The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1897-07-10

"Ae s AaASpSIiuCLN StltlCL4dA I'll tilt
! highest character would not be likely to
interfere with his sleep Of nights.
And you will act without delay?''
continued Miss Meddlebury.
when the time comes. ! must not
be precipitate, you know"
The vicar changed the subject,
plunged into parish affairs, and SO es-
capped further awkward questions upon
that occasion. But it was only a res
pite. The meeting with the curatc Oh
his bicycle took place two days later.
MI. Ar,aitage CHANGED to be standing
at his study window and saw Miss Med
diebury coming up the garden.
Il have been Shocked she said,
positively shocked. And I am sure
ven will be when / tell you that I have
Gust met Mr.. stone on 4 bicycle
Il donst see any harm in it." rejoin-
ed the vicar, who did not look in the
least pertarbed.
y am surprised. Tic clergyman that
would ride u bicycle can have no respect
fer his cloth. TO desire to gain the good
WIN OF his congregation. I will not
counterance 1t. Mr.. Stone must give it
upor shall be compelled to take a pew
in st. Marks. l should feel quite un-
comfortable. I really could not sit IN
der him."
st. Marks was the wealthiest parish
in Runniford If she left St. Johns,
she would be sure to take her 81, 500
with her, and this was a contingency
to be avoided at almost any cost.
II trust you have acted upon the hint
gave you concerning Nelly?"
well, TO" he answered. IT don't
see low | can interfere at present"
Miss Meddlebury took herself of with
the air of Il victor. The vicar watched
her down the garden and then went to
his daughters room to unburden has
mind.
"Of all the unreasonable mischief
makers / ever met that woman is the
worstf' he cried. "She is indeed well
named Meddlebury."
'Papa!' exclaimed the girl, looking
up in surprise.
Miss Meddlebury has just called"
he went on. "She wants me to put my
foot down On Stone S bicycle"
Il didn't know that he had one" she
rejoined, with a blush which did not
escape the wears notice.
Neither did I. How can 1 tell him
that he mustn't ride q bicycle here? /
don't know how he will take it. He
might resign"
Il hope he will O do that" said
the girl quickly.
He is not likely to do SO. MI. Stone
is not a man to allow any one to dictate
TO him. But she has threatened to leave
st. Johns. You know what that would
mean to the poor next winter. / wish
you would speak to him."
The mere suggestion dyed Nelly's
cheeks a still more vivid red.
"Oh, no, mol" she cried. "I could
not. Whatever made you think of that?"
Miss Meddlebury says he is in love
with you, he answered slyly. eff that
is SO, he wouldn't be likely to take of
Tense"
If he is, it has nothing t do with
Miss Meddlebury," she rejoined with
asperity. Flow did she learn it? Why
did she tell you?:"
II cannot answer the first question.
Miss Meddlebury has the eyes of a lynx.
She told ne as an indncement to send
Mr.. Stone away. She thought I ought
to be warned. You know she considers
that every curate should be middle aged
and as plain as a pikestaff."
Papa, let Miss Meddlebury leave
st. Johns. We should all be happier.
And perhaps the poor people wouldn't
suffer much for the want of her 81, 800.
| could go around and collect for the
fun"
mo, my dear, we must bear with
her, for the sake Of the widows and IA
therless. | will send a note to Mr..
Stone asking him to call this evening.
When he comes, we will talk it over"
Mr.. Stone had a prior engage
ment when asked to spend an evening
at the vicarage-at least he never plead
ed me-. 1t was rather late when he ar
rived, however, for he had been sitting
with a sick woman and did not receive
the wears note until Z O'Clock. Hc
on the offending bicycle, which
he left in the garden.
The vicar introduced the bicycle AL
most at onCe. stating exactly what had
passed between himself and Miss Med
dlebury.
II am rather surprised" said the Gu
rate, smiling. but you did quite right
to say that I would give it up, sir. I
would give up almost anything rather
than that a member Of the church
should be offended. Miss Meddlebury's
81, 800 does not influence me. I should
act just the same if she hadn't a penny
to bestow in CHARITY"
Nnllr rnun him q n,iolr r1aroo- oe Ii [