Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-11-28
THE REV. MARK AVERY.

Old Mr.. Bittleston had a charming
house aud grounds on the Thames,
near NARROW, including a pretty eyot.
One sultry afternoon he was enjoying
a placid doZe in a shady arbOr near the
waters edge, when he was aroused by
the splashing OF oars, and behold! a
young man in boating costume, IN
the act OF alighting upon the lawn
Mr.. BIttleston sprang TO his feet In
an instant, prepared 10 lose his temper
on small ETOvOcation. be knew the
strangers errand, for he received half
a dozen proniscuous visits OF this kind
in the course of the day. When the
young man drew near. he proved TO be
rather a mild looking youth, who wore
spectacles, and seemed ditlilent and
very much embarrassed.
''Have L the pleasure OF speaking TO
the propritor of this island?" he in
quired, politely lifting his straw hat
from his head
Yes; the island belongs to me-"
said Mr.. BIttleston. shortly.
"WM you permit me to hand you
my card, " said the stranger, producing
a card case.
Mr.. Butleston felt somewhat molli-
fed by the young mans polite and
respectful demeanor, and he took the
card. 1t bore the following inscription:
s'The Rev. Mark Avery, IA Hayter
ST., st. Georges in-the-East."
.'Oh, you are a Clergyman re-
marked the old gentleman. who had
good oid-fashloned regard Tor 'the
cloth"
"Yes, In spite of my dress, which is
decidedly anti-clerical, said the young
man, smiling. 'I suppose you can
guess why troubled you We are on
our way to Oxford, and L wished your
permission to camp out on your Island
for the night with my friends
I'm sorry to say that I've been
Obliged to put a stop to that. said MI.
Bittleston; I'm afraid that L cannot
make an exception in your case.
~ hone YOU will, SIR" said the par
SON persuasively; 81 plead not so much
for myself as for my companions They
are both very werthy young men, and
this little trip, which l have organized,
is a pleasure which they have never
before experienced One is pupil
teacher at our schools, and the other Is
assistant in the night school, They
have both earned a holiday, and wish
to do all can to promote their enjoy
ment-"
'You will find plenty OF accommo-
dation at Marrow, at all events" said
Mr.. Bittleston-
Undoubtedly; but, the fact is, we
cannot afford TO pay for II, " remarked
the Rev. Mark, candidly; my COM
panions have no money, ana my own
purse is, unfortunately, very narrow. "
"Oh. then you are paymaster!" SAID
the old gentleman, whose kind heart
was touched by the parsons artleSs
| confession
"Yes: 1t is my treat, In fact" an
swered the Rev. Mark, smiling III
course. if you object TO our landing on
your island, We must try elsewhere
| But IL is a convinient spot, and hoped
10 prevail on you" -,
'weu, well, for this once l Will
make an exception" interrupted MT.
| BittIeston, unable 10 resist any longer
~ must ask you to ok your camp IN the
most remote corner or the island, and
not to damage the underwood Mheh
| YOU take your morning bath. please
1 bear in mind that the windows OF my
' house overlook the island"
1--WE will do nothing that can posi-
bIv offend you," returned the young
man offering his hand to Mr.. Bittles-
| ton who srasped it in friendly fash
| ion; II am exceedingly obliged to you,
| believe me, for your kindness
! s.Don,t mention it." said the gentle
man walking by the parsons side
| across the lawn; ''any little thing We
/ can do for you, or supply you with, dc
| not hesitate TO ask for. Have you any
| fresh milkp | know that 1t IS com
| modify which is generally In request
.SThapk YOU. We won't trespass
/ further on your Kindness" returned
Rev. Mark, heartily, I'VE have oui
provisions
4 Gonna and dine st the house with me
to-niphtY,, INQUIRED Mr.. Bittleston, whC
was a hospItable old gentleman, and
md taken rather a fancy TO the younl
man; my wife and daughters wouio
lyon are extremely kind, but ths
fact is. my companions, though excel
lent Young men, are not quite IenneC
enough to sit at your table" said tn'
Rev. Mark, cautiously lowering hl'
voice. so that the occupants OF the Doa
should not hear him. For myself,
he added aloud, II should only pe 'o'
pleased; but, unfortunately. L nave ~
piotbss bnt these 1 stand up in w,
ore onIv away for the inside of a weel
- must be back on Sunday"
Never mind your clothes, sAiu ol'
Mr.. Bittleston; 1--WE shall be quIte aion'
tonight, and my vile anu Hn.;n,
.ra accustomed 10 see guests In poatlni
.sIn that case, / shall be only to'
..nnv - said the Rev. Mark, as h'
.,anoed into the boat "What time d
sat seven you will hear the gong.
swered Mr. Bittleston, from tn