Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1889-04-18

nis eyes open to detect any discrepancies IN
this regard, he had found none. Mr chr
FORD had been located in Bainton about ten
years yet IL was pretty certain % even the
keenest observers that he had no serious
| Intentions towards any OF its fair dauVhtsrs
But Mr.. Clifford himself wa. NOT a. ear,.s,,
OF this. He had TO confess he was strangely
fascinated by Miss Rose Willard. notwtth-
standing her very aristocratic notions Ua
| nastered himself that he knew her more in
umateiy than many that had known her
| longer, s71 he was sure he discovered In
her much 70 admire. They had taken great
pleasure singing together as he had a fine
tenor voice, and their tastes In the matter
Oh literature were very harmonious
But there IL just that one thing that
chfils and mars it all " he said to himself. as
ne sat alone In his study after brother Mel
sons departure
Though Mr.. Clifford wns unmarried he
was not 50 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 20 stirred his whole being
He had been csnvassfng the matter most
thoroughly, for he realized from his own
heart and the tell-tale eyes of Miss Rose
that tho important question must be de-
cided
No" he continued. as he sat mussng. or
rather earnestly thinking. that would
never be tolerated in a minister's wife
Besides. IL Is at right angles to my own ideas
and feelings IL will never do, Paul Cliff
ford never"
Just then the postman laid some letters
upon his desk One was from a church I'm
Weilsburgh giving him a call Was it not a
Providence, he thought. He responded az
once, signifying his willingness TO consider
the matter
The Barrow-street church was greatly
| shocked when ft learned that Mr. Clifford
had really decided to leave them. He had
been 50 well 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
Al his parishioners, and among them OF
course was Rose
She was better OF her long sickness and
abie to be about the house He found h r
In the conservatory. How lovely she
looked! Though hsr face was still a. white
- marble, Il wore a softened look he had
never seen before. The delicate blue
wrapper trimmed with lace and the bunch
OF flowers she had just gathered ard pinned
at her waist, he could but sotice
Il am glad 70 find you better" he said.
most cordially, while he feared If he had
not already written the church of Wells
burKh OF his acceptance he should hesitate.
They tell me you are going away, Mr.
Ctnord, y said Miss Rose, with such an anx-
ious, questioning look it sent fresh arrow
10 his quiveriug heart
| Yes, L had call from a church in the
western part OF the state, and after care
fully considering t. think ought to 90 =
ne spoke SLOWLY, and with bis gaze upon the
moor.
L 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 ie Il best for YOU and l. - he
SAID, with evident hesitation, that l 20
sway
slight color suffused her cheeks, that
soon raded away 60 ashy whiteness as she
grasped bracket TO steady herself
Let me lead you into the sitting
ne said. most tendsriy. Is he put bis strong
arm around the weak, trembling girl and
assisted ner TO couch, and sat down by
ner sl,e- Ana now must say good-b
/ lose, ne SAID, aleer long silence in which
ne ealesssa tne nanu that lay SO passively
N nis Nay eou comfort US so,h. and
ne nlpI,n,eu hiss upon ,he soit. delicate
| .Ao' ~n.so NC. hoe .eAs 1nas ieAi upon as
Long ater the settins sun mad cast its
goioen beams through the richiy-ciirtained
WINDOWS, Rose willard sat where M CHI
iolu iei' hsh- oh; the onss ana anguish or
| that hour! She lived II over and over