Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1875-03-25
CHAPTER Ill.
THE VILLAGE PASTOR.


Mr.. Ashton was one of that sacred
profession to which he belonged,
who not only taught by pTecept, but
who exhibited in bis daily walk and
conversation that religion nevor was
designed to make our pleasures less.
His life was pure and blameless and
while he avoided even the appear
ance of evil in himself, he regarded
the faults and errors of others as
matters to be rectifiod by gentle and
ans phhIc aenuffcfaious. Whli6 ne
was firm believer in his own faith,
and an eloquent advocate Of its doc"
trinos, he could treat with liberality
and kindness those who differed
with him. So far as was consistent
with his faith and profession, he was
ever ready to conform to the situa-
ton and circumstances in which he
happened to be placed He was al
ways welcome. He could amuse and
enlven while he instructed at the
social board he could administer
consolation appropriate to the afiict-
ed he could smooth the pillow Of
the dying; could brighton the star
Of hope in the pathway to the tomb;
ard point the departing spirit to the
mansions of rost beyond the skies.
Lucy was his only child-she was
ofthe same age as Harriet Fisher
she was Of . retiring disposition but
always cheerful and ever ready to
do acts Of kindness and TO minglo in
all innocent amusements when she
thought her presence no iGtru3ion.
She was superior scholar for her
age, had read much and thought
closely upon what she had read. Her
high brow encrclad by her dark
braided hair, indicated an intelligence
which her beaming eye ever spoke.
she had always boxed upon Charles
Fisher as a brother, aud his smile Of
approval, or his gentle opposition,
had always exertcd powerful infa-
ence upon her actions. A careless
observer would have regarded them
as brother and sister; but a more
observant one might have detected
nicer regard for the wishes Of each
other .han is commonly found IN
that relationships. This intercourse
was fostered BY both families, and
Charlie and Lucy were happy in its
ENJOYMENT, without rejecting that
Ii might irvcluntariy lead to an If
fiction Of different, deeper and
higher character. OF what that
character might be neither had
probably reflected upon seriously.
Nor did Lucy think that the many
delicate attentions which she had re-
ceived from Charles were all stored
in memories fountain and would
some day gush forth fresh and clear:
and the kiss which was occasionally
imprinted upon her cheek might
leave an impression upon her heart
more telling and listing than the
blush upon her face.
Such was the kind Of intimacy
which bad frequently passed before
he notice of Caroline Hastings with
cut attracting any particular atten-
ton. but now when called up 70 her
remembrance by the village gossip
before alluded TO, produced an in
oaiatuie and anxiety which haC
never before disturbed the even tenor
of her thoughts. Whether she knew
It or not she was already becoming
eptanglsd in that siIken web, which
though ightin its texture, can rare
IL be broken. Nor was she happy
the fear that her feelings might no
be reoiprocated, and more than this
the thought that perhaps injustice t
another, they should not be com
bined to I'll her mind with On indie
| scribable but intense and painfo
| anxiety, These and similar emotion
IN her last interviews with Charlie
made her appear constrained an
| distant. This appearance on b
part had been noticed by Charlie
and his desire to know and to re
move the cause rendered him ner
vous and unnatural in her presence
He had more than once resolved b
would investigate the matter, 6u