Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1891-12-25
DID BOTH OYERHEAR ITY

air. Pious souls. clad in fur5 aud vel
vets and other ferns Of modern purple
and fine linen, were hurrying 70 reach
the scenes Of their deyotionA
Foster Willard was not a pious soul,
and he did not hurry. He was not sure
that he was going to church at all, and
he sauntered leisurely along, with his
hands in his overcoat pockets md his
big collar turned high around his
throat.
What a world 1t was, to DO sure. and
what n fool-but, pshawl-that was al
over now. and no was glad Of it.
At this moment he became aware Of n
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 1t gravely.
IL believe" he said, sit is quite o 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 see you"
Miss Arnold was silent on this point.
"You might, perhaps, say rs much"
suggested Willard.
Are you goingt to church, asked Miss
Arnold.
well, | don't know, that is, | will go
II you take me with you"
Miss Arnold hesitated q moment.
"Why, Of course. IL you like, she said.
Why shouldn't he like, wondered Mil
lard. A pretty girl, good music and lots
OF people5 What difference did it make
that ~once-stuifl Ho 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.
mo-" said Willard. 81 have not been
there. am a hoathen. You are n mis-
Eionary. Perhaps | am an angel I'M
Awares though"
Miss Arnold laughed.
That's q trife mixed, isn't IT." she
said.
well, perhaps" admitted Willard.
"Tm not up in that sort OF thing"
''But you used TO go to church,
Eyes, | did-when you took me. l
have degenerated. II your theology nd
mits of backsliding. | have backslided
/ am now distinctly a heathen."
Miss Arnold laughed again.
"On the contrary, ! think you have
improved" she said.
"Ahl" said Willard, with faint sar-
casin, 81 really was not looking for a
compliment"
They reached the church and the usher
showed them to n 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 80 many times
before. She made n 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 squirined away from restrain
ing hairpins gnd was curling prettily
near her pink ear. He felt a curious de-
sire to put It IN place, aud then he be
came conscious Of two voices speaking
behind him in not inaudible whispers.
"lsn't that Foster Willard with Edith
Arnold In front Of usy" asked somebody.
"Why, sure enough it isl" said some
body else. II thought she Tilted him q
year ago"
Hush, he viii hear you'll"
They must have made it up. Queer
Isn't ity"
The choir began 10 sing again, and the
people all rose. Willard heard no nor
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 al
came back TO interchangeable, indefinite
mud yet familiar. How often he haG
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 a year back, as II the veal
Just passed had been q dream from
which he was now awakening.
The To Deum was over and they sat
down again. Presently tho two women
behind began to whisper again. Edit
was intent upon the service.
pretty bonnet she has. said ono.
"A tribe too high, 1 think. They say
she threw Howard Gale over too. Idon'
see what those men find in her. She II
a perfect Airt."
''For that reason probably they like
her."
Il suppose Mr.. Willard took It too
easily, and she wants 70 dangle hin
again"
bangle himr
Eyes. You know what mean-keel
him around and abuse him"
"Hushl I'm afraid he heard yon."
mo, he didn't. It would be a goot
warning to him, anyway
Willard moved uneasily. and tho whis
pers broke OF suddenly He wondered
Il Edith had heard them He glanced a
her, aud she looked so unconscious thai
he CO she had not
mmenced his sermon
closo attention
but Il did no
70 have heart