The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1900-02-21
SOMERSET Pa WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 81 1900
don't know what the doctor will say to

my telling you"
Mr.. Pitcairn staggered back agains
a seat Ill wish you every happi
ness" he stammered, then he turne'
and examined the flowers after the.
had left the church.
he felt dazed, and he certainly pinch
ed himself to see that he was not dream
ing, as he went down stairs to hi
study.
"a pretty kettle Of fish I've got in
tor he exclaimed, as he threw himself
into chair and kicked the footstoo
which Miss Reynolds had made across
the room. Lost the girl wanted and
engaged myself to somebody do moi
want, and haven't the slightest ides
who il isv'
He lit a match and went over to the
ante-room. There lay piece of rope
on the floor and beside it daintily per.
fumed handkerchief. He picked them
up and went back to his study. He re-
membered now that he had noticed the
scent of violets as he had held her in
his arms.
1t cost him struggle to give up Mel.
lie Collier. He sat and thought until
long after midnight. He studied over
all the Nellies of his congregation.
There was Miss Reynolds, but she
was too stout, he thought, with great
sigh of relief; Miss Mattern was TOO tall.
IL WAS some one whose head had reach
ed his shoulder. He had called her
Nellie, he was certain Of that, with
some love epithets thrown in. She was
small and dainty and, whoever she
was, evidently loved him.
If he found she was some one who
would not suit him-well, he would
have TO get out Of il in some way. But,
whoever she was, her presence seemed
TO haunt him as he sat there.
He could feel her arms around his
neck and the pressure of her head
against his shoulder, and he felt an in
tense longing to again hold the little
white rObed figure in bis arms and feel
her warm breath on his cheek. And
he-dignified minister that he was
picked up the handkerchief and kissed
it passionately.
He scarcely knew how he got through
the next day, and was thankful that
the services were such that he did not
have to give a regular sermon.
He studiously avoided looking at
the choir, where Nellie Collier was
sitting, until nearly the close of the
when, while Elinor Vandever
was singing a solo, he turned that way,
and fer moment their eyes met; her
voice faltered for an instant and then
rang out clear and sweet.
The Rev. Pitcairn nearly let the
hymn book he was holding fall TO the
floor in his surprise, aud a sudden feel
ing of relief came over him.
Elinor Vandever! He had never
thought Of her, and yes he knew that
her pet name at home was Nellie. She
had always been so reserved that he
had never dreamed that she would
care for him, but there was no mistak
ing that look.
What a dear little thing she is! |
don't think | will want 10 give her up.
II have been very Fortunate" he said
to himself.
AS he passed out he met her at the
foot of the stairs and drew her little
hand on his arm.
Last evening you didn't" he be-
gan, then paused.
"YOu-yOu were not aDgry?" she
anxiously. "You were
busy talking to Nellie Collier and Aunt
was ready to go, and didn't
know how to get out of not going along
with her. thought you would under
.tand it,"
We'll, if l didn't have you last night,
[ have you tonight" he said tenderly,
pressing the little hand TO his side
Chicago News.