The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1875-04-15
moment, 4 IN then She understood and

--F7;--S - - ----;----------
4 moment, then she understood and
Invent tG him.
J, When she lifted her.head from its
, nest in his gray coat, her eyes. were
j glowing, and the sweet, pale face was
sEbeautifed, transfgurcd.
sRhefc did you get that bunch Of
berries2n he asked, touching it ca
Frcssingly, as a little gleam of sun
light looked through an opening in
the trees and feastedS momenton its
warmth and brightness.
II found it lying alone in the road
and I took it up-as you have taken
me- she answered softly.
The bright tints that were gather
ling in the west warned her that sup
per time was approaching, and the
minister took the pail of butter from
its resting plate the endof the log,
and they were soon at the Deacon's
gate. The Deacon was in the barn
yard feeding the fowls and the min
lister went out there. Melissa went
to the kitchen. Johnnie sat on the
steps with piece of apple pie inhis
hand and she bent down and softly
kissed his brown cheeks.
Have You been a acourtin' Melissa
he asked, looking at her wondering
ily.
II bet you have, cause your eyes
look justlike Dclla'swhen Tom Higgs
comes to see her"
Melissa laughed and went in the
house.
"How are you, Mr.. Ridgely,s said
the Deacon as the minister entered
the barn-yard. 'It has been a fine
day, sir, very fine day. How is the
new pulpit getting on?'
II have not been in the church to-
day." answered the minister almost
impatiently. 'I came to ask you
Deacon-that is to speak with YOU
about Miss Perry"
aAbout Melissa" asked the Deacon
with surprise.
"About Melissa," answered the min !
lister.
':Alr. Ridgelyy," said the Deacon |
with lengthening face, Ihave tried
to do my duty by that girl. I pray
for her morning and night at family
worship, and l have several times
I pIaTss na3er /; ieta Sunday pass without
speaking.to her about the concerns
of her soul and yet she remains in
different: She isgowing hardened,
and lately have noticed"
sYou have noticed nothing of the
kind" interrupted the minister.
Then he said abruptly: Deacon, l
have asked Miss Perry to be my wife
and as she has been a member OF
your family for several years 1 feel
that it is my duty to acquaint you"
aYour wifew exclaimed the aston
ished Deacon. "Why Mr.. Ridgely,
she is my help my bound girl"
aShe is the daughter of the late
Maxwell Perry" said the minister,
quietly. ,
But, sir, what will the church
say?' i
II really do not know" answered
the minister in tone that meant II
really do not earc."
@She is from good family" con-
tinued the Deacon, "but she is not a
church member, and l fear the con-
gregation-"
~ have thought of accepting call
to the Bloomington church," said the
minister slyly. :. Il
"oh, no, nov cried the alarmed
Deacon, 'you must notthink Of leav-
ing US, Mr.. Ridgely. The church has
never been in so prosperous a condi-
tion, spiritually and temporary.
Don't speak of your leaving, Mr..
Ridgely. As toyour marrying Melis-
sa, l am perfectly williagg;-1 only
thought-but there isthe supperbcal.
Come up to the house,.
Words fail.to describe the amaze
mcnt of the Lyntonians when they
knew for surety that their minis
terintendedtomarry Deacon osgoods
help. A few-among whom were.
Martha Samson and Armantha Pea
body-hinted that he had better re-
sign, but they were ordered to keep
their hints to themselves by the more
,A,,;bIo o,o;s who whom tbev rncoy-