The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-06-19
MISS WINCHESTER.
The Minister'S Mistake, and Its
Happy Results.

happy Results.
1t was very lovely Sabbath, a per
feet summer day, and as Miss Win
chester left her carriage and walked
slowly under the graceful elms shading
the church-yard she found herself soft
ly repeating old Herbert's lines:
Sweet day, so cool SO calm, so bright,
The bridal of the earth and sky.
The majority of the congregation
turning toward Cloverville Church were
not ready to call the July day cool by
any means. But, then. the hurried
housewives and mothers. the fathers,
young men and maidens, had not simp.
ly donned fresh and elegant summer
toilet and bowled along in an easy,
open carriage, as had Miss Winchester,
of ''Evergreens."
Size sat in her pew alone; she always
did. The church must be very crowd
ed, indeed, ere any one ventured into
Miss Winchester's pew. The tall, hand
some lady could never be called rude.
Oh, no. But whatever belonged to Miss
Winchester must belong to herself only.
She would willingly have paid pew rent
for al of Deacon Wills six children
rather than share her seat with any one
of them Joint ownership in property
OF any kind was not to Miss Winches-
ter's mind, and, during the forty-odd
years she had lived at Evergreens. as
child, maiden and now sole mistress,
-Ciorerville people had come to under
stand her ways pretty thoroughly.
g must beg to detain tie congrega-
ton a few moments" said the pastor,
after the last prayer.
Miss Winchester looked uneasily
through the open window near her. She
was wondering how her spirited ponies
were standing. and making a mental
verdict that John was sure to be asleep.
But what was MIR. Dale saying and so
earnestly?
Il have received letters from some of
the managers of the Children's Fresh
Air Society. inquiring if this village
VIII open its hearts and homes and
entertain for week or two some of the
little ones pining for country air and
food. Some of you, my dear people"
said Mr.. Dale, warming as he proceeded,
-'woRld esteem it high and precious
privilege if, for only one short week,
the Master might personally enter your
homes and st at your tables. How
would You hasten to bring all that is
best within your means for His service,
You would keep back no box of oin.-
ment however costly. And. behold,
He does come! In this cup of water to
these little ones He bids you give it as
unto Him. Reveive these-perhaps
some of the least of His-as guests in
Jesus stead"
MIR. Dale paused and pronounced the
benediction.
There was just the faintest perceptible
shadow of vexation on Miss Henrietta
Ninches;er's face; she made the least
possible motion, a very lady-l Ike
motion, of her grenadine- clad shoulders.
For Miss Winchester was annoyed She
was detained just ten minutes Eeyond
the usual time of her leaving church.
She had no sympathy for the object of
the pastors plea. and she disliked to
have things or ideas come upon her
suddenly, and on Sunday of all tines.
If Mr.. Dale had but spoken to her
alone, as Miss Winchester, of Ever
greens, not simply as one of his s'dear
people, she might possibly have con-
sidered the proposed entertainment.
But at present, as she passed out of her
pew, she had not the slightest idea of
receiving any one of the children, so
tenderly appealed for. within the aristo-
cratic shades of Erergreens. There had
teen no Fresh Air" children in her
oh ldhood and youth. and she felt it
really personal grievance that such
innovation upon established customs
should spring up in her middle age, and
knock, as 1t were. at her very doors.
Yet as MIR. Dale passed out of the little
throng surrounding and questioning
him 10 speak to Miss Winchester as
she came with dignity down the church
steps, that lady, by some sudden. mex
picable notion of mind, answered his
kindly greeting with an abrupt ques-
Ton:
When do you expect these city chill
.dreas''
Mir, Daie's benevolent face beamed.
lie Lad hardly dared to expect so much
interest on the part OF his grand lady
p2rishioner
On Tuesday. four p. m. train
Il VIII send my carriage to the station
ct ram time, and You can give any
ned III dire ctions to tie driver"
Thank yon. thank your said Mr..
Iale as heartily "a for personal favor.
"fiais is kind. indeed. Miss Winchcs-
Ter"
-Eew often we misiudge persons"
he said to CHEEKY little Mrs. Dale, as
they walked home. 81 barely hored
that Miss Henrietta Nigh: perhaps give
a Little pecuniary aid. and here she Of
fers TO take one of these little strangers
TO her house.
Really! Now. Mr.. Dale. are you
sure she said SOP" quegied his wife.
g can not be mistaken. She in
qui. ed when the children were to ar
rive and said her carriage would be in
wait n.y. /