Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1891-12-18
DID BOTH OYERHEAR TIP

~ WIS nearly btINlCo tAme Ou Dulud9
morning. and the church bells were toll
ing their CHEEKY welcome on the frosty
air. Piogs souls, clad in furs and vel
vets and other forms Of modern purple
and fine linen, were hurrying to reach
the scenes Of their devotions.
Foster Willard was not a pious soul,
aud he did not hurry. He was not sure
that he was going to church at all, and
no sauntered leisurely along. with his
hands in his overcoat pockets and his
big collar turned high around his
throat.
What a world it was, to be sure, and
what a fool-but, pshawl-that was all
over now, and he was glad Of it
At this moment he became aware Of a
slight figure enveloped in fur coming
down the cross street, and they met at
the corner. She held out her hand with
a gesture that bespoke embarrassment
and uncertainty, and he took it gravely.
II believe" he said, lit is quite a year
since / saw you last, Edith"
yes" she said.
Willard turned and Joined her in-her
walk.
And believe" he continued, that !
am very glad to sec you"
Miss Arnold was silent on this point.
you might, perhaps, say as much, {"
suggested Willard.
"Are you goingto church, asked Miss
Arnold.
"Wel / don't know, that is, l will go
II you take me with you"
Miss Arnold hesitated q moment.
'Why, of course, if you like, she said.
Why shouldn't he like, wondered Mil
lard. A pretty girl, good music and lots
Of people2 What difference did it make
that once-stuffi He had forgotten all
that, and Of course she had.s
Have you heard the new rector in.
quired Miss Arnold, evidently with an
attempt at conversation.
mo-" said Willard. II have not beer
there. am a heather. You are a mis-
Bionary. Perhaps / am an angel un.
Rwares though"
Miss Arnold laughed.
That's a tri6s mixed, isn't III" she
said.
"Well, perhaps" admitted Millard.
I'm not up in that sort Of thing"
''But you used to go to church,"
Eyes, | did-when you took me.
have degenerated. If your theology ad
mits of baclsliding, | have backslided
am now distinctly u h~eathen."
Miss Arnold laughed again.
On the contrary, | think you have
improved" she said.
ABR said Willard, with faint sar
casin, II really was not looking for
compliment"
They reached the church and the ushel
showed them to a scat Miss Arnold
kneeled on the cushion and leaned he
head on her little prayer book agains
the pew in front. Willard watched hei
silently, as he had done so many time
before. She made a pretty picture
dainty, fur wrapped aud devout, Rni
the hand that held the prayer book wa
very small indeed. One little lock o
hair had squirmed away from restrain
ing hairpins and was curling prettil,
near her pink ear. He felt a curious de
sire TO put 1t in place. and then he be
came conscious of two voices speaking
behind him in not inaudible whispers.
isn't that Foster Willard with Edit
Arnold in front of usy' asked somebody
why sure enough it isr' said some
body else. II thought she Tilted him
year ago"
Hush, he will hear you!"
They must have made it up. Queer
isn't ity'
The choir began to sing again, and tn
people all rose. Willard heard no more
Edith held her prayer book mp to him
and they read the responses out Of il
Like those flashes Of previous existenc
that the philosophers talk about, it a
came back 10 him-intangible, indefinite
and yet familiar. How often he ha
heard that smooth, full voice, readin
the same old. sweet words OF the Episcc
pal service. He seemed to take up th
thread OF life a year back, as II the yea
lust passed had been a dream fror
which he was now awakening.
The To Deum was over and they ga
down again. Presently the two womei
behind began to whisper again. Edit
was intent upon the service.
pretty bonnet she has, said one.
"a trife too high, | think. They sa
she threw Howard Gale over too. Idon
see what those men find in her. She
perfect airt-"
"For that reason probably they lib
her."
Il suppose Mr.. Willard took 1t 10
easily, and she wants TO bangle hiI
again"
"Dangle himr'
ayes. You know what mean-kee
him around and abuse him"
"Hushl I'm afraid be heard you."
mo, he didn't II would be a goo
warning to him, anyway"
Willard moved uneasily, and the VIII
pers broke off suddenly. He wonders
II Edith had heard them Heglanced
llAbor. ma she looked 30 unco1
0ncluded she had not
trctqr had comnenq q
giving 1ose