Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-04-10

her kitchen threshold only the day before
and heard her diatribe on the subject Of
undesired guests.
Under the shadow of the roses she
turned redder still.
she said frantically. to herself. 81 always
knew it would lead me into trouble. What
must he have thought ?'
And, as NAV be inferred. Theodora's de-
voiions-albeit, she was in reality 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.
I'VE meet again. said he, with smile.
81 can't help it," burst out Theodore,
in desperation. Il meant every word l
said. MIR. Hervey; it was all true. But
it didn't apply to you?"
IL understand" he said quietly. Il
was little nettled at the moment. for l
merely wished for temporary shelter
while they were refurnishing my room at
the Star Hotel But can easily see, now
that have thought the matter over in a
new light, that minister's family must
be sadly pestered with volunteer guests.
Pray think no more of it Miss Reed
And he spoke SO frankly and pleasantly
that Theo became quite at ease, while he
carved the chicken. and she prepared the
crisp lettuce and the 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 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 lit you would make it your
home at the parsonage during your stay
in town Should we not. Theop"
Theodore hung down her head and
turned pink to the very roots of her hair.
Yes" she said, almost inaudibly
"Only-I am ashamed to say so. Oh,
papa hiding her face on his shoulder.
IL have behaved so badly never should
have taken it tor granted that Mr. Hervey
was like the rest!'
amusement, she told the whole story of
her interview with Deacon Powers
Mr.. Reed smiled, as he stroked Theo's
head
My little girl is only a little girl"
said he. land sometimes forgets that the
tongue is an unruly member. But she
will improve as she grows older"
MIR Hervey spent the summer at Win
field. He was revising the proof sheets of
theological volume. and liked the quiet
and secusion of the little village.
Perhaps, too, he liked something else
about it. At all events, although he did
not make the parsonage his home, he
spent a great deal of his time there.
''Theo." he said, one day-they had
become fast friends by that time-"you
have tasted so many of the petty trials
and annoyances OF a minister's daughter
that wonder if you would ever consent
to be minister's wife "
well" said Theo, half laughing, halt
blushing. sit would depend good deal
on who the minister was"
Suppose it was Henry Herveyp"
"Do you really mean it P" said Theo,
suddenly growing grave.
1T is strange, isn't it," said he. "that
should lose my heart to such little ter
magant as you proved yourself the first
day ever saw you? But it is foregone
conclusion-I am entirely at your mercy.
Sweet Theo, will you be my wifeP"
And Theo placed her hands in his, with
a lovely look of awe and happiness, and
answered:
II WILL"
Deacon Powers could not comprehend
it all.
IF he marries such high-tempered
girl as that" said the deacon, ..he does it
at his peril. Why, l was never so berated
in my life as was that day at the parson-
age"
But pa" said the deacon's daughter,
"every woman finds her master soon or
late. Now, think Theodore Reed has
found hers.-Helen Forest GraUeS.