The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-06-27
AHIGH-TEMPERED GIRL

A HIGH-TEMPERED GIRL.
"No, won't >" said Theodore Reed,
impetuously: 81 won't so there's the
end Of the matter"
Thedora was busy making pear mar
malade, with pocket handkerchief fast
cned Beatricc Cenci fashion, over her
luxurisnt brown tresses. huge check
ed apron enyeloping her trim little figure,
aud sleeves rolled up above her elbow.
Deacon Powers stood oppsite, nervous
ly feeling Of his briSily chin.
Theodore was young and pretty, with
limped hazel eyes, rings Of brown hair
straying like floss silk over her temple
and rosy lips.
Deacon Powers was elderly and wrink-
led. with an indescribable sharpness in
his face. as lift had been worn away in
contact with the world.
Its getting TO be an imposition"
said Theodora, brusquely. Last week
we had two tmct distributors here and
week before, that old Mr. Doddington
and his wife and three children stayed
here Eve days, 50 that it would be con-
venient for the semi-annual convention.
In fact don't remember a single month
without company since we have lived at
the parsonage, and We have no girl now
and papa has the neuralgia, so YOU must
tell this Young clergyman to 90 some
where else, won't have him here
" But. my dear Miss Reed
I'm not your dear Miss Reed said
Theodora, yeliemently. i'll were, you
would try TO spare me a little of this an
noyance. Yes. | known ! am the minis
ter's daughter, and as such am expected
TO have neither feelings nor preference
nor sensbilities of any kind. But I'm
human, after all. and decline to keep 4
perpetual free hotel for every one who
comes in this direction
"Iour predecessor, Miss Reed-the
lamented Mrs. Smiley-was neyeraverse
10 entertaining the saints" reproachfully
uttered the deacon. Her door was ever
open. and her amiable hospitality
oh. yes / know said Theodore.
" And she died at forty. ! intend TO live
a great deal longer than that. She was
killed by sewing socities and company
and Dorcas meetings I've had enough
of that sort OF thing, and mean TO stop.
Ifthe church people wish papa 10 enter
tain all creation they mus, raise his sal
arv That's all -
But, my good friend"
At this moment, however, third per-
son Unexpectedly appeared upon the
scene. The door between the parlor and
the kitchen, which had, unperceived by
Miss Reed and Deacon Powers, stood
slightly ajar, opened tall, frank-faced
young man stood there, with a decided
color on his cheeks.
deacon Powers" said he, pray
assure this young lady that ! will not
trespass on her hospitality; perhaps We
had better 90 on to the next place at
once"
There was something in his air and
manner which caused the deacon TO shoot
out of the kitchen like an arrow from the
bow, and the next moment Theodora was
alone.
She colored and bit her lip
Its all true. she added every
word of it. But am little sorry he
heard it. Perhaps he wasn't to blame
after all"
And Theodore went vigorously on with
the pear marmalade, until the old clock
in the corner struck eleven and she pour
ed out cup of chocolate and went up
stairs TO her fathers room.
Mr.. Reed was sitting before his study
table, his temples resting on his hands,
his elbows among the chaos of books and
papers Theo. went to his side, at once
and laid her hand on his head
Papa" she said, wisiiully, is your
neuralgia worse
very much worse, Theo" he said
lifting his pain glazed eyes to her eager
questioning young face. | do not be-
lieve that can preach to morrow. | do
not believe can ever preach sermon. .
Theodore looked aghast
But papa" said she, "what can you
DO? Old Mr.. Denton Is out of town,
and"
My DEAR" said the poor clergyman
pressing his hands to his throbbing tenn
pies. you mast send note to Mr.. Iar.
vey, and ask him TO ofiiciate in my place
as 4 special favor
"Who Is Mr.. Harvey" asked Theo-
dora.
Il don't know" sighed Mr.. Reed. Il
only know that he is to be at Winfield
this week. Most probably he viii be al
the Star hotel"
Very well, papa, said Theodore
feiening a cheerfulness that sine was very
far from feeling. Drink your chocolate
now. There's a darling, and don't fret
yourself the least bit in the world. and
will see that all arrangements are made
30 she ran down stairs snd set herself
tothinking.
4 substitute must be found for the pul
pit, and here il WAS y O'Clock on Satur
day.
She sat down and wrote a little note
consulting the dictionary more than
once to make sure of no errors, and care
fully copying the whole, because of q
spaitering little blot which fell, as if 90
malice asorethough;,r directly across tn,
second line:
DEAR Ma. HARvEY will you gram
us the favor Of preaching in papa's place
tomorrow? He II very III OF neuralgia
and is unable even TO prepare a sermon
We shall be greatly obliged if YOU will
dine with us tomorrow after church.
THEoDoRA REED"
And after satisfying herself that j, wa,
all right, she carried il herself to the stal
hotel
Mr.. Harvey was not in, hadn't beer