The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1879-08-07

night. She ssked The clerk aeryously Il
Il was 20 very lsle.
7 when be Informed her lbAi 1t was bet
jail hine O'Clock, she took up the pAfeti
and hurrlea away.
+ The city drummer, looking on, thoagb,
to himself, II is really TO bad for such
pretty girl to walk home alone,
SO, throwing aside bis cigar, be skipped
oal And overlook her jasl as shc was
/ turning a dark corner
wonldn't you Ike some company he
asked graciously, Offering bis arm,
Bat don't know you. she said hesita.
tingly.
Don't you why, I'm an old friend Of
your iatheris
lndeed5 she replied, bat she did MOI
take his arm.
They ehAtlod pleasantly along, be asked
many questions about her home, etc. lie
learned that her father was an invalid
confined TO bis room, aud tha, her brother
was absent IRON town.
They came to neat and somewhat
pretentious cottage, aud pushing st the
gate she timidly asked him TO come IN.
Charmed with her lhyness aud bellov-
ing the coast entirely clear, the unsuspl-
clous accepted the Invitation.
She showed him into 4 tasty little par
lor, then asked to be excused for few
minutes.
AZ she passed out OF the door smile
lowered about her lips, but the drummer
did not see II.
Passing down little hall she tapped
lightly at another door, which was open.
ed by gentleman of a decidedly minls.
terlsl aspect.
Mr.. O., she said, there Is gentleman
in the paror who seems very anxious
inquirer; won't you 90 and tslkS
Certainly, dear, answered her pastor,
who was as prompt 60 improve an oppor-
tunity to attend TO his business OF saving
souls as men of fdiffereBt calliugs are 10 |
drive sharp bargains.
lie FASTENED to the parlor, glasses aud
all, and grasped the drummer warmly by
Ihe hand, exclAiming heartily:
Glad to see you, my friend, very glad
to see you.
The drummer stared at the old gentle
man in astonishment, and wondered vain.
ly who he was and why be was so very
glad TO see him.
The minister drew chair close beside
him, and laying one hand on bis knee,
began very earnestly:
Our young friend tells me that you are
au anxious inquirer. am always glad
to talk with any one who is interested In
matters relating TO the welfare of the
soul.
The minister paused for moment and
the drummer began TO turn hot and cold.
Have you ever made any profession OF
religion; do you belong to any church,
the minister asked, encouragingIy.
N-no, stammered the drummer, out
loud. Confound the girll he muttered
under his breath,
The minister began to see that he was
not getting on, and noticing the drum
mers disturbed manner, remarked:
Something troubles you, my friend.
Ga.. mas. ,,ot noofla Ia xnap Darhana I |
can relieve your doubts and fears.
III think had better go, the drummer
said, rising and vainly trying TO guess
which door he came II at.
Let us have o season of prayer together
urged the minister, and, suiting the
action to the word, he kneeled down by
his chair. Not having decided which
door he came In at, and not daring to
risk meeting that confounded girl by
opening any other, the drummer had
nothing better 10 do than TO submit to the
novel experience of hearing himself pray.
ed for.
AS soon as the prayer was ended be
essayed to go, but Mr.. o. bethought him.
self OF the girl, and stepping to the din.
ing room door, called:
Vile, hss Lettie gonel
Oh, yes, she did not stay. Willie went
with her, and he's been gone Ions enough
TO get back.
At last the minister showed the discom
forted drummer 10 the door, shook him
warmly by the hand, hoped to meet bin
10 heaven, and let him out into the free
air once more.
As he passed out Of the gate he heard a
subdned giggle, saw two figures dimly
outlined against the sky and boys voice
wonder II pa converted him.
The anxious inquirer isn't anxious TO
inquire after the innocent young maideps
OF our town any more.
-
sALuTIsG THE BRIDE.
There was marriage at the upper end
of Detroit. A great big chap, almost able
~ fhrau q csplnad NJ Innnhor off fha traek