The Press., 1888-11-22
stNaYar better. ,.

occupant in the Ridgeway pewl My heart beat fast; Miss Blanchefs answer was yesl When came opposite the pew looked at the lsSiy with the sweetest smile could call up. To my inexpressible astonishment found myself smiling at Miss Mary!
 Never had been so astonished or so dis appointed. Yet, perhaps, it was all chance The hour was early and the church almost empty. A few persons occupied distant pews. As I sat down by Miss Mary, feared she would observe my confusion.
 ''Good morning, 1" I said in greeting, with all the coomess at my command
 Good morning, sir,s she said, demurely. Miss Blanche is not with you"
 "Oh, she is not coming" \ '.And you'- 'tYes, came in her place"
 "It can't be-that is-you"-- "Why, of course,n she replied with the pleaSantest smile ever saw.
 "But surely"- .... .. 'pm so glad that you came, Mr. Quoter," she continued. "Our pew is generally half empty"
 She glanced at me smiingly, looking like riper and more womanly Miss Blanche. A woman's glance can tell so much or-so little. In this instance 1t was so much.
 paused in thought. Did Miss Mary know what had passed between her sister and myself? If not, haw was l. to interpret what she said9 One thing I knew, Miss Blanche's answer was no, and Miss Mary was certainly very sweet, very demure, very charming. began to take very decided interest in her.
 1T am at loss to understand"- began. Don't you think it's wrong to talk in churchau she whispered.
 "I had forgotten where we are, Miss Mary" Never shall I forget that sermon. Yet do not remember word of itI The preacher seemed so good and benignant the singing so sweet, the tones of the organ so grand, that Is caught myself wondering if I was really fn prosy Pittsburg. Once, in turning oveS the leaves of the prayer book, I touched Misss Mary's hand, very white and shapely handN 1t was, and the contact thrilled me in the strangest manner But enough of this. A few more confessions and the reader will con- slider me fool.
 The service may have been long or short I cannot recall. Miss Mary nodded to friends as we went out-I did not see anybody. felt the presence of people about me, that was all. It was pleasant to get into the open air again, with Miss Mary on my arm.
 ''Now, please explain, Miss Mary, urged, the moment we were alone.
 ''Explain2" Each of her laughing eyes was aninterrogation point.
 ''Pray. be business like, Miss Mary! Do you take Miss Blanche's placeg'
 "What question:" she cried laughing. "But repeat it."
 ''Do I take Blanche's place, Mir. Quoter? How droll you are! Why, how could IF"
 ''Very easily"
 "Whereg Howl"
 "Herel NowI want you to marry me-" Mercy, MT. Quoter, you must be craZy?' "Quite right" said I, ''but only temporar- lily so. What is your answer. Miss MaryT Ivy So1~S MpS n110+
 "I was never more serious"
 "Reallyp'
 "Really."
 ''Then, yes"
 ''Goodl like that answerl"
 ''I should hope you did" was the demure answer.
 "I mean like it's straightforwardness
 'And is that all that pleases youa"
 'Very far from it. But one question, Miss Mary: Did you know had asked your sister to be my wifeF' .
 looked up into the sweet girls face ex- pectantly. Her flushed cheeks, her bright eyes, were very pleasant to look upon.
 II have answered your most important question, sir," she said, biting her lip, "and think that should satisfy you"
 ''It does, Mary; but I am just little curi- ous"
 She looked at me with dancing eyes, and tossed her head.
 'I will tell you one thing" she said, archly.
 'I am istening.p
 'T go to church regularly every Sabbath" confess that this answer was not alto gether satisfactory, but I have never been able to get better one. A few months afterward we were married. Mary has made me an excellent wife, and I feel as- sured that few blind orders are so well filled as mine. As to MaFy's views on the subject, I cannot say.-H. ID. Mason in Pittsburg Bulletin.