The record-union., 1898-10-02

far behind them.
She was hurt. yet she did not allow
him to perceive it.
1t seems to me-" she yentured apollo
getically, that the vulgar mind must
be influenced in vulgar way"
he mace no reply, though she evil
IDENTITY awaited one. Should he waste
an answer upon her? She had called
them vulgar. There remained nothing
more to be said. After all, he consij-
cred she was mere child "a very pref
ty child and not without certain
charm of her own), but untitled for the
work in every way
"Butthe Jordans," she ventured pres
emily, as though reading his thoughts,
lat least we have conquered them after
a struggle
Yes, but by what meanS?"
1T was the only way." There was
"a strange pathetic note in her voice that
caused him to peer into her blue eyes
little anxiously. They were curiously
misty he fancied. It was to be hoped
she did not intend to cry. Oh these
women helpers. they We're more diff
cult to manage than a whole parish full
OF poor folk! Then It flashed across
T..
where he had failed, and that he could
not 90 otherwlse than confess it like
man. AT once Doreen grew radiant.
Ihere was no question of tears now
ne lookeo again into her eyes TO see
II they were still misty in appearance.
II would De as well to know, for future
reference should the occasion arise.
Doreen, not understanding his mo-
tive, blushed undeniably.
Even now he found himself unable
to decide this important question, and
forthwith fell to wondering whether
she was aware Of his views respecting
the marriage Of clergy? Perhaps It
would be only fair to let her know that
he. for once, had devoted his whole
heart to his work. and that the accom-
plishment Of his duty was, and always
would be, his first ambition and object
in life. After all, there was plenty Of
time yet to tell her this She would not
take an interest in him as quickly as
he
One thing was certain, he must break
himself Of that absurd curiosity re-
specting her eyes. Meanwhile what
was 1t he had wished to say to her?
But there was no mention Of her harsh
treatment Of her parishioners that day!
On the afternoon before the eventful
Sunday Gran, leaning upon the arm
of her kindly neighbor, Mrs. Jordan,
took a trial trip to the church. The
quaint old figure, in her funereal bon
net and gala shawl having passed
through the porch, surveyed the inte-
ror Of the building with breathlesS in
terest not unmixed with awe. Out from
the impressive gloom masses Of fra
grant blossoms frightened the quaint
oak carving, while autumn fruits, in
every shade Of gold and russell, peeped
saucily from their skillfully fashioned
nests Of moss and leaves. Flowers Of
the field, gathered by the humble fin
gers Of the poor, decked the old gray
stonework, while fragrant petals from
the crystal houses Of their weather.
neighbors touched the table Of the Lord
with glory.
Il be lookin' for the marrers," whis-
pered Gran excitedly.
But these vegetables had not as yet
been assigned to their place Of honor.
They lay together with Grams, which
had been carefully initiated, in a con-
fused heap in the porch. where the
CHEEKY voice Of the vicar was plainly
audible holding a curiously one-sided
conversation with some person unseen.
To what glorious distinction might not
this wonderful marrow attain? With
OBTAINING hand on her companions
arm, Gran drew back into the shadow
to listen. Perhaps she might even hear
it said that the Lord had deigned to
accept her Offering! Who could tell?
It's not the least use, Miss Rivers"
the vicar was saying. Il really cannot
have the church turned into a green
grocer's shop, and an Indifferent green
grocer's at that"
Here womans voice made itself
heard protesting family, but the manly
tones continued: Didn't you know
what was overheard in the church last
year? Some woman, a dissenter, too,
Of all people, likened the place to a
big advertisement for seeds. Scandal
Gus, wasn't it? And it really won't
do, you know, it really won't do at
all"
But the vegetables are sent by the
poor" pleaded his listeners voice
softly.
We'll, it cannot be helped" was the
decided answer THE church cannot
be made into market garden to please
any amount of poor people. john
in well-knOWn accents Of command
put all the absurd vegetables into
wheelbarrow and cart them down to
the hospital with my compliments. I
do declare" he added in confidential
tones, that they would like to fill the
whole place with green stuff If 1 didn't
draw the line somewhere. AS 1T is,
the effect of our fine brasswork is en-
tirely lost among the flowers"
And on Sunday ventured the soft
voice gently, I'VE are going to thank
God for His flowers as we'll as our
selves for our brasswork''
The vicar glanced sharply at the
speaker, but the eyes that met the gaze
were purely, trustfully blue, and the
face upturned to his innocent as
flower. No sarcasm could have been
intended-Doreen Rivers was but a
child!
The marrows had disappeared in the
direction Of the hospital when Gran
crept silently from the porch leaning
heavily on the arm Of her friend.
THAT do it fine, tomorrow, Gran"
quoth Mrs. Jordan. abiding to the
walk
Il baint agoin' to try" observed Gran
oracularly. 'He've eyes and ears,
Zarah, zane as I have, baint 'ee?"
Mrs. Jordan signified that this was
the case.
Then zee see what come O. my mar
rer."
There was something so bitterly re-
signed about Grams tones that her COM
panion grew nervous.