The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1893-10-28

VIVA nor rain, out, Win nedQ bowed |
low. staggered on in the binding
storm. If passers by noticed the desc
late figure it was only to clasp their
bundles tighter, button their coats
closer, and hurry past, leaving him
soon forgotten.
The news of his dismissal had come
TO Parson Wade with cruel suddenness,
and only by degrees did he recover
from his half-dazed condition. Over
and over in mechanical fashion he re
| peated Mr.. Hicks words: There's
some that's tired of old-fashioned doc
trines. and wish a younger preacher.
A progressive age, parson, is that we're
Twin in" They were tired of HIM,
then, that was what it all meant, and
there was no longer any use for him in
| the world. 1t would be so always, now;
nobody would care for him, or look to
him for aid. And-the girls, his daugh-
tiers, what would they say when they
heard of it, how would they receive
this news? With bitter reproaches,
with singing words, he knew; and
the thought sen a shudder through
him. Yes, it would make things worse
" Hill DIV IoItC, dIii tilluSS "cIc oOEIy
enough there at the best.
All through the dreary years since
his wIfe's death the old man had been
under the rule of two unmarried
daughters. who made no effort to con-
ceal the fact that their old father was
an uncomfortable burden on their
hands. They allowed him shelter and
food to avoid town gossip. and added
his meager salary to the comfortable
little income that they gained by teach
ing. But by continued taunts they sue
ceeded in making his whole life sad and
uncomfortable. Yet Parson Wade al
ways expected hat some day he would
come home to find a kind welcome and
loving words from them. They're
Mary's children" he would say to him
self. Surely they must care a little
for their old father" But this dreary
November night the old comforting as
surance was no longer his. In the bit
terness of this new pain he gave up all
hope that he could ever be wanted any
where.
With these thoughts in his mind the
old man stumbled on. and at last turned
III DIV Jig RdUC anu TtdCItu IllC AOuSC
that he called home. He stepped u
of the cold and gloom of the night into
the warmth and cheer of the cozy little
hall. He paused for a moment and
held his thin, chilled fingers over the
register. The grateful warmth stole
in upon his benumbed senses, and
despite his sorrow he felt a thrill of
pleasure. Then as he looked up it
seemed for an instant as if he were
waking from a painful dream; for there
in the doorway stood a winsome little
maiden, who eyed him with childish
curiosity. The old man was passion
ately fond of children, and his faded
eyes grew wistful as he said in CULVER
ing tones: Come and see me, little
one"
There was little in the gaunt old man,
with his STOPPING shoulders, thin. spec
tacled face, and shabby, scanty, i'll
fitting garments. to attract a child. But
she started toward him, and was almost
in his arms when a sharp voice cried:
Father Wade, what right have you to
touch her.! Come away, Elsie dear, the
ugly old nan will hurt you" With
IICSC NoIoS IL lCG, lIlC yOuIlRCI
of the daughters, led away the child.
and Parson Wade was once more alone.
The look of adherence and terror that
stole over the child's face cut deep into
the old mans heart as his daughters
cruel words failed to do. A slight
moan escaped his lips. but, dreading a
fresh rebuke, he choked back a rising
sob and hobbled away into the darkness
of his own 0
Half an honr later the little house
hold gathered at the tea table. Miss
Wade, tall and stately, presided with
cold dignity, and opposite her sat Miss
Harriet and little Elsie, the daughter
of a near neighbor, who had left the
child with the Wade woman for the
afternoon. The parson took his seat,
and reverently bowling his head moved
his lips in a murmured prayerof thanks.
Instantly his daughters began a clatter
Of silver and china while in needlessly
loud tones they began to talk gayly on
some amusing and trifiing subject. This
was a disciplinary measure in their eyes.
1--WE must break him of the absurd
habit" they said to each other, in talk
ing the matter over. Come, you've
mumbled long enough" cried Miss Har-
riet- 1.-The toast is getting cool"
Little Elsie eyed the old man ~furtive-
~ during the opening Of the meal, and
fidgeted uneasily in her chair. She
was a timid child, and Miss Wade's re-
mark fingered in her memory.
Twill he hurt me MOVE" she whis-
pered to Miss Harriet, after some min
utes.
'.Why YOU poor child! Docs he