The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-04-20

keeneSG observers CnaU he mad no serious
intentions towards any of its fair daughters
| But Mr. Clifford himself was not SO certain
of this. He had to confess he was strangely
| fascinated by Miss Rose Willard, notwith-
standing her very aristocratic notions. He
tiattered himself that he knew her more in
timately than many that had known her
longer, and he was sure he discovered in
her much to admire. They had taken great
pleasure singing together, as he had fine
tenor voice, and their tastes in the matter
OF literature were very harmonious.
But there is just that one thing that
chills and mars it all, " he said to himself, as
he sat alone in his study after brother Mel
sons departure,
Though Mr.. Clifford was unmarried he
was not so very young, either in years or
experience 1t is probable that he had met
many young lady more worthy than Miss
Rose Willard, but certainly it is none had
ever so stirred his whole being.
He had been canvassing the matter most
thoroughly, for he realized from his own
heart and the tell-tale eyes of Miss Rose
that the important question must be de-
cided
mo" he continued, as he sat musing, or
rather earnestly thinking, that would
never be tolerated in a minister's WIFE
Besides, it is at right angles to my own ideas
and feelings 1t will never do, Paul Cliff
ford, never"
Just then the postman laid some letters
upon his desk. One was from church in
Wellsburgh giving him call. Was it not a
Providence, he thought! He responded at
once, signifying his willingness to consider
the matter.
The Barrow-street chlrchJ was greatly
shocked when it learned that Mr.. Clifford
had really decided to leave them. He had
been SO we'll liked and had done such a
good work it was a great mystery why he
should leave them so suddenly.
Before going he made farewell calls upon
all his parishioners, and among them of
course was Rose.
She was better of her long sickness, and
able to be about the house. He found her
in the conservatory. How lovely she
looked! Though her face was still as white
as marble, it Wore softened look he had
never seen before. The delicate blue
wrapper trimmed with lace, and the bunch
! of flowers she had Just gathered and pinned
at her waist, he could but notice.
Il am glad to find you better" he said,
most cordially while he feared If he had
not already written the church of Wells
''They tell me you are going away, MI
Clifford" said Miss Rose. with such an anx-
ious, questioning look it sent a fresh arrow
to hrs quivering heart
"Yes, l had call from church in the
western part of the State, and after care
fully considering it, think 1 ought to go"
He spoke slowly, and with his gaze upon the
floor
Il should not think our church would
consent to it" said Miss Willard excitedly.
They are very loath to have me go, and
so am l, but it is best for you and l." he
said, with evident hesitation, that l go
away"
A slight color suffused her cheeks, that
soon faded away to ashy wilderness as she
graspad bracket to steady herself.
Let me lead you into the sitting ROOM"
he said most tenderly, as he put his strong
arm around the weak, trembling girl and
assisted her to a couch, and sat down by
her side. And now must say goodbye,
Rose, he said, after a long silence, in which
he caressed the hand that lay so passively
in his. May God comfort us both" and
he imprinted kiss upon the soft, delicate
hand, while her hot tears that fell upon his
burned through to hisvery soul
Long after the setting sun had cast its
golden beams through the richly-curtained
windows, Rose Willard sat where Mr.. Cliff
ford left her. Oh. the bliss and anguish of
that hour She lived it oyer and over
again. Never before had she seen him so
deeply moved, or dreamed his feelings
toward her so sincere, and she blushed as
she realized he had fully discovered hers
toward him
Although the premises of the argument
that called for such hasty conclusion of
matters were not quite so clear to hor mind
she could but acknowledge the decision Just
and best
A long conyalescence followed this strain
upon her weak nerves. The long monoto-
nous days and still longer tyearisome nights
seemed almost unbearable. If she could
only cease to think. But she could not and
her thoughts naturally turned 20 Mr. Cliff
ford and their friendship. She saw how
pure was his life, how full of sacrifices
for others, and especially for the poor and
needy, and in sharp, strong contrast to this
stood out her own proud, selfish life. 1t
seem almost Il useless one
Mr. Clifford left in April but it was July
before Rose was able to be about. 1t was
a hard, bitter lesson, but it bore most pre-
cious fruit.
/" Did you ever see such change as has
come over Rose Willard?" sa d Mrs. Benson
to her nurse, Miss Hannah, one day in the
following winter.
Never in my life" was the reply ''She's