"
 Certainly I do, Miss Clemens"
 70 Mir Mead, you surprise me how can you say so ? I really must insist upon an explanation"
 "Well, you see, Miss Clemens, the beauty of any scene, in my opinion, is completeness in the aspect. Now, you were all seemingly doing your best to es- tablish confusion, and it would have been ungenerous on our part not to have added our influence to make the affair complete, don't you see ?"
 70 MT. Mead, see you are a genuine rogue, with another simper.
 The committee finally withdrew for pri- vate consultation, which resulted in the following report:
 "Rev. Gerald Clinton having been most highly recommended to us by President L., of - Divinity School, as a cler- gyman of unusual ability, we have chosen him i'll preference to any other candidate not only by reason of our confidence in the presidents judgment, but also that, having seen and heard Mr. Clinton. we are prepared to come to final decision in his favor. In making this choice, we have, we believe, consulted the best interests of the society, and the wishes of a majority of our members" Which simply meant, that the wealthier portion had favored Gerald Clinton, and though the less in- fuential class had not been overlooked (fOr had they not been Consulted with the rest ?, the moneyed men must not be ig- nored. Indeed, had not Isaac Bond de- clared elf Gerald Clinton were not cho- sen, he could give them no assurance that his purse would contribute toward paying the bills And who could withstand this appeal from the cash capital fund?
 This may seem harsh judgment to you, my reader, but the truth must be told. Trinity Church, however-so-much they strove to believe to the contrary, were "aristocratic'' in their proclivities, and without being aware of it, had drifted along with the high tide current until s'money and influence" became to them pride and property were their princely f0 hfnt, %hn gogue.
 So Trinity was to have pastor; young, unmarried. and talented. Surely q suffi- cient guarantee to secure an entrance into any fastidious society. It was arranged that he shonld board with the Traceys, the family consenting to the innovation because he had been Carl's. classmate. Two years before he had visited Carl, and preached in their church during the three weeks absence of their pastor.
 Beginning their married life with limit ed means, Mir. and Mrs. Tracey had grad ually, by careful investments, increased their worldly store, and now, when our story opens, We find them in possession of a large income, together with the finest residence in Waverly; of, rather, 1t was located just outside the village. on apret- ty eminence overlooking the town, with the valley and river beyond. The grounds were laid out with fine skill in design and effect, and the house, itself a model of architecture, displayed refine ment of taste and lavish expenditure in all its appointments. ----.-- .
 It was spring time Bright, happy April was lovely in her springing grass, unfolding buds. and fresh, invigorating atmosphere. High vermilion clouds had awakened the dawn, and ushered in the morning, which bathed the hills in bril- liant sunlight, and crowned the trees with its golden sheen, while dewdrops glinted and sparkled, pendent from the newborn leaves. Laura Tracey, on the balcony opening from her room, stood shading her eyes from this dazzling sunihgt, that rested on her shining hair imparting a sunny hue to the rich, brown shade of the massive coils, and the breeze gave rosier tint to her pinky cheek as she lean ed on the railing admiring the scene be- fore her. .'@s
 Her brother Carl appeared on the walk with gay "Good-morning, Fuss! Are you going to take Q drive to the depot with us this moruing ?"
 ''Thank you, Carl; but will leave the honor of escorting the lion of the season through Waveriy to you and father. and she watched him as he took his seat be- side his father, and they were driven away. -1a F @
 Then she entered her room, saying to herself, sI am almost sorry that we con- sented to Mir. Clinton's coming here. It would do very well, perhaps, for a few weeks; but to have him with us whole year, 1t seems to me will break in upon our family freedom too much. 3 saE zt She descended to the conservatory, where she found her mother enthusiastic over some newly-opening camelias, and soon forgot her perplexity, going from plant to plant, chatting of them to her mother, who said .sshe thought if their family had common weakness, 1t was developed in their admiration for flowers. :" At length the carriage was heard, and soon they were engrossed in Inequalities to the new minister. He sswould only take cup of coffee and bit of toast, y