Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-05-12

| " Uy the mana and to thank him fol his "beautiful discourse" he thanked God and took courage, and wished that his Mary were with him instead of sit. ting lonely and anxious in their little lodging with their sick boy.
 He went in good spirits to the home of his host, who was a merchant in the city, and he sat down with the family to the ample Sunday dinner. He sat next his hostess, gentle, motherly | lady, who asked him if he was married and if he had any children; and he told her of Mary and the child. His host | was shrewd man of middle age, who had clearly read much and thought a 1 good deal, and all his family (three grown sons and two daughters) were intelligent and cultivated and took a modest but sufficient share in the con- versation of the table, and all listened to such opinions as the minister uttered with attention and understanding. Mir. Murray, therefore, felt he was in & sociable, frank and refined atmosphere, and he thought within himself: What place of brightness and pleasant en- deavor this would be after my rude and stormy experience of the north and this terrible year in London! And, oh! what haven of rest and health for my dar. ling wife and boy!''
 So it was with unaffected joy, when he walked round the large garden with his host after dinner, that he heard him say:
 Il think, MT. Murray, absolute frank ness in these matters is best. Let me ask you, if you were invited to become our minister, would you be willing? Would you like to come to us?'
 ''As frankly as you put the question" :" said Mir. Murray, 'I answer that, from all know and have seen of the Upton congregation, 1 should like to be your minister. Of course it would be pleas anter for me and for all if the invitation were as nearly unanimous as may be-"
 Quite so," said his host ''I ought to say that, though I am the chairman, have at present no authority to speak for any but myself and my family. But we have heard a good report of you, MT. Murray, and l know that many of our people have been much impressed by you this morning" Then, unconscious ly. he went on to dash somewhat the minister's lively hopes. "There is a young man--Mr. Lloyd; you may know
 
 are very much taken with him. He is a brilliant, popular sort of young fel- low, but he is young-he has only been some two years or so a minister-and he is unmarried, and-and well, I don't want to say anything against him-but he is just little flighty, and we older folk doubt how we should get on with him. am glad, however, to have your assurance that you would come if you were asked"
 He put his arm within the minister's and thus they returned into the house. And-as if that had been a sign of con- sent agreed upon-all the company (and there were now good many guests as sembled) beamed upon them as they entered the drawing-room.
 ''I am so glad," said the eldest daugh- ter of the house, bringing MT. Murray a cup of tea and sitting down by him, ito know that you are willing to be our minister"
 "How do you know I amp" he asked, with a smile.
 ''Oh," she answered, with a blush and light laugh, "we arranged for sign from my father, so that we should all know at once. You are willing, are you not?"
 'I am," he answered, quite"
 "And hope-I 6o hope-you will b. asked"
 Presently there came to him an un- known young man, and said: II don't often go to chapel or church, but if you often preach sermons like this morn ing's, should always go to dear you, think"
 This was fattering tribute, and the minister showed his appreciation of it.
 "Well, confess" he said, "it is at least pleasant to hear you say so."
 Thus the time passed till the hour for the evening service. The gas was lit, and floor and galleries were crowded with people. The minister had chosen