The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1878-06-06

We were in disgrace, we boys, and
the reason of it was this: we had
laughed out in meetin' time! To be
sure the occasion was trying one even
to more disciplined nerves Parson
Lothrop had exchanged pulpits with
Parson Summeral, of North Wearem.
Now, Parson Summeral, was man in
the very. outset likely to provoke the
risibles of the unspiritualized Juveniles.
He was thin, wiry, frisky little man,
in a powdered white wig, black tights,
and silk stockings, with bright knee
buckles and shoe-buckles, with round,
dark, swapping eyes, and curious,
high, cracked, squeaking voice, the
very first tones of which made all the
children stare and giggle. The news
that Parson Summeral was going to
preach in our village spread among us
as a prelude to something funny. 1t
had a flavor like the charm Of circus
acting; and on the Sunday morning of
our story we went to the house of
God in very hilarious state, all ready
to set off in laugh on the slightest
provocation.
The occasion was not long wanting.
Parson Lathrop had a favorite dog
yclept Trip, whose behavior in meeting
was VIGOROUSLY far from that edifying
pattern which BELTS minister's dog on
Sundays. Trip was nervous dog, and
dog that never could be taught to con-
ceal his emotions or respect convention
alities. II any thing about the perform
ance in the singers seat did not please
him, he was apt to express himself in a
lugubrious howl. If the sermon was
longer than suited him, lie would cape
with such loud crack of his Jaws as
would arouse every body's attention. If
the flies disturbed his afternoon nap he
would give sudden snarls and snaps;
or, if any thing troubled his dreams, he
would break out in his sleep in man.
nef not only to dispel his own slumbers,
but those of certain worthy deacons and
old ladies, whose sanctuary repose was
thereby sorely broken and troubled.
For all these reasons Nine. Lothrop
had been forced, as a general thing, to
deny Trip the usual sanctuary privileges
OF good family dogs in that age, and
shut him up on Sundays to private med
itation. Trip, of course, was only the
more set on attendance, and would hide
behind doors, jump out of windows,
sneak through by-ways and alleys, and
lie hide until the second bell had done
tolling, when suddenly he would appear
In the broad aisle, innocent and happy,
and take his seat as composedly as any
member of the congregation.
Imagine US youngsters on the qui vive
with excitement at seeing Parson Sum-
neral frisk up into the pulpit with all
the vivacity Of black grasshopper. We
looked at each other and giggled very
cautiously, with due respect to Aunt
Lois's sharp observation. At first, there
was only mild, quiet simmering of a
giggle, compressed decorously within
the bounds of propriety, and we pursed
our muscles up with stringent resolution
whenever we caught the apprehensive
eye OF our elders. But when, directly
after the closing notes of the tolling sec
ond bell, Master Trip walked gravely
up the front aisle, and, seating himself
squarely in front OF the pulpit, raised
his nose with critical air toward the
scene of the forthcoming performance,
it was too much for us-the repression
was almost conyulsive. Trim vvoro on