The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-01-06

"Ils, snre! Nora answered, doBgedly.
Teddy uttered a whistle.
'It's the quarest loan as iver l heard
of, said he. "An' If it's fair question,
who is it wants him?"
"Miss Matty Rice's compliments, re-
peated Nora, with parrot-like prompti-
tude, "and she wants to borrow the par
son."
Teddy exploded into a laugh.
"Sure, an if it was leap year." said he,
II should think it meant something. l
never heard such a message in all me born
days before. But must make haste, or
the post vii. be too late for me-"
Away trudged Teddy, stopping ever
and anon to laugh in dripping autumn
woods, while Nora kept on the hotel, all
unconscious of the curious transforma-
ton that had befallen her luckless mes
sage.
"Is the parson here?" demanded she,
shaking her umbrella until it sent forth
a miniature water-spout of flying drops,
and stamping the mud off her feet on the
steps of the mountain hotel, which was
still well-filled with guests who had ling
cred to see the splendors of the October
frosts among the woods.
The hotel clerk, who had Just come
out to glance at the barometer, stared at
her; the young ladies on the wide veran-
dab .giggled; the stout old gentlemen,
who were walking up and down the
boards to gain their daily two miles of
exercise, stopped short; and specialized,
graye-looking young man. who was talk
ing with a lady just beyond, glanced
around, as if he fancied that he were per-
sonally interested.
do you want the-clergymanP' said
the hotel clerk, doubtful, yet polite,
rs it o stone-mason or chimney
swape I'd be manin', dye think?" retort-
ed Nora, beginning to imagine that she
was being made game of.
Il am the clergyman" said the spec
tacled gentleman. stepping courteously
forward at this juncture. "Is there any
thing can do for you?"
Miss Matty Rice's compliments, said
Nora, without in the least abating the
shrillness of her voice, IAN she wants to
borrow you"
~ beg your pardon" said Mr.. Fon-
taine, ''but-I'm not quite sure that
understand you. my good womanH"
I'm spakin' tho English language,
sure" said Nora, somewhat affronted.
She wants to borrow you."
"But what for2" said tn parson. ignor.
ing the filters of the group which was
now fast gathering on the verandah.
ITO amuse herself wild this rainy day.
said Nora. you're to come back wid
me, phase. 1 was to bring you. Miss
Matty Rice's compliments, and"
Really" said Mr.. Fentaine, "this il
very strange"
THE Rices live in the little Swiss cot
tage by Haldino Falls" suggested th'
hotel clerk. "Gentleman goes up ant
down to the city every day. Keeps lit
tie pony carriage, with"
you're to come back wild me, please,
said Nora. "'Che Rsctory,' or 'Th'
Country Psrson.' Miss Matty Ricei
compliments, and"
MIR. Fontaine, burriedly surveying TIL
situation in his minds eye, decided tina
it was better to obey this strange behest
Aud putting on his waterproof wrap
and arming himself with light silk uIn
brella, he accompanied Nora McShane
mid the great buzzing and whispering o
the group on the verAndah.
Miss Rice was listlessly watching Eve
lten's embroidery. as the docr bouuo,
open and Nora rushed in. exclaiming:
Here he is! I've brought hiu"
brought whonl?" said Matiy, in sur
prise.
THE country parSon," said Nora
There wasn't no recSory. / inquired
for it, but il wasn't built"
"What on earth is the girl talking
about2" said Ma,ty, in amazement.
Aud then Mr.. Fontaine walked in,
holding his hat in his hand.
II am the Clergyman, said be. "Car
l he of any use?"
Mntty colored deep cherry-pink.
'Oh, dear, ! am SO sorryl' she fAltered
''but there is some dreadful mistake
here. 1 sent Nora to the hotel to borrow
book, aud she has brought me backs
mani
"a bookl" said Mr.. Fontaine.
Yes" said MAtty, trying harder anc
harder to keep back her laughter as thu
comic side of the circumstance forced
, itself upon her. The Recreaticns o
/ Country PArson.' Mr.. Paul Wintor
has it,"
, Mr.. Fontaine began to laugh. So dit
Matty and Eyeleen; and in five minute
they were the best friends in the woTl1
Mr.. Fontaine stayed to lanoh, aud the.
us,s. 2Ass aJS tAat lOus. Ta.ty morn