Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-09-28

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son, the village dressmRker, who had
money in the bank, which ought fairly
to compensate for her Gorgon-likG
severity OF countenance. "Some one
of mature age and ripened Judgment
"Of course of courseF' said the
Reverend Paul.
"Who will befit her position as @
clergymans wife, and keep your house
for you in Q model manney, as it should
be kept" went on Miss Blossom, "and
govern your children with discretion
and mildness."
"Yes, to be sure" said Mr.. Blossom.
~ believe know the very person to
realize all these ideals"
$50 do l." said Miss Blossom, orac.
ularly. "And not a hundred miles
away, either"
"In this very village" said Paul.
Exactly" nodded his delighted
sister.
cit is certainly my duty" said Mr..
Blossom. And somehow, upon this
very day Of ell days, feel moved TO
fulfill it."
And he put on his best suit, and went
straightwAy to the Eagle hotel, kept by
one Hiram Dodd and Elvira, his wife.
"Is Miss Minkley to be seen p he
asked, politely, of Mrs. Dodd. who
came out from the kitchen with car
mine cheeks, and wiping her hands
upon q snowy roller towel.
"Oh, yes, 1 guess so r. said Mrs.
Dodd. smiling and Oourtesying to the
clergyman. esquire Telwrght has
Just been to see her; but I'm pretty
sure that he has gone now. Mat
Matty, where are you2 Oh, she's in the
blue parlor Please to walk in, Mr.
Blossom"
And the clergyman walked solemnly
into the pretty blue-carpeted room,
with its much wa1ed mahogany chairs,
gaudy rug and stiflly.starched muslin
curtains, where Martha Minkley sat
knitting.
"Miss Minkley,n said he, entering
without unnecessary prelude on the
subject which was at present absorbing
his mind, I'VE have known each other
from childhood"
YES" said Martha.
"And 1 believe you to be devout
Christian, n conscientious woman and
good housekeeper."
~ hope l am," said miss Martha,
rather huttered by this unusual sd-
dress.
In my home" said Mr.. Blossom,
abruptly, 81 need all three. And l be-
lieye Providence has put 1t into my
head and heart to appeal to you ut this
critical opportunity"
Miss Minkley neither blushed,
giggled nor burst into tears. She
rocked back and forth, went composedly
on with the red worsted sock that she
was knitting, aud lifted her black eye
brogs Just the least little triAe.
/" Ira very sorry" said she. 81 only
wish you had been little earlier; but
I'm engaged already"
EngagedT
Mr.. BlossoiAs's lower jaw fell; he
stood blankly looking at her.
ITO Mr.. Telwrightw explained Miss
Minkley.
" But he's si1tyl" cried Mr.. Blossom.
Z" He is not young" admitted Martha.
Surely, surely, MARTHA" argued
Paul. forgetting all formalities in his
eager interest, "you cannot care for
him o.
"N-no," said Martha, ~ can't say
that I do. But he offers me very good
home"
|" Is il possible, Martha" said the
good clergyman, reproachfully, " that
you can allow yourself TO be swayed by
considerations like thisT'
Zone must do the best one can for
oneself" said Miss Minkley.
"Well, well,' sighed Mr.. Blossom
" it would be downright sinful TO doubt
that ell is ordered for the best. It Is
the will OF heaven. I always liked you,
Martha, and believe your life with me
would have been both useful and pleag-
ant. At least, no effort Of mine should
have been LACKING to make It So"
"Pm very sorry" said Martha, do.
murely. But a ist come first served,
you know"
81 should like occasionally to call
and see. you," said the clergyman.
"You will still be in my parish, you
knowf"
"Oh. certainly" said Martha. "I
hope we shall always be the best of