The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-07-21
How crowded the little villags

Iut MI& ErlS&A \ caught kumpse of the great poke bonnet as I walked quickly to my seat.
 1 They were singing as we entered, yet I scarcely heard them, feeling rather embarrassed at coming late to be gazed at by the entire congrega- tion.
 sank wearily among the soft cush- ions, gladly taking refuge behind q large palm leaf fan kindly profiered by a portly old gentleman beside me.
 Now a hush, slight fiutter among the congregation, a rustic of garments, with now and then a subdued whis- per as the pulpit was rolled close to the chancel and the new curate as- cended.
 "He's just lovely" whispered Marcia, pulling softly at my sleeve. "Do look at him, Miss Kenwood."
 I kept my eyes downcast. Ii every woman in the congregation cast glances of admiration I was deter mined to do otherwise.
 "Am I my brothers keeper1" was the text. Clear and distinct were the words of the speaker. The first words had caused my heart to beat wildly How like that voice of long ago-that rich, soft voice that pleaded for my lovel listened like one in 6 dream, until raised my eyes to sec before me-Robert Rreston.
 Yes, Robert Preston. Changed, to be sure; not the bright, boyish face of long ago. There were lines ot care and suffering on 1t now, while the dark hair was streaked with silver.
 Was Kathleen deadl l wondered. Had he given up his practice? Was he happy2 Fifty different queries crowded upon my memory. Why had fate thrown us once more to. gether after my bitter struggle to for get? One thing was determined upon. must leave the village. l dared not trust myself further. Reason as would, my heart told me that loved him still.
 It was all over. I could hear the whispered comments of the worship pers on the eloquence of the new curate. The singers were chanting in that nasal, drawling tone 30 natural to village choirs, and still sat dream ing.
 "Are you coming ?" asked my com- panion; then, as l arose mechanically to obey, "Don't you like him, Miss Kenwood Do tell mel You listened attentively, and once, as looked at you, thought you were going to taint away, you looked so pale. Are you ill?"
 "Yes, I like him." she added aloud, while my heart whispered, "God pity me, love him."
 We were out once more in the bright sunshine, coming quite unex- pectedly upon little group com posed oI the wealthier members of the congregation gathered around the new curate. They had learned he was a man of wealth and standing, choosing his calling simply as matter of taste. Some one-I think it was the pastors wife-presented me to him. Our eyes met, our hands touched, as resting those serious eyes upon me, he said:
 w have had the pleasure of meeting Miss Kenwood before."
 cannot tell how it happened that we were all walking out through the church yard towards the highway, and found myself alone with Robert. He was the first to break the silence. It pained me to think that 1t was A commonplace remark.
 "How is Kathleen ?" endeavoring to show him how little cared for the past, and how, without betraying the slightest emotion, could inquire after his wife's health.
 "Kathleen ?" He looked dazed at the question, "I believe she is well but not happy, poor girl"
 He believed she was well. How strange! Had he grown weary of her as of me? Was he utterly devoid of honor?
 Not happy" said, as toyed ner- vously with the roses in my bodice. "She should be very happy as-as- your wife," faltered.
 "As my wife," he said, gazing in blank amazement. "Did you-oh, Mattie, you have judged me wrongly. l never married Kathleen"
 He looked like man upon whom a sudden truth had dawned, or one &C., cused of 8 great wrong who could prove his innocence.
 It was in the twilight before serv- ice that he told me all. The notice concerning Robert Preston and wife had referred to his cousin. He had entered the ministry from choice, as he had come into 6 large fortune through the death of his uncle. True, he admired Kathleen as a man would admire a beautiful woman, but he never entertained the slightest feeling of love for her.
 The scene in the orchard was but a little ruse gotten up by Robert and Kafhleen fo excite my iealoilay little