Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1881-08-17
HIS LEAP YEAR.

Its very pretty parish, sald the
Rev. Mr.. Racquet, "and very pleasant
people. The elderly ladies are steady,
consistent workers the younger, active
and enthusiastic. 1 don't think, if 1
had possessed the privilege of selecting
for myself, 1 could have found a more
delightful position"
Mr.. Roderic Racquet was six-and-
twenty, with a straight nose, pleasant
blue eyes, and general talent for being
satisfied with everything and everybody.
He was located in his first parish, a pic
turesque little knot of houses, over
hanging brisk cataract, which made
work for mills and factories, and so far
he was one of those exceptions in life,
perfectly satisfied man.
"Ah," said his friend. Mr.. Alton, who
was misanthrope. 1.-THE ladies, eh p
Yes" said Mr.. Racquet, quietly
"for of course, much Of the prosperity
OF country parish depends upon its
female memisrs."
YES" observed MIR. Alton, dryly.
You are an unmarried man, | believe.
~ am an unmarried man-'yes, Ger.
tainly."
"And this IL Leap Year"
Nonsense !" cried the parson, brisk
g. .
~ hope You may find 1t nonsense,
said Mr.. Alton, pursing mp his lips
"hut | am told that there are n good
many single ladies this year who ar,
driven desperate by the prospect "'
Spinsterhood-"
"Nonsense r. again exclaimed Mr.
Racquet. MY dear Alton, this IL 4
little too much Of burlesquo, You
don't seriously believe in this-this ab
Surdity?"
Mr.. Alton only shook his head, rs h'
rose aud reached for his hat
"Tll get my book, Racquet" " said h'
as he looked luguhriously around the
room, "and go out for stroll IN thes'
pine-scented woods. My doctor sayi
that pine sap is very healthy for lung
that are consumptiyely inclined.
VERY well, " said the Rev. Mr.. Rae
quet, with glance at the scattering
sheets of the half composed sermon tina
lay on his desk "and ! will JOIN yoI
after little"
He took up his pen, dipped it deter
-. IL. =, a.. ,,lat.pl aud wont reSp
lutely 10 writing but, the words of hi
inconoclastic friend rang persistently II
his ears
III there should be any foundation
ior Atoms absurd idea !" he Pondered
with his pen suspended above the par
TALLY written sheet. But OF cours'
there can't he; but if such possibilit.
did exist-a married man is really
better member OF society than singh
one. never did adhere to the doctrln
that clergymen should he celisates y
And all the while Rosa Appleton
cherry cheeks and yellow hair wer
dancing a human will-o'-wisp before tn
horizon of his minds eye.
"She's Young" he said to himself
"and perhaps a trifie inclined to b
giddy, but she's certainly very charm
ing. And, since the Appleton's hav
failed. and the mother has opened
boarding house, and Lucilla has gone I
teaching, do not think | could do be'
ter than marry"
Rose Appleton, sir, If You please.
Ii was a timid little voice that brok
IN upon his reflection, and Rosa hersel
stood before him, coloring like pin
earnation, with a basket of late peache
in her hand.
I've called on business, sir, san
Rosa.
The Rev. Roderic moved forward
chair.
PRAY be seated, Miss Appleton
said he, not without some confusion o
his own part.
Miss Appleton sat down, pulling nel
yously at the fingers of her threa
gloves.
IFS about our Lucilla, said she.
..Indeed?" said Mr.. Racquet
We want Ia get her well settled !
life" said Rosa, appealingly.
But thought she was teaching
eriel Mr. Racquet
..She ac-.srIt nike teaching, 90
fessed Rose "or, rather, 10 he candl
with Won, the trustees don't like he
She hu't very young, YOU know, and hi
some odd. formal little WAYS and on
one eve: and the children make fun
her. and the trustees say she has no dll
niiy."
VERY unfortunate, s'.-i Mr.. h1
que;. bending pearl paper cutter ha'
and forth. with the ss;blime mdIiieren'
which We are all apt 10 display toWal
the fluctuations Of others q" II the
VAS anything l could 10 --
"Oh. but there Is =" said Rosa
"Eh?' ejaculated Rev. Roderick.
.She thinks, and mamma thinks
"weIlg"
That she might come here, Sal
Rosa, with her blue eyes fixed on Il
young clergyman's face
Click click and the two pieces
the paper cutter flew into opposite &C
ners Of the roOm-
Here r cried Mr.. Racquet-"i Il
pArsonage?"