Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-04-29

Betsy2 Mr.. Beresford tells me-by the
way, his names Beresforl, not Belford,
as l s'posed i, was-that he used to visit
up TO Mansfield, where Martha taught
one term a spell ago
~ want to know" said Aunt Betsy.
"He seen her down to the barn las!
night, added Mrs. Mills. "She showed
him where to put up his horse, an that
was the last of her. wish knew where
she was"
The convention had been in session
several days, when, during Mr.. Beres.
ford's sermon in the crowded village
church, his eyes fell on Matty Mils's face,
half hidden in the shadow Of one Of the
quaint wooden pillars.
He paused moment in mldseutencc;
then he collected himself, and went on
as brilliantly as ever.
But when he had finished, he did not
stay to hear the Reverend Raymond Cush-
ing's remarks" which came next, but
slipped out into the fresh air and star.
light. So that when unconscious Matty
emerged, like slim shadow, he quietly
put out his hand and stopped her. She
started violently.
"Stop a minute, said he. "Why are
you crying?."
W-I didn't want to cry" said she,
sobbing and defart. ''But you made
me-you preached that sermon right at
me.7
81 wasn't thinking of you, Miss
Matt " said he, quietly, "until my eye
fell on your face. All the same, if the
cap fits YOU, by all means put it on
~ won't be so wilful for the future, ="
murmurcd Matty. "rll give up my own
way. I'll come back this very night and
help mother in her own fashion. After
all she is older than am, and wiser"
She spoke partly as if she were think
ing aloud, as she added:
Il had meant to go up north again
and teach, but if mother wants mo to
stay here"
Aud NOBODY but Matte hersclf-and
possibly Mr.. Bereslord, in lesser degree
knew what it cost the girl to relinquish
her ambitious dreams and take uo the
humble, homely burden of everyday life
again. But sac did it bravely.
"Martha amt the same gal she was"
complareutly spoke Mrs. Wills. 81 al.
WAYS knowed if l talkel to her long
enough could make her hear reason
Aud cd Doctor Pounce he gave her lot
O. real good advice convention week"
In the gray, soft days Of November,
Mr.. Bercstorl cane back to fulfill a
promise he had made to preach once
more for the village pastor.
lie walked across the mca lows to the
Mills cottage to shake hands with his
hostess of the preceding summer.
"Wcll, declarel' said Mrs. Mills, in
dustriously polishing her spectacl
glasses with the corner of her checkercd
apron. "lm proper glad to see you,
Mr.. Beresford I'm orful sorry Martha
amt to home! l do hope you're well.
Ny son James, he's here with his wife.
They've concluded to settle East and
live in this house with me, 50 l shan't ,
need Martha anyway, and she'll hev her
hearts desire of going back to Massl-
chusetts to teach. She goes to Mans.
field next week"
'No, she doesn't" said Mr.. Bcrcsiord,
Smliiu1. Cuc VIII lCslllu hCiC uuNii
she is married.-oa Christmas Day.
"What" calculated Mrs. Mills. 81
guess you've heard some of tao neigh
bors' gossip. Alonzo Whitcomb did ask
her to marry him, but she refused" ."
"Nevertheess, she is going to be mar
red. TO me, Mrs. Mills. met her as
came across the fields from the parsOn-l
age, and we settled the matter
B-but," stannarei Mrs. Mills,
"AIartha always vowed ani declare she
never would be a minister's wifel"
Mr.. Beresford smiled his rare, sweet
smile.
81 think" said he, "that she has
changed her mind. Sturdy Night.