The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1881-12-01

meetings Of late. Sister Maria; It's vel
soothing like 10 nv soul 10 sea you theI
30 often.
No doubt IL was, for the deacon. II !
bad apy Of Betscy's keen insight mu
have noticed that MAria's interest In reli,
ious matters had become suddenly avail
enod soon after Sister Skeels was laid
the silent tomb; and her regular attend
anoe At prayer meeting was attributed b
. few malicious persons 20 other motiv,
than those OF pious nature.
There's that Maria Parrat a chasing
prayer meetings every week, and it's q
plain as the nose on your face what she
after, said few spiteful gossips.
II don't take no prophet TO tell that sh
il bonnd TO catch Deacon Skeels II sh
can; but don't guess she'll get him, SAT-
another maiden lady OF the congregation
who. perhaps. regarded the deacon As he
last chance.
Whether the deacon had also divined
MArias motives, and attributed her relig
ious enthusiasm TO his eloquent prayers
and exhortation. in meeting cannot b
known, but certainly the tender and sym
pathiEiug church had had their effect o'
his susceptible bosom, and now that sh
sat on the settee so near him. in the coo
and quiet seclusion Of Squire Parrat's from
room, with the honeysuckle odow stealing
in through the low door, he felt moved I,
tenderness.
Sister Maria, said he, this is miserabl,
world.
Yes, Brother Skeels, said the maiden
sympathetically.
l don't take no pleasure in nothing since
l lost my partner, life seems so lonesome
like, said the deacon. Scripture says il
aint good for man TO be alone.
don't reckon as how you'll ever fnd
anyone to take her place, said Maria tim
idly.
Ali Sister Maria there is them as could
make me happy once more; conld make
the tins in the shop shine again, as it were
and make me forget my grief for her who
lies In the burying gronnd with the long
grass waving over her, said the deacon in
a burst OF eloquenee
But at this juncture the swallows in the
chimney few up with q loud whirr that
caused Maria to start up with little
scr cream-albeit she had been accustomed
to these summer swallows from childhood
aud the good deacon could not refrain
from clasping his arm about her firm waist
and entreat her not to be alarmed.
My sakes! Brother Skeels, what turn
them birds did give mel There! ! feel bet
ter now; / feel quite relieved now; thank
you kindly, said the gentle Maria, leaning
very near the deacon's bombazine bosom,
her eyes half closed, and one little weather
beaten hand spread out over her maiden
heart.
Don't move till you feel calm, sister
Marier.
Whereat Miss Parrat, instead Of be-
coming calm, showed signs OF increasd
agitation. as was perhaps natural under
the circumstances. The large palm-leaf
figures on the bosom Of her gown heaved
wildly and she burst into tears; then the
coat sleeve frightened about the firm waist,
the maiden's gray head sank lower and
lower, until the faded cheek rested upon
The bomazine bosom, and the deacon's s
voice whispered:
Marier, you are the bein / would have
for my second partner; will you bekom
Mrs. Skeels and make me happy?
Without waiting for her lover to repent
of the offer, Maria whispered gently, Yes.
II was night. Squire Anson Parrat's
pats had been cut and piled in little stacks
about the field adjoining the old farm
house. The chickens in the cherry tree
beside the kitchen porch slept peacefully
IN their perch, and the pale light OF the
,ew moon shone softly over the scene.
The inmates Of the little house seemed to
% resting likewise under peaceful spell,
md all appeared to slumber. Not so, how
,ver. One wakeful being beneath that
luiet roof was tossing restlessly on her
ugh. posted couch. This was no other
han the gentle Maria. She listened i'm
to the old clock ticking ont the
econds, aud to Betsey's peaceful snoring
lntil she was assured that the household
vas at reast for the night; then she stole
oftly from her bed, and by the faint light
1 the moon proceeded TO array herself in
green delaine gown which had been her
Sunday dress" time out Of mind She
vas just doing her back hair when Tiger
ave u growl, then loud bark on heariug
rhat sounded TO him very much like the
,heels Of a rickety chaise rattling some
istance down the pike.
We are diskivered, said the agitated
iaria TO herself. in great alarm.
But mol Tiger stopped TO listen for the
ear approach Of the wheels, but either he
ad been mistaken in the noise or the
haise had stopped, for all was quiet. He
ave several low, dissatisfied growls, as
,uch As TO say; 1T may be oil right, but
don't believe it, think / know buggy
heels when hear them. think ! sniff
ONE mystery in the air. but ] will wait
nd see.
Maria went on with her dressing. Finally
he last touches had been added TO her
,idnight toilet, she had tied on her head
coquetish bonnet Of previous age, and
Il was in readiness save her front teeth.
'hese we're artificial, and having been
,ade by bungling artist in teeth, who