The Press., 1888-02-23
PARSON MAURY'S DOUBLE.

The grief of the good people of Independ- ence was deep and sincere when Rev. Robert Keith died after long and painful illnesA For more than twenty years he had minis tered to the spiritual welfare of the members of the Independence Baptist church, and he was the friend of every citizen of the quiet little village. He was, indeed, "a father in Israel" and his loss was deeply felt.
 It was a month after the funeral before the sorrowing deacons met to discuss the Ques- tion of another pastor.
 \ minister worthy to wear the mantle and takc up rhe unfinished work of Brother Keith, these good deacons realized, would be hard to find. But some one must be called; |; the flock could not remain without Z. shep- herd.
 The meeting was called to order by Deacon White, who always presided, and after several minutes of perfect silence the im- portant subject was brought up. Several names were suggested and the merits of different ministers discussed without result. At last Deacon White arose and moved the election of Rev. Arthur Maluy. None of the other deacons present had ever heard of the minister in question, but Deacon White explained that he was the son of an old friend and minister, long since dead. Briefly
 
 and dwelt at length on his many Christian virtues and personal charms. The young man had recently graduated from a school of theology, but he possessed wonderful elo- Quence and was circunspect in all things. The other deacons hesitated about placing the church in charge of so young minister, but, at last, on the recommendation of Deacon White, they decided to give him trial
 The Rev. Arthur vaas at once notified by his friend Deacon White of his call, and @ few days later he answered it in person. He met the deacOnS at tho home of Deacon White that evening, and in very brief time he had won their love and admiration. He was all that Deacon White represented. and more, and the good deaconS went home rejoiced that they been so fortunate in the selection of a spiritual leader and adviser.
 Next day was Sunday and the church was crowded to its utmost capacity to sec and hear the new minister. There was a haIf audible whisper of approval when he arose to open the services, and the congregation ob- tained its first full view of the pastor. He announced his text, and the congregation was all attention. Of fine personal appear ance, graceful in speech and gesture, the young minister held the undivided attention of his hearers. His eloquence was wonderful, , and the hearts of the Christian people were stirred as never before, and the words of truth uttered by the speaker made lasting impression on all who heard him.
 When the service was ended the large con- gregation pressed forward to congratulate the new minister. In less than 6 week Mr. Maury was known and loved by every mem Der of his congregation. Even the good deacons, who feas'ed he was to young for so important work, confessed that they could G--l l.: lighted with his work, and did not leave the village for several weeks. But after he had become familiar with the people and with the work he was expected to do, he began to absent himself for two or three days in the middle of every week. Where he went no one inquired at first, but soon the village gossipS began to ask what it was that called him away with such regularity. One of the good deacons then ventured to ask the place and object of the young pastors weekly visits. MT. Maury said something about business and recreation, and at once entered upon a discussion of the best means of paying tue church debt. The good deacon had failed to learn what he wanted to know, but he en- tertained not the slightest suspicion against the minister.
 The visits continued, and in a little while the gossips learned that the young minister went east, to some place unknown, one week and the next his journey would be to the west
 ''He is probably visiting college friends or relatives" said Deacon White, when the matter was mentioned to him. Anyway, where he goes, or for what purpose, is his private business"
 This did not silence the tongues of the gossips, and they reasoned that Mi. Maury should at least let the members of his church know his whereabouts when he was absent from the village Even the deacons, the staid and exacting pillars of the church, be- gan to talk contidentially among themselves, and when at their next Monday evening meeting the young minister asked for two weeks leave of absence, they exchanged sig nif1cant glances. The leave of absence was granted, but after tho minister left the room it was decided that one of the leacons would follow him on his proposed journey and learn, if possible Its object. This Christian and charitable resolve was defeated for the minister left on the first train that night, and the station agent did not remember to what point he purchased a ticket
 Independence was one of those quiet vil- lages where unusual events never happen and sensations are unknown.
 Two days after the departure of the Rev.
 
 alighted from the train from the east and went directly to the hotel Soon after her arrival she sent message to the landlord to come to her room. When that gentleman entered she announced. with an emphasis which carried conviction with it, that she was Mrs. Arthur Maury and was in search of her husband, who, she said, had deserted her and she was informed had married again.
 The landlord did not faint or cry out; in fact, he did not utter a sound He was speeches.. He stood like one in dream. while the woman vehemently demanded to know the whereabouts of her unfaithful hUs- band.
 'Ill-Ill tell him. Who did you say was your hushard:" stammeret! the mortified landlord.
 ''Tclt him nothing. Where is he? I'll not let him escape me again. Arthur Maury is my husbands name. He is preaching hele, have heard. Fine preacher he is, the vil- lain: And tho woman stamped her fo ot with rage and impatience.
 The landlord blindly groped his way ,io',1, to the office, closely followed by the strange woman, who continued to denounee the popular young minister in unmeasured terms.
 When they reached the office the train from the west had arrived, and another strange guest had just entered. The latter was also woman, somewhat older than the first, and in her eyes there was look which meant mischief for some one.
 Gan you direct me to the office of-of my of MT. Arthur Maury?"
 ''Great heavensr' exclaimed the now thor oughly excited landlord.