Stikeen River journal., 1899-10-14

would afford to bring Mary Armiger's sterling qualities under the observa tlon of the minister. He was fully cognlzant of her usefulness in the church, her good work among the poor and suffering of the parish; her domestic virtues could now be demon strated to him.
 Miss Sophia looked at her brother. He was gazing gratefully and appre- clately at Miss Armiger.
 No one in trouble ever appeals to you in vain. Miss Mary" he said. But this is really something of an imposition"
 Not at all. shall be very glad indeed to come. Only," with slight hesitation, Il am afraid I should be obliged to bring Lottie, as there will be no one at home"
 Miss Sopha's brow dnrkened; the minister's pale face flushed slightly.
 By all means bring Miss Lottle," he said, as Miss Sophia remained si lent
 Lifting her eyes one evening week later, Miss Sophia saw upon the porch quite distinctly for the moon was shining brightly, Mary Armiger and Charlie Saunders. She stiffcned in her chair. Mary and Charlie being to- gether, 1t followed that Lottie and the minister were bearing each other com pany. There rose before Miss Sopha's minds eye q distracting vision of Lot tie. lovely in her white gown, with pink roses in her yellow hair. The next moment, however. all thought of Lotte. engaged in turing the minister to return to his former folly. was driven from Miss Sophia's mind, for Charlie Saunders had placed his arm about Mary's waist and kissed her upon the lips.
 Miss Sophia gasped in astonishment and horror Could she have seen alright? Mary Armiger, the model of all that Is best in womanhood, permit ting an insolent boy to kiss her un- rebuked.
 As Miss Sophia sat bewildered the couple moved toward her.
 "Why. Miss Sophia. you are all in the dark; I'll light the lamp" said Mary, as she stepped through the low win dow into the room, followed by Char lie
 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 Armiger look quite so pretty before. There was pink flush in her checks and her dark eyes were soft and bright.
 Mary Armiger, did really see that young man kissing you q few moments ago or did my eyes deceive n.e?" asked Miss Sophia, with uncolnproniSing ab- ruptness.
 Mary blushed, while Charlie. to Miss Sophia's intense indignation, began to laugh.
 II am afraid that you did, Miss Sophia" faltered Mary. You see, had just promised to marry him."
 What" gasped Miss sophia. That worthless young scamp. who does nothing but firt with your sister.
 Now, Miss Sophia, that's too bad" cried Charlie. ''Lottie and 1 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 cheeks were pinker than the roses she wore In her hair, and the minister's eyes were radiant.
 For moment Miss Sophia's eyes lin gered first upon the girl and then upon her brother. and she made quick movement to rise from her chair The minister came to her assistance.
 II wish to go to my room," she said. laying her hand upon her brothers arm. but keeping her face studiously averted from him and the other oc- cupants of the parlor.
 When they reached her bedroom door she stopped and turned a rather white face toward him.
 "I 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 deserting me. now that I shall need you more than ever" eX- claimed the minister You see, if I were going to marry woman like Ma ry Armiger, now"-and q suspicion of a smile crossed his lips, but was quickly suppressed-"I should not re-