The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-11-28

high price for his horse. He would not
sell him.
gave my advice most honestly, for
believed that ne could mold IL character
like NIclinda's into something true and
noble. But he was wiser than |, and
am not sure but Deacon Iibbs and his
wife were wiser than either of us, fol
Mrs. johnson came home from the next
ladies' srwiug-crcle with a piece OF
news. Melinda Tibbs was going to
spend year with cousin OF her father
in New York City.
As I have no means of following Me-
linda in her city life, there is but little
to write. III Merton, things were all
prospcro,ls-a new element seemed t.
lave entered into the people, and new
strength put forth. The question was
certainly decided, for all agreed that nc
filter minister for the Merton church,
than Reuben Fairwcathcr, could have
been found.
I could sec hn awaited A1elinda's COM
ing with no little interest and no little
fear. And when she came, she came
very much changed from the girl who
left Merton. In the first place, my
wife said she had gained "stylc that
was very good, but by no means every
thing. I could see many ways she was
toned down, quieted and rendered more
pleasing in society. And, secondly, she
had gained q more important thing, in
tcllcctual culture her head was full OF
ideas and thoughts, and on any subject
she could converse with ease. And,
thirdly, she came home accomplished
her natural taste for music had been en-
couragcd, till she became n musician
capable of giving much pleasure to
others, while her watercolor sketches
were by no means devoid Of merit.
And vet Fairwcather was disappointed.
There vas still wanting that depth OF
character, of which all her sweetness
and accomplishments could not supply
their place: wanting, did write? 1t
were better to say, this was still unre-
vealed for character as beautiful as
rare was hidden under this vivaclty,
which was still to be brought into strong
light.
Three years from the time my story
opened the church bells Of Merton rang
ont merrily one Thursday morning.
There was to be IL wedding in the church.
In the groom YOU will easily recognize
Fairweather, for he has changed but
little; but you would have to look many
times before you became quite sure that
the bride is really Miss Melinda Tibbs.
You surely have not forgotten her smile,
and if the brown eyes have grown full of
meaning, and the rounded lips beautiful
bv more thoughtful expression, she
is stlll--but not long to be.-Melinda
Tibbs.
As Mr.. and Mrs. Fairweather leave
the church, they drive up i'll m old car
ryall to Deacon Tibbss, where the we'd
ding dinner is awaiting. In the most
conspicuous place on the table is large
pot of baked beans, of which both
groom and bride partake with evident
enjoyment.
Aid Mr.. Fairweather, amid consider
able laughter, tells the story OF how he
learned to eat bake,l beans, while Mrs.
Tibbs adds most heartily
"If you hev changed, Reuben, and I
believe you hev since then, you may be
sure 'tis all owing to the baked beans
you've ate every week. For l alters will
stick to it that Il man who don't eat
beans, isn't just the man for rale hard
work"
"Thcn I am ready for any thing
now," answered Reuben, pleasantly,
"judgng by the quantity 7 have eaten
Of vour beans.
After dinner was over and all the
good-bycs said, rs the minister and his
wife stepped into the carriage, Deacon
Tibbs put a note into his hand. 1t
read
DEAR Son REUBEN I found out some
time since that you had considerable grit
in you, or I shouldn't have trusted
Mciindy to you. You like that colt,
Paul, and if you, d like, you may have
him. 1 never could do anything with
him, and that you may live long and
enjoy him, and be blesse abundantly-
both You and your wife-is the most sim
cero and earnest wish Of your obedient
servant. SAMUEL TIBBs.