The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1891-08-21
DID BOTH OVERHEAR 1T?

What world 1t was, to be sure, ant
what fool-but, pshawl-that was al
over now, and he was glad of it.
At this moment he became aware of
slight figure enveloped in fur comm,
down the cross street. and they met a
the corner She held out her hand will
a gesture that bespoke embarrassment
and uncertainty. and he took it gravely
81 believe" he said, ''it is quite veal
since saw you last. Edith"
~ "Yes," she said
Willard turned and Joined her in he,
walk.
"And believe" he continued that
am very glad to see you"
Miss Arnold was silent on this point.
'You might, perhaps, say as much, y
suggested Willard.
Are you going to church," asked Miss
Arnold IL
well, ltdon't know, that is | will 90
if you take me with YOU
Miss Arnold hesitated moment.
why, of course, if you like, she said.
Why shouldn't he like, wondered Mil
lard A pretty girl, good music and lots
ofpeople? What difference did it make
that once--stuffl He had forgotten all
that, and of course she had.
Have you heard the new rector in
quired Miss Arnold, evidently with an
attempt at conversation
No said Willard Il have not been
there | am heather You are a mis-
sionary Perhaps am an angel un-
awares though
Miss Arnold laughed
That's triae mixed. isn't ity'' she
said
Well perhaps admitted Miuard
TN not up in thatisort Of thing,
tBut you used to go to church,
Yes, | did when you took me
have degenerated lflyour theology adj
mits of baeksliding, | have backslided
| am now distinctly a heather.
Miss Arnold laughed again.
ON the contrary, think you have
improved" she said
All" said Willard with faint sar-
casin, II really was not looking for
compliment.
They reached the church and the usher
showed them to a seat. Miss Arnold
kneeled on the cushion and leaned her
head on her little prayer book against
the pew in front. Willard watched her
silently as he had done so many times
before. She made pretty picture
dainty, fur wrapped and devout. and
the hand that held the prayer book was
very small indeed One little lock of
hair had squirned away from restrain
ing hairpins and was curling prettily |
near her pink ear He felt curious de-
sire to put it in place. and then he be-
came conscious of two voices speaking
behind him in not inaudible whispers
Isn't that Foster Willard with Edith
Arnold in front of us?" asked somebody.
why. sure enough it ISL said some
body else. 4 thought she Tilted him a
year ago.
Hush, he will hear you'll"
They must have made it up Queer,
isn't it?'
The choir began to sing again, and the
people all rose Willard heard no more
Edith held her prayer book up to him.
and they read the responses out of it.
Like those flashes of previous existence
that the philosophers talk about, it all
came back to interchangeable, indefinite,
and yet familiar How often he had
heard that smooth full voice, reading
the same old. sweet words of the Episco-
pal service He seemed to take up the
thread of life year back as if the year
just passed had been dream from
which he was now awakening.
The TIE Deum was over and they sat
down again. Presently the two women
behind began to whisper again. Edith
was intent upon the service.
Pretty bonnet she has" said one.
"A trife toe. high think They say
she threw Howard Gale over too. Idont
,ee what those men find in her She is
} perfect firt.'
For that reason probably they like
ler."
Il suppose MIR. Willard took it too
|asily, and she wants to bangle him
|gain.
bangle him?'
"Yes. You know what mean-keep
km around and abuse him"
Hush! I'm afraid he heard you. :
NO he didn't 1t would be a good
farming to him, anyway
Willard moved uneasily. and the whis- ,
prs broke off suddenly He wondered
DEdith had heard them He glanced at
r., and she looked SO unconscious that =
concluded she had not.
The rector had commenced his sermon
d she was giving close attention
Hard listened awhile, but it did not Q
crest him He seemed to have heard u