The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1899-09-29


"Why, Miss Sophia, am so sorry to
hear of your accident" she said.
She had soft dark eyes and a low,
sweet voice
81 was just telling Sophia that per-
haps you may be able to help her in
her present awkward predicament,"
said the minister. "Martha's mother is
i'll, and she is going home this after
noon."
"Why, that is too bad" said Mary
Arminger. "IIow long will Martha be
gomez"
"a week at least" replied Miss So
phia.
"Iow would It do for me TO come
and keep house for you?" asked Mary,
after a few moments thought. "Fa-
ther and mother are going away to-
morrow for about two weeks. There's
the Widow Mason's daughter, Sarah,
who would, am sure, be glad to come
and do the rough work"
"You would be doing me n kind
ness l should not soon forget" re-
piled Miss Sophia, with surprising
eagerness.
In fact she was really delighted with
the plan. What an opportunity it would
afford to bring Mary Armiger's ster-
ling qualities under the observation of
the ministerl He was fully cognizant
of her usefulness in the church, her
good work among the poor and suffer
ing of the parish; her domestic virtues
could now be demonstrated to him.
Miss Sophia looked at her brother
lie was gazing gratefully and appre-
ciatiyely at Mary Armiger.
"No one in trouble ever appeals to
you in vain, Miss Mary" he said. "But
this is really something Of an imposi-
ton"
"Not at all. ] shall be very glad IN
deed to come. Only" with a slight hes
itation, Il am afraid should be obliged
to bring Lottie. as there will be no one
at home"
Miss Sophia's brow darkened; the
minister's face flushed slightly
"By all means bring Miss Lottie," he
said, as Miss Sophia remained silent.
Lifting her eyes, one evening a week
later. Miss Sophia saw upon the porch
quite distinctly, for the moon was shin
ing brightly, Mary Armiger and Char
lie Saunders. She stiifcned in her chair.
Mary and Charlie being together it fol-
lowed that Lottie and the minister
were bearing each other company.
There rose before Miss Sophias minds
eve a distractlng vision Of Lottie, lovely
in her white gown, with pink roses in
her yellow hair The next moment,
however all thought Of Lottie, engaged
I'm Turing the minister TO return 10 his
former folly, was driven from Miss So
phia's mind, for Charlie Saunders had
placed his arm about Marys waist and
kissed her upon the lips.
Miss Sophia gasped in astonishment
and Could she have seen Alright?
Mary Armiger, the model of all that is
best in womanhood, permitting'an in
nocent boy to Ass her unrebuked!
As Miss Sophia sat bewildcred the
couple moved toward her.
"Why, Miss Sophia, you arc all in the
dark: I'll light the lamp" said Nary
as she stepped through the low window
into the room, followed by Charley.
Miss Sophia sat in grim silence until
Mary had lighted the lamp. She fixed
her eyes sternly upon Mary. Certainly
she had never seen the elder Miss Armi-
ger look quite so pretty before. There
was q pink flush in her cheeks and her
dark ewes were soft and bright.
MARY Armiger, did l really see that
young man kissing you few moments
ago or did my eyes deceive me| asked
Miss Sophia, with uncompromising alb
ruptness.
Mary blushed while Charlie, to Miss
sophia's intense indignation, began to
laugh.
II am afraid that you did, Miss
Sophia" faltered Nary. "You see, l
had Just promised 10 marry him."
what" gaspea Miss Sophia. "Ihat
worthless young scamp, who does moth
ing but firt with your sister"
"Now Miss Sophia, that's too badl
cried Charlie. "Lottie and ! never
thought of such a thing. She knows
that I've been in love with Mary for
ever so long"
Before Miss Sophia had time to col
lect her scattered wits sufficiently to
make a reply the minister and Lottie
entered the room. Lottie's checks were
pinker than the roses she wore in her
hair. and the minister's eyes were ra-
diant.
For moment Miss sophia's eyes lin
eerea first upon the girl and then upon
her brother, and she made a quick
movement TO rise from her chair. The
minister came TO her assistance.
81 wish TO 90 to my room," she said,
laying her hand upon her brothers arm'
but keeping her face studiously avert
ed from him and the other occupants
Of the parlor.
81 suppose you will permit me to re-
main until YOU are married to that
doll" she said
"Why. Sophia, surely you are not
thinking Of deserving me now that
shall need you more than ever?' ex-
claimed the minister. "You see If I
were going to marry a woman like Mary
Armiger. now"-and suspicion Of a
smile crossed his lips, but was quickly
suppressed-"I should not require any