The Russellville Democrat., 1881-05-05
THE LITTLE HAT WITH BLUE RIBBONS.

What impelled the Rev. Mr. Hunter to glance out of his study window, in the suburbs of the pretty town of Ludleigh, on that particular evening? And what did he see? A bewitching little figure, in quaint, but becoming dress, which was crowned by coarse straw hat, tied with blue ribbons. A pair of bright, brown eyes, glanced shyly up beneath the brim, and the full, pouting lips look ed very kissable; but it was rather dark, pale little face, on the whole, even if beautiful.
 The girl stood hesitatingly for mo- ment, by the gate. Presently she walked up to the door and rang the bell. A few moments later Mir. Hunter was summon ed to the parlor. A lady, it was said, wanted to see him.
 It was not very cheerful parlor. It lacked, evidently, the tasteful hand of a woman to give graceful touches of flow CTS and books, and delicate work; for the mistress of the parsonage had been carried to her grave three years before, and the ministers sister, plain matter of-fact woman, kept house for him in the most unpoetical way, and trained his two motherless children to the best of her ability.
 
 room more cold and bare than usual as he entered it now-wondering within himself what possible errand this bright little parsonage could have with him at such an hour. His appearance was not exactly terrifying, being that of tall, scholarly, yet handsome man of 30, with a fine head and face, and gentle digni- fled demeanor. But his visitor seemed utterly overwhelmed and at loss what to say for herself.
 'Is there any thing can do for you?" he asked, kindly.
 "If you would please" in a very low voice, and with considerable stammering, ito give me your name-I-I-don't want any thing else"
 Mir. Hunt regarded the blushing face before him, in such perplexed way, that the stranger tremblingly drew forth a book from satchsl, and presented it to him. He smiled involuntarily, as he glanced at the contents. It was the prospectus of newly-issued work of no great merit, illustrated with rather big, coarse wood-cuts. Book agents had often visited him before, but of a different type from this one.
 ''I have only just come-by the after noon train" - stammered the visitor, pleadingly, land your name will be of great importance to me to head my list. I started out to secure it, tonight, even though it was-rather late" with in- creasing embarrassment. "It-it is the first time l have attempted any thing of tke kind; but the directions say to be sure and get the names ofall the minis ters first, even if they don't buy the book"
 Doox oh;IJi sha x,ac trv;u,, to rar,a,,, Der the Instructions to Agents" and reyeling more than was at all wise.
 But that would not be honest" was the answer, as pair of clear, gray eyes rested penetratingly on her face; "it would imply that intended buying the book. My child, l can not give you my name. The book, although not a bad one, is not book that l can conscien- tiously recommend. But any thing else that can do for you l will do with pleas ure. Perhaps you will tell me some thing of yourself, and where you are staying. You ought hardly to be out so late May I ask your nane?"
 "Call me Miss Dickson, if you please, J was the half inaudible reply. And T. I-didn't think it was so lonely. here in the suburbs"
 "But that is not your real name?'
 "No," still more embarrassed.
 My dear young lady," continued Mir Hunter in a kind, fatherly sort of way, you are making a great mistake in this matter. There is nothing whatever to be ashamed of, in the occupation you have chosen. But it might bring you into trouble to travel under an assumed name. If discovered, as it is liable to be at any time, it would certainly weaken confidence in you"
 My name is really Melicent Clay" she said, tearfully; "but did not wish