St. Landry democrat., 1890-03-08
CHAPTER vi.
THE SERMON.

There was a great scheme or foo
among the inhabitants of the town ant
about to hold a revival meeting. So afte
the common phrases of the day Mrs. ClarE
asked kindly about the religious views O.
DIR. Miller.
1t may have been little concern of hers
but she felt interested in the welfare OF
his soul, and did not mean it for pure in.
quiry, as is too often the case, from the
clergyman's helpmeet to the negro washer.
woman.
But curiosity, with good motives is not
always justifable.
Tine Doctor, from what she could learn,
had never been seen at church, and it was
her honorable aim to allure him there.
This was Saturday evening the next
morning there would be regular services.
There was no hope of having him there,
as he was known to be going away with a
hunting party. Mrs. Clark was very
much depressed to know that such wick
edness was going on, almost in the very
shadow of worshipers She became very
animated, and / fancied the minister was
not at all pleased with her excited demon
STATIONS.
Oren was disguised and the emotions of
his soul could be easily seen, though he
tried very hard to conceal them.
He was a Presbyterian of the old type,
and in addition to bis early training, he
had the extra discipline of an eastern
musical college, directly under the manage
ment of the church. He presently found
an excuse to GO to the store for some arti-
cles. l almost heard him breath sigh of
relief when he closed the door behind him.
The next morning was bright and beau-
tiful; and the white frost sparkled evsrv-
where along our rustic streets like a
shower of silver dust.
The services opened promptly at II
a m.
Quite goodly number of the country
folk had gathered in the small hall. when
the sermon began. My father and occu-
pied front seat, and Aunt Caroline and
Rose sat opposite, and directly in front of
the speaker.
The sermon was short and earnest. The
text Matt. xv., Is. ''And unto one he
gave five talents, to another two, and to
another one; to every man according as his
several ability, and straightway took his
journey"
/ listened earnestly and was very much
impressed by the sermon. And / felt
fully convinced that the most of US had
hidden our talent away in the earth.
/ thought would go and find mine and
invest it where it would bring me returns
perhaps ten talents. But / did not
know what to do. / was at that period in
young girls life when everything i'm
presses her with desire to be and do
something great and attractive. So the
sermon so impressed me that for few
hours was confident of obtaining DR.
Miller's sympathy in my religious emo
t3ons.
Had he been at church it is not at all
unlikely would have asked him home
with me. and bored him continually with
my unpleasant notions.
A girl who is let talk as freely as was
is often plague. And | reflect with re-
greet upon the early training SO needed
and missed. And, too, my will was
easily changed by clever argument,
therefore my reckless tongue often got me
into serious conflicts.
/ never had the face to contradict an
and if had had fifty presented
to me in one day would have sanctioned
them all, and given my opinion free of
cost, was dreadfully tickle and wonder
now how Aunt Caroline ever tolerated me.
So by the time services were over had
my sermon all composed for DR.. Miller.
If had seen him then I would have
it, but luckily did not meet him
for several days and by that time my en-
thusiasm had all died away.
After the benediction the people INDUCED
in hearty hand shaking and we'll wishing.
In the confusion Oren and Rose slipped
away together, and around the bridge road
toward home before we had told our
worthy neighbors good bye.
When we got out of the house / felt |
much revived from my nervous shock, snd
walked home with father andIAunt Caroline |
very composed.
The rustic streets of our little town wef
of natures paving, and strong southwest |
wind seemed determined to blow them in |
our eyes.
When we reached home Oren and Rose |
were there comfortably seated in the
parlor.
Presently Aunt Caroline lowered our |
high way by informing US that Jane had
been called away, and that my company
was wanted in the kitchen.
/ had never been unkind about the house |
but hated TO cook, and | wanted to talk |
10 Oren Tides, SO could not resist re-
marking:
81 wish twas big enough to have beau |
30 wouldn't have to cook.
But there's lots of future, | thought to |
myself, and followed Aunt Caroline into |
he kitchan