The Forrest City times., 1891-03-27
X MINISTER'S BLUNDER.

cailcu to paSbOrcte ln the HOurlSnlng town of Newborn. The Rev. Eltho was young, good looking, intelligent, and possessed the many little graces of manner that would make him favor ite in any community; but, alas, poor man, he had one failing, he was un- married! As this was defect that could be so eaeily remedied. it did not detract much from his popularity, es- pecially among the unmarried portion of his congregation of the opposite sex. Indeed, Deacon Tubbs was often heard to remark that piety had reached the high-water mark among the young la- dies of the congregation since Bro. Bar clay came among them.
 But the Roy. Eltho thus far had passed on his way senenely, apparently unintiuenced by all the bright glances and sweet smiles that accompanied 30 many acts of charity and devotion.
 One evening the regular church social was held at Elder Freeman's. After the weather and the superiority of their own church over all other churches had been thoroughly discuss ed, some one proposed music. When Miss Lathrop had given q few expiring bangs, showing that her. instrumental solo had at last drawn to close, some one brought forward Miss Katherine Du Vasne to sing. She was a stranger to most in the room, but at the first sound of her magnificent voice, hush fell upon the babbling throng, and the Rev. Eltho, who was passionately fond of music. listened with his whole soul awake. No sooner did her voice die away in the last. sweet strain, than he was at her side seeking an introduction and begging for another song. He asked for one after another until he could not in courtesy call for more
 After the singing was over he no- ticed what fine eyes she had. and how into hor head to be very gracious to the Rev. Eltho, who seemed the lion of the evening. Nor was 1t strange that afterwards in his pastoral calls he should not forget the stranger within our gates" or rather the stranger within Mrs. Hodges gate, for that is where the stately Kate was visiting; though that good lady often remarked that what he coum see In that naughty Kate to admire she, for one. couldn't understand. "A pretty minister's wife she would make with her quick temper and stately airs. Why, she didn't believe Kate know the answer to the very first question in tho cate chism, and what did she care for heather, or old ladies, or babies, or sick peopleP What did she know about patching or dalning, ladies aid societies, and cooking chickenpn
 Now there was her Nollie---n and when the good dame had run through the special qualifications oF her daugh- ter orc could notgoject tho conclusion that Nellie was "one of the elect" foreordaincd and prcdestined from the foundation of tho world to be min.s- ters wife"
 The Rev. Eltho's church could boast of 8 large organ and sloir, bat this choir was verT uncertain quantity. apd like many another chcir. was a continual ",hora il the Gesh" to the 70 tor.
 At length the time arrived for ono Of its periodical uphcayols. Tho alto had declared that the sopranos voico sqvoaled oa the high nat5s. The bass had sided with tle alto and tae t1ncr had gone over to the soprano. and tho organist Lad failed to bring harmony ont of so much diseoyd, so wh1n it c&no time for the Saturday night re- hearsal, thero was no one to sing.
 The pastor beEgel the organist to secure q ueH choir baiorc Sund iy's services. but this tho Professor (smart. ing under some previous slight which only a soal atmnad to divine harmonies would have lelD uttar.y refused 10 do.
 So the clergyman resolved to make the best of it and have ongeega.iopal singing, lei by the organ, But at tho eleventh hoUr the Professor reponted of his rush refusal and on Sunday morning sought out a new choir, in- clading Miss Du Yasnc 2s soprano.
 She willingly granted her SC vices. foc she was accustomed 10 choir sing ing, having long beSa the soprano in ono of tho leading churches ol her | native town. Besides there was u pleasure to her in tho thought that tho young minister would to-day be one of her most attentive listeners,
 | There had been no time to notify the Rev. Mir. Eltho of the professor 8 changed purpose.
 Tho reverend gentleman was ac- customed to enter his pulpit from a side door leading from his study after the congregation had assembled. As | his mind was generally preoccupied | with his german he seldom glanced around until seated in the pulpit. Besides the organ and choir gallery wore directly behind the pulpit so on this eventful Sunday he WAS entirely unconscious that it had other occupants than the professor
 There was perfect silence as he arose to announce the first hymn.
 My brethern," said he you see that we have no choir to-day 30 we will sing that old familiar hymn. Rock of Ages, and hope that all will help with the singing"
 He could not account for the almost audible smile that went around the con- gregation, and he involuntarily felt to sec that his necktie was not awry. But no. its loops were primly located. Hs then felt his hair. to sec if something might have rut1led it's smooth serenity. Again nothing seemed amiss, and the horrible contiction forced itsels npon