Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-02-18
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Of shame, indignation and grief that still
gathered there. This was not a very nice
world anyhow. he decided with queer
aching spot at his heart. Almost it
seemed as if he had asked for bread and
received q stone-a sharp. heavy stone at
that.
Indoors Mr.. Mitchell had expressed very
distinctly his opinion OF the carelessness
and obsuseness that could have caused
such blunder. and the ''awkwardness Of
the whole thing" and in no little vexa-
ton was trying to find some means Of
remedy.
II might write note and explain. but
them declare it's the most awkward,
disagreeable thing ever knew. Such a
stupid blunder"
Papa interposed the slow, wonder
ing voice of Bud, II didn't know there
could be any mistakes up there"
'.Up where, child?''
.'In heaven. Kip prayed you'd bring
something for his minister-'cause heard
him-behind the wood-piIe.r said Bud.
with slow emphasis. Il thought that
made the chair come. I'm most sure
'twasn't any mistake. papa"
Mr.. Mitchell pushed aside pen and paper
put on his hat and walked out. He really
did not know the best way Z ut Of the diff
Guilty. 1t was very vexatious, and in his
perplexity he iourneyed toward the par
sonage. When he came in sight Of the
house he paused What did he intend to
do? Go there when others were making
their offerings. and explain that he had
not wished tn show any friendship or APP
probation, and wanted to take back what
had been proffered through mistake ?
Certainly not He turned, but at that
moment someone joined him.
"Ab, Mr.. Mitchell, just going in'
That was a generous gift of yours-exact-
~ the thing for poor Mrs. Clay"
Others came with similar comment.
There was no chance to say anything, and
scarcely knowing why or how. Mr..
Mitchell found himself in the well-flled
room, saw the sweet. pale face, with its
smile OF welcome tor all. looking out
from the cushions OF the new chair. and
felt the quick. warm. grateful grasp Of
the minister's hand. Something in the
look and clasp and murmued words
brought sudden throb Ia Mr.. Mitchel's
heart, a mois turc to his eye.
Then before he had time to recover
from his bewilderment, someone had
called on him to make few remarks. ."
and others echoed the request aud he
found himself pushed forward to the front
and heard his own voice saving. GLOW
much cause all had to value Mr.. Clay in
the village" and expressing the hope
that ''he nigh, enjoy these simple offer
ipgs as tokens OF esteem and friendship"
Aye. and he ment it too. for catching the
spirit Of those around him, and swiftly
comprehending the more ofthe good man $
life and work than he had ever done be-
fore. he only regretted that he had not
sent the offering Of his own free will and
pleasure.
lie found an opportunity. however. TO
whisper to Kip who had slipped in later
with very sober tace-a face that bri ght-
ened ut sight of him.
'lts all right. Don't say word to
anybody about it,
He had pleasant evening despite a
feeling Of strangeness about it, and on his
homeward way muttercd something to
himself about "a blessed blunder. :"
What he told at home Kip did not know
but when the boy arrived little later,
Bud. wide awake and listening for his
step, raised her yellow head from its pill
low and called
"ke-ip! it all coined out right, ddn t
ite"
Kip thought it had. He was sure of it
aiterward when he saw the friendship that
from that night began between the
Mitchel's and Ibis minister '-Kate "
Hamilton IN Vide Arnke.