Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-30
A PAR0CHlAL
EXPLANATION.
Boston Transcript

| to write out his sermon, in which he was
| pointing out the error OF allowing merely
temporal things to interfere with those
Of eternal significance. Icabod was a
plain, earnest man, who worked faithfully
at the problems OF a parish in Colonial
Virginia, which were much ike those Of
every parish everywhere, only that he had
come into closer touch with his people
than have many ministers before and
since his day.
Icabod bit his pen in hope Of inspiration,
but his thoughts were turned from his
theme to one of the younger men in whom
he was deeply interested, and Of whom
lately he had seen but little, and he found
It difficult to select texts in Genesis and
Revelations exactly to illustrate his point.
So he sat at his square mahogany table
absorbed in thought. and drew the plume
of his quill pen back and forth in a re-
Elective way across his nose.
James Hopkins came in through the
open door and patiently waited for the
parson 70 finish the sentence which he
was writing. This Icabod finally accom-
plshed, and became aware of Hopkins,
standing near.
IL didn't hear you" he said. apologizing.
mo matter" answered Hopkins, and
both men sat down beside the big, book
laden table.
"Parson, I'm in trouble" Hopkins be-
gan, land / want your help"
Anything l can do" said Icabod, you
know l will"
Hopkins hesitated. Then he took the
plunge. IT'S about Sally Dawes.
for inc
and he fumbled the hat in his hand but
1 can't make her listen to me. and
don't know what to do. She promised
to marry me, and now she says that she
never will"
The parson waited for him to go on, but
Hopkins seemed to have finished all he
had to say.
And you want me to speak to herr"
Icabod inquired, looking at his embar-
raised caller with some amusement.
yes" said Hopkins, and L want you
to make her marry me. You could do it.
You know I'd be a good husband, and
you could talk about it-7and explain
things" he ended rather vaguely.
Icabod was silent. He considered a mo-
ment.
well, James," he answered. "I'll speak
to Sally Dawes for you, but she has many
men to choose from, you know that, and
I'm but poor pleader. Still. I'll try"
Hopkins looked appreciative and offered
the parson a pinch Of snuff. Then he rose
and the two men shook hands, and Hop |
kins went out into the summer world.
IcabOd looked after him with some COM |
placency. So It was this that had been |
keeping him away. He would straighten |
out matters with Sally Dawes. The girl |
was a fool not TO keep a man like Hop
!
there was his sermon; so he /
went back to the table and again gently /
rubbed his nose with his feathered pen |
and tried once more TO get the drift OF
his argument.
The next afternoon Icabod rode over TO !
the Dawes plantation. where he found |
two OF his younger brethren enjoying
themselves in Miss Sallys company. With
patience and long suffering he waited UNI
til they reluctantly had gone, and then
he proceeded at once 10 deliver his mes
sage.
And he's a worthy man, and you
should be ashamed to treat him to whom
you're bethrothed in such fashion," he
ended
Sally listened attentively and arranged
her neckerchief.
It's no different from the way / have
reated the others" she answered at last.
With no attempt 10 seem impressed with
Ter own faults. IF James Hopkins would
,ome a-wooing. let him bespeak himself
md not 80 bOthering the parson."
It's no such great bother" replied lea
)od, candidly, with the air of one who
valves the point merely Of quantity.
only you don't seem 20 understand what
our actions mean TO James Hopkins He's
10 man 10 be forever chasing after a wo-
nan. There are many girls in the county
who'd be glad Of him"
They're welcome 10 him. and you may
ell James Hopkins the same and give !
lin my best good wishes" replied Sally, ,
With all sweetness.
So the interview ended 1t seemed TO
cabod useless to discuss the subject
arther. He had done his duty and il
vas nearing supper time, so he took his |
cave and rode away, amused and rather
Orgy, and wondering which Of the other
Dung men was TO marry the prettiest {
irl in the parish. Her picture came I
ack TO him as she had stood in the low 5
iazza, one arm resting against the vine c
Overed post, the sunshine playing on her
air hair. which had blown a little over
er brown eyes, so filled with mischief.
he certainly was the prettiest maiden
/ the parish, lcabod thought; mere can
or compelled the admission, and he
ondered If the tea cakes would be over
one, and accordingly applied his riding
lick and hurried on towards the par
mage
During the Sunday incoming Hopkins 8
anne to see the parson. and when ne ;
armed the result OF the interview he |
as much disappointed !
Didn't she tell you why?" he asked.
oking obviously at Icabod
Il don't believe she has any reason +" l
abod answered. Perhaps she needs :
be coaXed. Go 10 see her yourself
an, and don't come bothering me about
So the next day Hopkins rode over TO !,
10 Dawes plantation and again present. | .
himself with some doubt. 1t is true. "a a
the wisdom OF his coming. Sally was
II 20 be coaxed, and the interview was
ort and much to tho point.
And have / a reason?" Sally asked
arply. And haven't told you these ST
'enty times that don't love you? As n
that weren't reason enough" az
You like somebody else" retorted Hon. IN
MS. Probably you've been making Prom al
= TO I'D. Clark. now"
And belize / may have. though I don't ca
member them" answered Sally. with no III
N Of resentment m
Won't you tell me why?" again de- m
lnded Hopkins.
No" said Sally. standing very straight
d looking as severe as so fair girl
lld. mo, James Hopkins, will not II
l you my reason"
hopkins rode away in gathering wrath. nj
d he decided orce more to seek the In
ference OF the church. v,
cabod listened patiently 10 his tale, and