Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1884-11-20
MechancsbwnL Frederick County, Maryland Thursday Nov" TO- 1884,
The Minister'S Daughter.

No, | won't IT. said Theodore Reed
impetuously I won't! so there's an
end of the matter
Theodore was busy making pear
malade, with a pocket-handkerchiel
fastened, Beatrice Cenci fashion, over
her luxuriant brown tresses, a huge
checked apron enveloping her trim lit
tie figure, and sleeves rolled up above
the elbows.
Deacon Powers stood opposite, ner-
vously feeling his bristled chin.
Theodore was young and pretty, with
limped, hazel eyes, rosy lips, and rings
of brown hair straying like aoss-silk
over her temples.
Deacon Powers was elderly and
wrinkled, with an indescribable sharp
ness in his face, as if it had worn away
in contact with the world.
It's getting to be an imposition,
said Theodore, brusquely. Last week
we had two tract distributors here. and
week before that old Doctor Doddling-
ton and his wife and three children
stayed here five days, so that it should
be convenient for the semi annual con-
vention. In fact, l don't remember a
single month since we have lived at
the parsonage. And we have no girl
now, and papa has the nueralgia so
you must tell this young clergyman to
90 some where else. l won't have him
here
But my dear Miss Reed -
I'm not your dear Miss Reed + said
Theodore, vehemently. IF was, you
would try to spare me little of this
annoyance. Yes, l know am the
minister's daughter, and as such, am
expected to have neither feelings nor
preferences, nor sensibilites of any
kind. But I'm human, after all, and
| decline to keep IL perpetual free hotel
for every one who comes IN this direc-
ton
Your predecessor, Miss Reed-the
lamented Mrs. Smiley-was never
aversc to entertaining the saints, re-
proachfully uttered the deacon. Her
door was ever open and her amiable
hospitality
oh yes, know 7 said Theodora-
And she died at forty. intended to
live a great deal longer that that, She
was killed by sewing societies, and
company, and Dorcas meetings. I've
had enough of that sort of thing, and |
mean to stop. If the church people
wish papa to entertain all creation, they
must raise his salary, that's all
But. my good young friend
At that moment, however, a third
person Unexpectedly appeared upon the
scene. The door between the parlor
and kitchen, which had been unper-
ceived by Miss Reed and Deacon Pow
ers. stood slightly ajar, opened-a tall,
frank-faced young man stood there,
with decided color on his cheeks.
Deacon Powers, said he, pray as
sure this young lady that will not
trespass upon her hospitality. Perhaps
we had better go Oh to the next place
at once
There was something in his air and
manner which caused the deacon to
shoot out Of the kitchen like an arrow
from the bow, and the next moment
Theodore was alone.
She colorcd and bit her lip.
It's all true she said, every word
of it. But I'm Il little sorry he heard
it. Perhaps he wasn't to blame, after
ALL
And Theodore went vigorously on
with the pear mormalade, until the Old
clock in the corner struck eleven and
then she poured out cup of chocolate,
and ran up stairs to her fathers room
Mr.. Reed sat before his study table,
with his temples resting on his hands,
his elbows among the chaos OF books
and papers Theo. went to his side at
once, and laid her hand on his head.
Papa she said wistfully, is your
neuralgia worse:
Very much worse, Theo. he said,
lifting his plain glazed eyes to her ca
ger questioned young face. 4 dom
believe can even prepare a sermon.
Theodore looked aghast
But papa said she, what can you
do? Old Doctor Denton is out OF town,
and
MY DEAR said The poor clergyman,
pressing his hands to his throbb1ng
temples, you must send a note to Mr.
HerveI, and ask him to oflciate in my
place, as a special favor.
|