Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1885-09-03
QUESTION AND ANSWER.

which had occurred between Clare
and myself was, I considered, no
sufficient reason for breaking so
salutary rule. Indeed a long ex-
perience 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, I determined to
carry my usual practice into effect
out-of-doors.
My ruffled thoughts quickly re-
turned to their ordinary tranquil
groove; for, although Clare's con-
duct had momentarily upset me, I
took comfort from the reflection that
l had not answered her remarks in
the spirit with which they were per-
vaded. 1t is true that with me, as
with most really thoughtful men,
ideas came slowly, and have not
the same facility OR retort which my
daughter inherits from her dear
mother. But even had 1 possessed
such dexterity, trust I should have
been too generous to make use of 1t.
The rectory stands on slight en-
inence from which the ground slopes
downward for a short distance until
interrupted by stream of some pre-
tensions. This is spanned by rustic
bridge, connected with the grounds
proper by large meadow, also, be-
longing to the rectory, and it was
to this point Inow directed my steps.
As 1 approached the bridget was
considerably annoyed to observe the
figure of man upon it. He was
leaning over the parapet, idly gazing
into the water beneath. My temper,
hasten to mention, is remarkably
equable one, but nothing disturbs it
more quickly than the intrusion of
strangers into my grounds. Unhap-
PLY, this Is an infiction to which /
am often subjected, owing to the fact
that public field path traverses the
meadow of which l have spoken. As
a clergyman I am, of course, bound
to respect the laws of the land in
which 1 live, but one more monstrous
or unjust than that which empowers
any passing stranger to trespass un-
questioned on mans private prop.
erty I have not yet discovered.
Under no aspect, however, could
the bridge be considered part of the
path referred to, and this, I resolved.
the interloper should at once be made
to understand. With that object in
view I quickened my pace to sharp
trot.
By an unfortunate chance, just a:
I reached my destination a gust ot
wind caught my hat and blew it into
the water. On perceiving this th'
stranger, with laudable readiness
ran down to the bank on which
stood, and, before I could protest
had walked into the middle of thu
stream, secured the errant article ant
restored it to my hands.
1t certainly was provoking that
with every reason to be otherwise,
was forced to appear grateful to th'
man for his promptitude. Neverthe
less, this did not affect the fact tha
he had been intruding, as, after
word of thanks for his timely aid,
proceeded to enforce upon his atten
. ton.
"Very true" he answered with
light laugh. "Shall we resume on
former positions Al on the bridge
you bareheaded on the bank, harang
, uing me as to the wrongfulness o
my conduct with a fervid eloquenc
wholly lost, regret to say, upo
e my unworthy self, while the uncon
e scious hat drifts placidly down th
r stream ?''
His tone of levity Jared on m
feelings, albeit his manner, if lackin
in respect, had a certain charm abou
|, it.
"It is not subject for laughter,
I rejoined in a grave voice; 18th
rights of property must be observed
:, else there is an end to social order.
He laughed again in his cas-,
fashion.
II surrender without reserve" b
J. said. REALLY, I owe you an apolog
for venturing into the water withor
first asking permission. But the o.
lcasion was one of those in which
a man hesitates he-or, as it happe1
ed, the hats lost.
/ fear shall now be accused
| weakness, but the infection of b
! bright way could not be resisted
$50, with a slight smile, l rephe
, more affably, "That, however, dot
not justify the first transgression."
r. '.Ah," he cried, "if you go bae
to original sin am, indeed, undon
Behold me struggling toward SEM