Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-05
Written for the Morning Neeo8.
XXTV.-Continued.


XIV continued.
Mr.. Keator had sat while Conrad's
name was proposed with his head in his
hands medltabIng nervously upon the an
nouncement that he was next to make
IL said to himself that there was still
Tine to draw back. Without the sanction
or his voice none of the brethren before
him could be brought to believe that he
had indulged such an intention. But an
access of the old feeling of proud resent
ment seized him. The Eyes" in answer
to Conrad's question was pronounced,
and Mr.. Keator felt vague satisfaction
in the result. He babe farewell to it a.
his last innocent thought and rose hastily
his face set with determination; his fixed
eyes beamed with the light of his resolve
The elders and eldress slowly rose to go.
Mr.. Keator cleared his throat. One
or two looked about at him.
zone moment, if you please; there is
something else" he said, firmly.
The moving company was instantly ST
lent and turned toward him curiouely.
''rhere is another marriage to be de-
cided," he told them, in the hard, dry
tones which had replaced his gentle voice
They came back slowly to their seats.
He wound mis- fingers resOlutely about his
crutch while he waited for them to dis
pose themselves upon the chairs. His
mood seemed to Cypress and halt awe
them, for they sat down IN wondering ST.
lence. The rem0r whrch had possessed
him when he began had left him, aud he
lad never been more calm than when he
faced them at length.
sit is my own marriage" he said,
briefly.
A hesitant murmur Of pleasure ran
about the little assam Cly. Then Elder
Weiss I'm sure we are very glad" broke
the heavy silence.
1T is to sister Constance Van Cleef,"
pursued the minister. briefly.
II was as il he had cast a grenade
among them. He confronted their be-
wildered faces and knitted brows with a
hard, unyieldlng glance. For moment
his look beat down all opposition, but al
most immediately Elder Weiss exclaimed
in tone of triumph:
''She is not a slsterP'
"WhO degraded herr" asked Mr.. Kea-
tor, sereBely.
The elder hesitated and looked about
him. The glances of the brethren uncOn-
sciously supported him and seemed to
make him their spokesman.
"YOu did in the church." he answered,
dOggedIy.
SAY rather you, Elder Weiss"
Mr. KeatOr had always ielt aggrieved
by the manner OF Elder Weiss Teprooi.
But be had hitherto opposed TO this feel
4g the memory thar be mad asked him TO
90 disaxreeable tbiu2 for him and 10
Huplaln that be had done il seemed un-
racous. That il had been a brutal
ep-ech, however, al ways remained: and
lter Weiss reminder OF 1t was, in con-
ration OF all the circumstances.
.lrcely tolerahle Tine minister remem.
red with sudden enerSy what that
speech had cost MIN, and he let his wrath
pour itself forth.
do you fancy" he asked, "that
should have rebukel her As If she were "A
criminaly Do you dare suppose" cried
Mr.. KeatOr, warming with his words,
"that could have made such an unieei-
ing speecb?"
Elder Weiss regarded the wall inter est
edly; the other elders and the prim little
eldress watched the minister n "a kind If
dumb horror. Mr.. Keat0r paused an in
slant to control himself. He was fearful
OF going too far, and he meant only TO be
just.
81 shall ask you, Brother Weiss" be
sad, almost gently, so tell me whose
pIefOgatiye you suppose 1T to be TO DIS
Miss from the churchY'
Ihe elder was silent, and at last portly
brother Berg looking about for counte-
nance murmured: II should suppose 10
was the minister's, with proper c0nsuitS-
lion with the elders"
surely" assented Mr. Kestor, glanc-
ing c0mmandingly down upon them from
Where he stood, "if read the can0ns OF
tue church Alright, it is only your pastor
WHO lad the right to banlsh Sister Com
stance Van Cleef from the sisterhood TO
whose precious privileges she had been adj
mitled. have to assure you all that /
nave not used that right, and ! ask as a
minister OF the church to be taken in the
lol with one of its members"
The conference OF the elders unity
VIII no; consent" asserted Elder Weiss,
With conviction.
Ar keator paid no attention TO this.
Are the brethren ready2' he asked,
iuletly, but his heart began a riotous
beating.
-, Elder Berg looked at Elder Englahardt.
suppose So" said the latter, reluct-
They were long time fumbling about
lhe lots. Mr.. Keator began TO feel the re-
acti0l setting in. lie could face this
ooinpany OF sullen opponents; he could
condemn himself before them 10 resign
the pastorate in which he had 80 long
APP their love and confidence, he could
Vgrry his ruin proudly out AZ If IL were a
Triumph; but he was not strong enough
" confront the terrible balance Of faLes
winch was now in actual process OF do
Islon. He sank into chair with b's
, zach 70 the whole gathering and 81 red
msuully, TREMENDOUSLY, out OF the window
~ me bare lilac and syringa bushes.
~ seemed century, and he listened in
al anguish beyond anything that be had
c'ei known 10 their hurried, whispered
s4hlerenee, their deliberate llOyemenis
sSopvt the Dom, their clumsy lingering Of
sle ions, which he seemed almost 70 hear
rustic In their fingers.
~ last he heard a sudden stir and an
sgr4seiamaron. He did not look about.
lhen they seemed slowly 10 leave the
ttpOul' He held himself In bis chair as
ssSi5y hled soienlRly out one by one a.
= Weeping time 70 a dirge. When the
r,s,SS:opyriEht 1855 by lYOIcOtt .BaIesiiss. AZ