The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1895-02-14
A PLUCKY PARSON.

3
mere dolls beauty that she possessed
of exaggerated eyes and eyebrows, for
every glance revealed fund Of genuine
,aumor and intelligence.
Her life was very >pleasant one, as
she was tenderly petted and caressed
by parents and brothers, and followed
by admiring eyes wherever her pretty
seet wended their blithesome way.
Always surrounded by a crowd of
suitors, she showed no special favor to
any of them, and, although many
would have given worlds to win her
preference, they could not be jealous
of each other when she received them
sll with the same sweet smile and
pleasant greeting.
But there came change, and that
was when the new minister, Ralph
Osborne, made his appearance in Ash
tonville.
Although earnest and conscientious
in fulfilling the various duties that de-
volved upon him, he had very little Of
the conventional "parson" in his ap-
pearance.
Tall, broad shouldered and muscular,
he would have offered fine model for
an athlete, and be was fond Of hunt
ing.
The young girls of the parish pro-
nounced him t.splendld," and even if
Laura did not say so, she certainly
thought it.
Her bright, sweet face soon attracted
his attention, and, as he found her the
best-informed and most cultivated
young lady IN the place, he always
managed to have long chat with her
whenever and wherever they met.
Itwas not long before she began to
anticipate these meetings, and her eyes
grew softer, her cheeks more brightly
pink, wher she saw him coming toward
her.
This could not escape the notice of
her other admirers; JEALOUSY and ILL
will heing aroused in consequence.
'sGreat idea," they said, "for a
canting parson to cut us all out with
The prettiest girl in town"
And Ralph wondered why he could
not get on better with those he would
have gladly have made his friends and
associates.
Laura's brothers and cousins were
the only ones who encouraged his
genial advances and appreciated his
good intentions.
There was one young man who could
not be satisfied with surly glances
merely, but made himself conspicuous
several times by his rude and unjusti-
liable remarks.
The minister exercised unusual for
bearance, maintaining a GOODNESS and
equanimity that revealed the posses
,ion of philosophy as rare as sensible.
But Laura took the culprit severely
to task. She was never at al afraid to
speak her mind very plainly, when she
:hought the occasion called for it.
"Dick lawson, she demanded, Nare
you not ashamed of having spoken to
your minister in that way?"
That was only adding fuel to the
flames for poor Dick was very much in
love with Laura, and jealousy of Ralph
was piercing his heart like knife. She
addressed him, too, exactly as if he had
been naughty little schooIboy.
"Ralph Osborne is not my minis
ter" he retorred. ''He is a meddIing
1arson and a coward"
CHOW do you know he is coward?'
Laura asked, Indignantly.
because he does not dare answer
ne when"
s'Does not dare answer you" she re-
peated, contemptuous!y, sHe con-
siders it altogether beneath him to
notice the ill-humor of silly boyn'
With which crushing remark the
young lady raised her head dlsdainfu!ly
and left hiul in state of fury quite
understandable.
ssI'll prove him coward before two
days are over," Dick said to himself,
and there1pon concocted scheme he
thought must certainly result in the
minister's utter humiliation and de-
teat
The next day Ralph received sum-
nous to visit sick lady living several
miles out of town. The road he must
take was quite a lonely one, leading
through woods part Of the way; but the
drive was pleasant and picturesque, and
he concluded to take his gun with him
to shoot any game he might happen to
come across.
''Mlss Laura is very fond of quail"
he thought, 'sand l may perhaps be
fortunate enough to provide a dainty
little supper for her,
So he started off in very good spirits,
whistling and singing in manner not
atall suggestive Of the "cauting par
son." as his jealous rivals called him.
He had just reached the most ro-
mantle and picturesque portion of the
country, and was greatly enjoying the
view of woodland and ravine, when
rough voice called:
ssHaltp'
The minister was more surprised than
pleased, especially as a revolver was
held in very close proximity to his face.
Such position is certainly a most
unpleasant one, but Ralph Osborne
was man OF perfect health. mentally
and physically. His nerves, too, were
Of steel. Surprise kept him silent for a
few moments.
"Please remove that pistol" he said
at last, very quietly. 'They sometimes
60 off when you least expect it."
The man oboyed, as if involuntarily.