The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-04-27

feel that i am doing them good. We
have our drawbacks and discourage
ments. We are poor. We have to, as
you see, utilize novel ways of adding to
our church treasury. But we thrive new
, ertheless. No; have become so attach
ed to these labors and to these people
that my sole ambition now is to grow old
among them"
"You shame me-" said Durham, touch
ed by the others simple earnestn nss, and
he grasped his hand and drew him into
an alcove. 81 was n little vexed a mo-
ment ago at your allusion to the notorie-
ty the name of Greer had gained in the
daily press. Perhaps | am foolshly sem
sitive about it, but it has never seemed
right that they should cartoon and vilify
my father simply because he is man Of
wealth. l know him to be a clean, hon.
orable citizen and the best father in the
world"
"Your fatherr said the young minister,
with start
Eyes, but kindly keep the relationship
a secret" murmured Durham. "Stand
in front of me Il moment, please" He
drew a little wad Of bills from his vest
pocket and thrust it into the minister's
hand. Put that in your church treasury
with my fathers compliments" he said,
land the next time you read of his selfish
greed don't believe it"
Before the minister could reply clear
voice rang out, The Iadys prize is won
by Miss Mary McAlpin and the gentle
mans prize by Mr.. Durham Greer"
The gentleman's prize proved to be
small mirror much gilded and tligreed,
over which Miss May Fleming went into
raptures as she congratulated him on his
remarkable good fortune And then
erybody was going, and Dun-Im just
nad time to give the young minister's
hand a firm grip, when Miss Fleming
hurried him up stairs.
you're to see me home, you know"
she snid.
1t wasn't a long walk, but in the
course Of 1t Durham presented the merry
maid with his prize, alleging that be ney-
er could get it safely to New York.
every time you look in it," he said.
"you will see one of my most valued
Cleveland friends, and that, perhaps, will
sometimes remind you Of me-"
Which she thought very pretty speech
indeed.
When they reached the gate of the
Fleming home, they paused.
Did little bird tell me right that you
are soon to be married?" Durham asked
at a venture.
"Yes." she answered frankly, sin June,
II all goes well. George is civil engineer
and is in Mexico now, but he's to get
place in the engineers department of the
Lake Shore and be stationed here"
Twill you come to New York on your
wedding Journey"
YES" she laughed, 1--WE have planned
to stop there two or three days-three if
we can afford it."
''Then," said Durham, 81 want you to
be my guests. fancy l can show you
some things about the city which you
otherwise would not see. 1t will be q
pleasure for me. assure you. Here is
my card. Write As.d let me know when
to meet you.'
you are very, very kind, Mr.. Greer"
said the girl gratefully. II begin to think
there is something quite wonderful about
you. We never saw you before tonight,
and yet-everybody is delighted with you.
1t is just us if you were a fairy prince.
There's your car. No, l won't forget.
Good night and goodby."
As Durham stepped to the dresser to
turn off the gas in his hotel room an hour
later he looked at his reflection in the
glass and smiled and said:
well, my boy, you're out handsome
prize and some money, but you've passed
a decidedly pleasant and useful evening.
Good night and pleasant dreams."-
Cleveland Plain Dealer -