The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-04-20
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A CHAPLAIN'S STORY.


the classical (honors) school, and we were
as curatcs for some years. and when next
we renewed our old friendship l was the
vicar of the town, still single, at "a, and
Jim was the chaplain of the famous Jail in
the same town and married.
We were talking in my study as in
olden times. Somehow the conversation
drifted to the subject of recent newspaper
article, "Ought Married People to Have
Any Secrets From Each Other?" | said
"No." Jim said eyes" We both smil,
we differed in opinion, but this was one
case anyhow.
Why, Jim, said |, you would have been
the last person should have expected to
take that line, for | am sure from what l
have seen, that if ever two folks were
happy and loving they are Ella and your
self. | can't conceive of you having any
secrets which you would not wish Ella to
know"
"Ah," retorted he, with a peculiar
SMILE CHATS just it. Well, Howson, I'll
tell you one if you like, though" he
added ''it must remain secret between
us two. | have never spoken of it to any
one in the world and never shall except to
yourself"
Thanks, Jim. You need not fear me- you
know. Pm only curious to know the case. +"
And assumed an attitude of eager atten-
ton to ,Iims story.
81 was the chaplain at Lowmarket, as
you are well aware, before | came here. 1t
is IA pretty place, and one wonders what
ever made the government built a Jail
there. However, that it is, and there was
|. The amount of society that one got in
Lowmarket was perfectly astonishing. Had
the time and inclination | might have
turned out a regular society clergyman. AS
it was, | had full amout of lectures,
soirees, parties and entertainments.
Among the people got in with none were
nicer than the Yorks. Miss York, a maiden
lady of 50, lived in large and beautifully
furnished house, called "rhe Cedars," in
the best part of the town. She was known
toall the district for her charity, kindness of
heart and pure life. Everybody had good
word for her Nor was her niece, Ella
York, any less popular. People in Low
market fairly worshiped both of them.
81 was % when | first saw Ella York
and at once succumbed to her charms. For
weeks her praises had been in my ears, and
now on acquaintance found her beauty, her
manners, her kindness of heart, not one
whit less than report stated. | loved her.
OF course | could not say so at once, and
course of my wOrk-for Miss York the elder
took great interest in our sphere of labor
she guessed my love and whether she recip-
rocated it | could not then say. | found,
from judicious inquiries, that Miss York
Ella-had lived with her aunt from child
hood that she was now "a; that her mother
was dead and her father lived on the con
tinent for his health; also that she was her
aunt's sole heiress. These facts were, of
course, only learned by degrees, as one
cannot 90 to the fountain head for such
information.
CATER much heart searching and debat-
ing within myself | thought | saw that
Ella York was not wholly indifferent to
me, and resolved to ask her to be my
wife. | need not 20 into details as to how
did it beyond saying that it was one sum-
mer morning rather more than five years
ago, when, having gone to see her aunt,
who was out, met Ella in the grounds,
and after talking as we walked along on
various subjects somehow it came out un-
expectedly and almost before could COM
prehend what it all meant Ella York had
promised to be my wife, subject to her
aunt's consent.
"But her aunt didn't consent. | received
dainty note that night-how tenderly
regarded it, owson!-from Ella saying
that she had spoken of my visit to her aunt
and had told her was coming tomorrow
for her appvoval that Miss York had been
very kind, but acted rather strangely and
said she would see me, but she could not
consent, as she did not wish to lose Ella.
My dear girl went on to say that she had
in vain tried to get from her any more than
this
81 was in curious frame of mind as
went next morning to see Miss York What
could her objections really be? Surely
not to mel My position, my family, my
life, were, | hoped, beyond reproach.
Even if it were a question of money, had
enough private means, as you know. AS
for Miss York, well, of course, it would be
lonely without Ella at first, after so many
years companonship, but surely she didn't
expect her never to get married! 1t was
preposterous
81 was destined not to know her objec-
ton. As approached the lodge the port
eress met me.
"'Oh, Mr.. Bourns, this is shocking'
81 was more puzzled than ever. Why
my engagement to Ella should be 'shocking'
l couldn't see, and no doubt expressed it
in NV Looks