The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-10-22
Parsons Duty.
Gin Three Parts.)
PART Ill

look on her lace, and sore 1eeIng n ner
heart, TO finish it IN her own muttering.
| methodical manner, during the next cam
ticle
Things went from bad TO worse.
Gorston had been nervous and excited
before now ne must be mad. He turned
to say the creed, and 10. il was the Lords
prayer the bewildered congregation heard,
1t was two sentences only, he corrected
himself, but her ladysh:p's mouth was
firmly set, his fate was practically deci1-
ed; during the prayers that followed, she
kept her eyes fixed On the offender.
She would keep that young man in Or
der by the power of her glance, if ne made
another error-but he didn't Who knows,
perhaps he felt the coldness of those steel
grey eyes; perhaps he felt the power OF
a prayer going up for him from some one
far away?
Be that as It may, when he assembled
the pulpit, he was strong TO do his
work.
THAT Christ in all things may have the
pre-eminence." His simple message was
given out with zeal and earnestness that
startled and surprised his flock.
The late vicar never had been eloquent;
he had read his essay through, then let
them go; but this ones book was left IN
and resting his thin hands on the edge,
talked to them as a man would talk TO
his friend.
They heard no grand language, no learned
declarations; but, somehow, ne won his
way into their hearts.
What did their zeal amount to for the
Lord?''
Even Jerry blinked, and removed the
ouid into the corner of his bandana.
When things went smoothly, it was easy
to be righteous, and sing that song, but
when the rough times came?
In poverty, when hunger and cold are
knocking at our doors in worry and anx-
iety, when We know not what the morning
will bring with it; in temptation, when
the worlds praise is on one side and the
Cross of Christ the other, how hard ii was
always to trust, always to glorify; and
in trouble and bereavement, how doubly
hard. And yet it could be done, and the
doing bring us peace. Perhaps the trouble
was permitted to lead US in prayer to
Him who sent Il, because the happiness
He had given, had never led US TO Him
In thankfulness.
Perhaps He had removed some dear one
IN HIS love, because we had placed that
one too high in our affections. And the
on, but his zeal and energy increased. He
had heard the creaking of the floor; he
had seen heads turning in the congrega-
non, and he watched, as he came TO his
most passionate appeal, a rough farm lad
glide up the aisle into the pew below the
pulpit.
I'VE who are enjoying happiness. don't
let US wait til aff1iction comes TO glorify
the Sender; we vino are in trouble, let us
use it for Christs exaltation."
Still he pleaded with them. There was
not an untouched listener in the church;
all eyes were fixed on him, as his eyes
were on that dull vacant face below, star
ing I'D into his own, with saucer eyes and
gaping mouth, and on a pair of rough
black hands that twisted and twirled
tiny envelope.
One final, solemn adjuration.
The congregation rose impressed, delight
ed, vowing better things. making unwont-
ed resolutions, and-they melted like
cloud for as Patsy Davis had it, '"stead
o. ending proper, it was the glory be-
as sounded in our years"
PEARSON has left five minutes agin, mi
lady, and has took to his heels, and be
runnin' like a sceercrow in his petticots."
Such was Butcher Green's information,
consequently, "milady'' was giving chase.
Her short-winded cobs pulled painfully,
but yonder tall, flying figure, in black,
was growing gradually more distinct. An
other minute or so, and she was on him.
Good morning, Mr.. Gorston; your con-
duct is somewhat extraordinary, running
away like this, Let me offer you lift"
Dennis forgot to raise his hat, for his
eyes were on a distant farmhouse, nest
ling beneath the hill.
''Thanks"-he gasped rather exhausted
and out of breath-"Lady Skincross-I
won't trouble you'll am anxious 10 get
home-.t would take you out of your way,
and l can run, 1 think, as quickly"
The inconvenience is nothing, Mr.. Cor
ston, pray get in. 1 want little CONVEX
sation with you
The cleric's eyes wandered longingly
down the quiet country road, and then to
the wagonette, empty, save for that up
right. angular. female figure.
MANY thanks, but he hesitated-
this morning. think should prefer"
Lady Skincross waved her hand impa-
tiently. Nonsense, get in, 1 wish it,
He got in and turned his face towards
that little hill again.
Right, Hobson"-they were off. He
thought he had never been behind such
a sluggish pair before.
And now, Mr.. Gorston"-her ladyship
moved 10 the lower end OF the wagonette,
and seated herself opposite hirn-"pray
what explanation can you make for your
conduct during this mornings service,
such gross carelessness, irreverent-'
1T was unpardona Die, madam, ! &C
knowledge. and regret il deeply but. par
don ME. you must recall that word irreve-
rent
Lady Skincross shrugged her shoulders.
call It by your own name. 1 viii call it
by mine. And your excuse?"
She leant forward, he was forced TO
look at her he saw her fard, cold face liter
ally aglow with subdued passion, the grey
green eyes reading him through and
through. and he pressed the crumplsd let
ter in his hand with sudden resolution.
its contents should be sacred from that
%olan.
Il offer you none" he answered quietly.
Hem she was a triiie taken back DO
you often do these things?"'
Never before''-his lips could be SIMS
ter and unyieldinEly so. II he liked.
We'll. must Try 10 believe you. And
now, as 20 your views. Your sermon was
good as far as il went, but il gave no
hint as 10 your theological opinions. Are
you orthodox, I vonder?'
Il trust so. Lady Skilcross'
Il should Ike 10 hear your views on
well-ApostoIlic Succession-for instance.
On which side do YOU care TO srgue?"
His reply was simply prepos;erous, she
gave a little scream OF horror. '-OG
neither"
But il Is 8 doctrine nowadays. a doc
trine, Mr. Gors;on. And then-Bap tisnal
Regeneratson?-
He shifted uneasiiy. Il viii discuss
these things another day
Na- -r- ,-F-