Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-04-12

riGed, while the deacons covered their
faces with their hands to think that the
Bap:ists should be getting so low as to al
low a Congregationalist to sing in the
sanctuary. But when she sang the solo
which fell to her. the hands dropped from
the faces of the deacons, and the express
sion of the ministers face changed to ex-
treme pleasure. Rosie was beautiful
singer, and, as her voice rang out clear
and soft the organist forgot to play, so
enrapt was she in the singer, and Rosie
carried the part through without the aid
OF the organ. Never before had any Of
them heard such voice, and they could
hardly wait for the time to come for her
to sing again. She did not sing alone
again that day, but when she came down
from the gallery the minister took her by
the hand and said:
"Miss Anderson. YOU have contributed
much to the good of the services Of the
afternoon, and am very much Obliged to
You for it"
"You are entirely welcome, Mr.. Bush.
think when any one has talents, they
should be used for the benefit Of all who
may need them"
MY idea Oft exactly" said the minis
ter, and they walked out of the church
and down the street together. Meeting
Miss Bailey near her residence, Mr.. Bush
was introduced to her, and complimented
her upon having such pleasant and ac-
complished young lady in her family; he
hoped that he might have the pleasure Of
seeing both the young ladies present oc-
casionally at his church.
Rosie sang again al the Baptist Church
the next Sunday, as the regular singer
was not well enough TO attend. When
she rose in her seat she had the satisfac-
ton of seeing many Metholists and Con-
gregationalist in the audience, and al.
though she fel, certain pride in think
ins that they came to hear her sing, she
felt happier at the thought that she was
TO be the means Of carrying out her aunts
scheme.
That evening the Mclhodists had a
Sunday school concert, and Rosie played
their organ. She was now on the best
Of terms with all 'he young people Of the
village, and had no doub, tha: her party
would be a success.
And il was. More than fifty were in
attendance, which included every Young
lady and gentleman in town. Aunt Bet
scy ou,did herself in preparing the sup
per. Everything was perfect, even the
ice cream from the city, which was a
great luxury 10 the villagers.
At twelve o'clock the party broke up,
and Rose by her managing sent several
of the Methodist maidenS home with the
Baptist beaux, and otherwise mixed
up the sec;s and sexes at her will.
\ few days after the party. Miss Bal
ley was surprised to receive a visit from
Mrs. Bush, wife Of the Bap,is, minister.
They spent very pleasant hour together,
when they were interrupted by Mrs Dea-
con Wilson, of the Methodist church, and
both ladies remained to tea. The ice
was now broken, and calling between the
sects was as common as though It had
not been a new thing for Bosworth.
Everything now working TO Rosie's
satisfaction, she had time to think of her
own troubles When she had come to
BoSwor,h, she was by no means a happy
girl. Her father was very strict man,
and a young gentleman to whom she was
quite partial had not found favor in his
eyes, much to the mutual grief Of the
young people. Her fathers sickness had
been quite pro;racied, and so close was
her seclusion till the time Of his death,
that she did not see Edward Bentley, nor
did she see him before she came to Bos-
worth. She had written to her acquaint-
ances, but only knew that he had grad
uated from college and gone away.
About this time Mr.. Bush's health
failed he asked for a years vacation,
agreeing to fill the the pulpit during his
absence. This leave was of course
granted, and the congregation were
waiting anxiously for the new minister.
All they kney was that he was young
man and came from church in the city
OF Allston. where he was the colleage of
Rev. DR.. Rowland, one of the most emf.
nent preachers Of the Baptist persuasion
OF course they expected something more
than ordinary ability, nor were they dis
appointed.
With the sermon we have nothing to
do. They wished to make a good i'm
preston upon the minister, so Rosie was
sought out and invited to sing for them.
With her usual good nature she at once
accepted. Her position was such that
she could not see the minister from where
she sat, but when the choir rose to sing
she found herself face TO face with Frank
Bentley.
To say that she was surprised would
no; half express her feelings. She turn.
ed first white, then red, and finally sank
back in her seat poweress to sing note
The minister of course knew nothing
of this little affair of the gallery, for the
singers went on with the anthem after
moments hesitation, and by the time
they came to the solo, which Rosie was
to sing, she was ready to go on with her
part. AS her voice rang out clear and
soft, look of startled surprise was notic-
ed on the minister's face, and few, at
ast, Of the congregation were aware
that something extraordinary had hap
pened. Rosie, now quite calm, sang
her solo sweetly to the end, but when the
| n,inister arose In read the nneninn exer-