National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-09-27
A POWERFUL ALLY.

III lb NY Vustuhl VI ~
rs everybody knows, is the parsons Sun
day-to smoke q cigar after lunch, and
the slight unpleasantness which had &C.
CURED between Clare and myself was, l
considered, no sufficient reason for break
ing SO salutary rule. Indeed q long
experience has shown me that nothing
is more soothing to nerves which have
been acted upon by woman's tongue
than a moderate indulgence in tobacco;
and, as the day was bright and sunny, l
determined to carry my usual practice
into effect out of doors.
As frequently happens in the month Of
May, found, on emerging, q sharp wind
blowing; but, as my cigar was an excel
lent one, and my blood presently began
to tingle with an agreeable sense of
warmth, felt indifferent to its attacks.
My rufiled thoughts also quickly re-
turned to their ordinary tranquil groove !;
for, although Clare's conduct had momen-
tarily upset me. l took comfort from the
reflection that / had not answered her
remarks in the spirit with which they
were pervaded. 1t is true that with me.
as with most really thoughtful men, ideas
come slowly, and l have not the same
faculty of retort which my daughter in
herits from her dear mother. But even
had l possessed such dexterity, trust 1
should havo been too generous to make
use of it.
The rectory stands on slight eminence,
from which the ground slopes downward
for short distance. until interrupted by
stream Of some pretensions This is
spanned by rustic bridge, connecting
the grounds proper with large meadow,
also belonging to the rectory, and it was
to this point l now directed my steps.
AS approached the bridge / was con-
siderably annoyed to observe the figure
of a man upon it. He was leaning over
the parapet, idly gazing into the water
beneath. My temper, hasten to mention,
is o remarkably equable one, but nothing
disturbs il more quickly than the intru-
sion of strangers into my grounds. I'm
happily, this is an affliction to which l
am often subjected, owing to the fact that
a public field path traverses the meadow
of which l have spoken. As a clergyman
/ am, of course, bound to respect the laws
of the land in which live, but one more
monstrous or unjust than that which
empowers any passing stranger to trespass
unquestioned on mans private property
have not yet discovered.
Under no aspect, however, could the
bridge be considered part of the path re-
ferred to; and this, resolved, the inter-
loper should at once be made to under
stand. With that object in view quick
ened my pace to sharp trot.
By an unfortunate chance, just rs
reached my destination, a gust OF wind
caught my hat and blew it into the water.
On perceiving this tho stranger, with
laudable readiness. ran down to the bank
on which stood, and, before l could pro-
test, had walked into the middle of the
stream, secured the Grant article, and
restored IL to my hands.
{, 1t certainly was provoking that, with
every reason to be otherwise. I,,wass
promptitude. Nevertheless, this did not
affect the fact that he had been intruding,
as, after word of thanks for his timely
aid, proceeded to enforce upon his atten-
tion. r....r- ..-.
"Very true" he answered with light
laugh. "Shall We resume our former
positions-I on the bridge, you bare
headed on the bank, haranguing me rs to
the wrongfulness of my conduct with n
fervid eloquence wholly lost. regret to
say, upon my unworthy self while the
unconscious hat drifts placidly down the
streamp
His tone oflevity Jared on my feelings,
albeit his manner, If lacking in respect,
had certain charm about IL.
1T is not subject for laughter" re-
Joined, in a grave voice; "the rights of
property must be observed, else there is
an end to social order"
He laughed again in an easy fashion.
~ surrender without reserve" he said.
"Really owe you an apology for ventur-
ing into the water without first asking
permission. But the occasion was ono of
those in which if man hesitates he--or,
as 1t happened. the hats lost"
fear shall not be acquitted of weak
ness, but the infection of his bright way
could not be resisted. So, with a slight
smile, replied more afiably, THAT, how
ever. does not justify the first transgres-
eion."
"Ah," he cried, 'if you go back to
original sin, am, indeed, undone. Be
hold me struggling toward sense of
better things, when suddenly you swoop
down and condemn me on the very
threshold"
young man." said, "you should not
jest on serious topics"
~ don't, DON'T" he answered, Pm
gravity itself. suppose" he continued,
with twinkle in his eye, ''that's what
ties me SO closely to earth, and prevents
my rising to higher and more ethereal
spheres"
No one could have been more surprised
than myself to find that l was actually
laughing at this sorry piece of humor.
Yet such was the case. He recognized
his advantage, and was not slow to profit
by it.
"Come, sir" he suggested. wouldn't it
be as well to tie handkerchief round
your head? don't know how you stand
for furnishing within. but, good quality
or bad, the east wind is apt to play the
very devil with them"
Really. sir" / expostulated, not, how
ever. forgetting to act upon the hint,
although the advice may be good, your
manner of giving it is offensive, highly
offensive"
SIS it2" he said, with a blank look OF
Innocence; ''upon my soul Pm awfully
sorry. It's the fault of my training, /