Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-01-25
CHAPTER ".


of an object like unto Cleopatra's Needle
surmounting a family urn. 1t had been
erected by one Nathaniel Crupps, we'll
'todo farmer in the parish, upon the
death Of his second wife. The first part
ner of his affections had been previously
inferred also in the same spot, but it was
not until the death of the second Mrs.
Crupps. who was undoubtedly his favor
lite, that Nathaniel bethought him of i'm
mortalizing the memory of both ladies by
one bold stroke Of fancy, as exempllhed
by this portentious granite monstrosity.
1t was upon this graceful structure
that Vera Nevill leaned one foggy morn
ing in the first week of November, and
surveyed the church in front of her. She
was waiting for Jimmy Grifiths and
looking at the church because she had
nothing else to look at. The chancel
belonged. as most chancels do, to the lay
rector. all the lay rector was Sir John
Kynaston.
AS soon as it became bruited abroad
that Sir John was coming down to the
old house for the winter there was a gen
~eral excitement throughout the parish,
but no one partook of the excitement to
j., greater degree than did it's worthy
vicar.
It was the dream of Eustace Dam
trees life to get his church restored, and
more especially to get the chancel re-
built. When, therefore, the news was
known that Sir John was actually COM
ing down, Mr.. Daintrees thoughts few
at once to his beloved church.
Now we shall get the chancel done at
last" he said to his wife gleefully, rub
bling his hands. And the very day after
Sir Johns arrival Eustace went up to
the Hall after dinner to see him upon the
subject.
He came back sorrowful and abashed
Sir John had been civil, very civil: he
had insisted ON his sitting down at his
table. He had inquired about many of
the people, and had expressed friendly
interest in the parish generally; but with
regard to the chancel, he had been as adj
amant.
The Rev. Eustace came down from the
Hall disheartened and discomtited with
all the spirit crushed out of him; and the
ladies of his family, for once were of
one mind about the matter There arose
about him a storm of indignation and a
gush of sympathy, which could not fail
to soothe him somewhat.
And the next morning in the church
yard Vera leaned against the Cruppsian
sarcophagus, and thought about it.
Poor old Eustace," she said to her
self: how | wish l were very rich, and
could do his chancel for him! How pleas
ed he would be; and what a good fellow
he is! What mean curmudgeon Sir
John must be, by the way! ] should
not have thought it from his photograph;
such frank, open, generous face he
seemed to have. However, we all know
how photographs can mislead one
wonder where that wretched boy can
ber
The "wretched boy" was Jimmy Grit
fiths afore- mentioned: he was the youth
who was in the habit of blowing the or
gan. The schoolmaster, who was also
the organist, was i'll, and had sent word
to Mr.. Daintree that he would be unable
to be at the church on the morrow. Eus-
tace had asked Vera to take his place
Suddenly somebody came up close behind
her and spoke to her.
Can you tell me, please, where the
keys of the church are kept?'
A gentleman stood beside her, lifting
his hat as be spoke. Vera started lit
tie at being so suddenly spoken to, but
answered quite quietly and unconfusedly
They are generally kept at the vicar
age. or else in the clerks cottage"
Thank you: then | will go and fetch
them
''But they are not there now" said
Vera
IF you will kindly tell me where can
find them," continued the stranger, very
politely, 81 will go and get them"
II am afraid you can't do that" said
Vera with just the vestige of a smile
playing upon her face, because they are
at present in my pocket"
~'Oh, beg your pardon and the stran-
ger smiled outright
But l will let you into the church, if
you like she said. quite simply.
Yes, if you please" Vera moved up
the path to the porch She turned the
key in the heavy door. IF you will go
in, please | will take the keys; | must
not leave them in the door," The gentle
man went in, and Vera looked at him as
he passed by.
Most uninteresting! was her verdict;
forty, at the very least! What a beauti-
full situation for an adventure. What
romantic incident. A stranger, evident
ly; perhaps he was staying at some neigh
boring country house, and had walked
over to Sutton for the sake of exercise;
but what on earth could he want to see
the church for?
The stranger stood just inside the door
with his bat off, looking at her.
Won't you come in and show it to
me?" he asked, rather hesitatingly.
The church? oh. certainly, if you like,
but there is nothing to see in it, She
came in, closing the door behind her. aud
stood behind him, 1t did not strike her
as unusual or interesting, but the most
commonplace and unexciting proceeding,
that she should do the honors Of the
church to this middle-aged stranger
1t is very hideous,' she said. almost
apologetically, especially the chancel;
Mr. Daintree wants to have it restored,
but suppose that can't be done at all
now
Why can't it he donev'
.Oh. because nothing can be done I'M
less the chancel is pulled down; that be-
longs Tn tho Inv rector and hp haS rof1lS-