The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-08-28

"Very well, papa said Theodora'
feigning a cheerfulness that she was
very far from feeling. Drink your
chocolate now, there's darling, and
don't fret yourself the least bit in the
world. and l will see that all arrange
ments are made"
So she ran down stairs and set her.
self to thinking.
A substitute must be found for the
pulpit, and here it was twelve o'clock
on Saturday.
She sat down and wrote little note.
consulting the dictionary more than
once to make sure of no errors, and
carefully copying the whole. because
Of a spattering little blot which fell, as
if "of malice aforesaid" directly across
the second line.
"DEAR MIR. HERvEY:--Will you
grant us the great favor of preaching
in papa's place tomorrow? He is
very i'll of neuralgia, and is unable
even to prepare sermon. We shall
be greatly obliged if you will dine with
US tomorrow after church.
THEODORE REED,
And after satisfying herself that it
was all quite right, she carried it her
self to the Star hotel.
Mr.. Hervey was not in, hadn't been
in since morning.
But they would give him the note
directly on his arrival; so Theodore
hIrried home again, and in the course
of the afternoon, little colored boy
from the hotel brought card, on one
side of which was engraved, Henry
Hervey,' while upon the other was
written the words, "with the greatest
pleasure"
And the minister's daughter, ION
hospitable thought intent" roasted
pair of chickens. collected the ingredi-
ents for salad, made a peach-pie and
baked loaf of bread, which was light
and white as sea-foam.
"Pll show him that the country girls
understand. good housekeeping" said
Theo to herself.
Mr.. Reed was not able to leave his
sofa the next morning, so Theo put on
her pretty blue-and-white muslin dress
and the gypsy hat with the roses that
became her delicate complexion so per-
fectly, and went to church, after first
seeing that the table was all spr3sd for
the cold dinner, and the coffee-pot SIM
mering on the stove.
The church was full.
Mr.. Hervey was rising luminary in
the theological horizon, and almost
every one in Windfield had heard of
him, so there was no lack of an audi
ence.
But to Theodora's ineffable dismay,
the tall young man who walked so
composedly out on the platform was no
other than the frank-faced person who
had stood on her kitchen threshold,
only the day before, and overheard her
diatribe on the subject Of undesired
guests.
Under the shadow of the roses she
turned redder still.
"Oh, my tongue-my unlucky
tongue" she said, frantically. to her.
self. ~ always knew it would lead me
into trouble! What must he have
thought"
And, as may be inferred, Theodora's
devotions- albeit, she was in reality a
sweet, sincere little christian did not
do her much good that morning.
Mr.. Hervey came across into the par
sonage when the sermon was over, and
held out his hand to blushing Theodore.
1--WE meet again." said he, with a
smile.
II can't help It," burst out Theodora,
in desperation. Il meant every word
said, Mr.. Hervey; it was all true. But
but it didn't apply to you'll"
"I understand" he said, quietly. II
was little nettled at the moment, for
merely wished for temporary shell
ter while they were refurnishing my
room at the Star hotel. But l can
easily see, now that have thought the
matter over in a new light. that a
minister's family must sadly pestered
with volunteer guests. Pray think no
more of it, Miss Reed"
And he spoke SO frankly and pleas
antly that Theo became quite at her
ease, while he carved the chicken, and
she prepared the crisp lettuce and
limpid oil for the salad.
He was taken up to Mr.. Reeds sick,
room after dinner, and had a pleasant
chat with him before the afternoon SER
vice.
"You have done me a great favor,
sir" said the elder clergyman, when at
length he parted from his guest. "And
we should esteem it "a privilege-my
little girl and Lii you would make it
your home at the parsonage during
your stay in town. Should we not,
TheoY' t
Theodore hung down her head, and
turned pink to the very roots of her
hair.
"Yes," she said, almost inaudiDly.
"Only-I am ashamed to say so. Oh,
papa" hiding her face on his shoulder.
Il have behaved so badly! 1 never
should have taken it for granted that
Mr.. Hervey was like the restr'