The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-02-02
Select STORY.
ENTERTAINING A CLERGYMAN N

Old Mr.. Bittleston had charming house
and grounds on the Thames, near NARROW,
including pretty little eyot. One sultry
afternoon he was enjoying placid dose In
shady arbor near the water S edge, when he
was aroused by the splashing of oars, and be-
held a young man in boating costume IN
the act of alighting upon the lawn. MIR.
Bittleston sprang to his feet in an instant,
prepared to lose his temper on small provo
cation. He knew the strangers errand,
for he received half dozen promiscuous
visits of this kind in the course of the day.
When the young man drew near he proved
to be rather mid-looking youth who wore
spectacles and seemed diffident and en-
barrassed.
"Have | the pleasure of speaking to the
proprietor of this island?'' he inquired,
politely lifting his straw hat from his head,
eyes, the island belongs to me" said
Bittleston, shortly.
"Will you permit me to hand you my
card?'' said the stranger, producing card
case.
Mr.. Bittleston felt somewhat modified
by the young mans polite and respectful
demeanor, and he took the card. 1t bore
the following inscription: "The Rev.
Mark Avery, IA Hayter street, st. Georges
in-the-East. "Oh you are a clergyman"
remarked the old gentleman, who had
good old-fashioned regard for "the cloth.
eyes, in spite of my dress, which is de-
cidedlv anti-clerical," said the young man,
smiling. II suppose you can guess why L
trouble you. We are on our way to Ok
ford, and | wished your permission to camp
out on your island for the night with my
| friends"
oIm sorry to say that I've been obliged
to put stop to that" said Mr.. Bittleston;
I'm afraid cannot make an exception in
your case.
'I hope you will sir said the parson,
persuasively; II plead not so much for
myself as for my two companions. They
are both very worthy young men, and this
little trip, which 1 have organized, is a
pleasure which they have never before ex-
perienced. One is pupil teacher at our
schools, and the other is assistant in the
night school. They have both earned a
holiday, and l wish to do all l can to pro-
mote their enjoyment"
"You will find plenty of accommodation
at NARROW, at all events, said MIR. Bittle-
ston.
Undoubtedly; but the fact is, we can
not afford to pay for it, y returned the Rev,
Mark, candidly; "my companions have no
money, andmy own purse is, unfortunately,
very narrow"
"Oh then you are paymaster?" said
the old gentleman, whose kind heart was
touched by the parsons artles' confession.
"Yes, it is my treat, in fact" answered
the Rev. Mark, smiling; "of course, if you
object to our landing on your island, We
must try elsewhere. But it is convenient
spot, and hoped"
aWel, for this once | will make an ex-
ception," interrupted Mr.. Bittleston, unable
to resist any longer II must ask you to
fix your camp ON the most remote corner
of the island, and not damage the under
wood. When you take your morning bath,
please bear in mind that. the windows of
my house overlook the island,
"We will do nothing that can possibly
offend you," returned the young man, offer
ing his hand to Mr.. Bittleston, who grasped
it in friendly fashion; II am exceedingly
obliged to you for your kindness"
''Don't mention it, said the old gentle
man, walking by the parsons side across
the lawn; ''any little thing we can do fol
you, or supply you with, do not hesitate to
ask, Have you any fresh milk? know
that it is commodity which is generally in
request"
''Thank you. We won't trespass further
on your Kindness, returned the Rev
Mark, heartily 1--WE have our provisions. "
"Would you and your companions come
and dine at the house with me tonight? p
inquired Mr.. Bittleston, who was a hospi-
table old gentleman, and had taken rather
fancy to the young man "my wife and
daughters would be pleased"
"You are extremely kind, but the fact i:
my companions, though excellent young
men, are not quite refined enough to sit al
your table," said the Rev. Mark, cautiously
lowering his voice, so that the occupants Of
the boat should not hear him: "for my
SELF" he added aloud, II should only be toe
pleased; but, unfortunately, have nc
clothes but these l stand up in. We arr
t only away for the inside of week, anC
must be back on Sunday"
'Never mind your clothes" said the ole
Mr.. Bittleston ''we shall be quite alone
tonight, and my wife and daughters arr
accustomed to see guests in boating cos
tune"
''In this case, shall be only too happy,
! said the Rev. Mark, as he stepped into th'
f boat; "what time do you dine? ?"
"At 7 you will hear the gong" answeret
Mr.. Bittleston from the bank, as he glanc
ed at the young parsons companions
The latter were very unprepossesing younl
+ men, and would evidently have been out o
place in a gentleman's dining-room. o.
seeing them, it occurred to Mr.. Bittlestol
that he had been little too precipitat
with his invitations, and it was partly owin
' to this reflection that he took down tn
clergy list on reaching the house. an