Smyrna times., 1900-01-03
A DARK MISTAKE
1t Is Unsarp 60 Make Love With
out Seeing the Object of
Affection.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

mo use burning all these lights |
down here. I'll just have to fill them |
In the morning. and no use making me
work for nothing" and the old sexton
turned down the one lamp burning in
the chandelier in the room and went
out, leaving the door aiar. The light
flickered for n few moments until an
outer door was opened. and then, with
one bright flash, it died out.
Up stairs there was much laughing
and talking as the busy hands put the
finishing touches to the church decora-
tions for the morrow.
There. | think that is as well as we
can do and Nellie Collier stepped
back to survey the work. I'VE need
small piece of rope to reach across that
seat yet. DOCTOR" she said. turning to
DR.. Graham, who was standing beside
her. 1.-TWO of those letters in that cen
ter motto are crooked. You straighten
them. please. while | get the rope.
know where there is piece that will
just do" and she hurried down the
stairs and ran against Mr.. Pitcairn as
he was entering his study.
"Whew! Dark as can be-" she said
half aloud as she entered the small an
teroom and felt her way over the closet
under the stairs.
Mr.. Pitcairn went into his study his
thoughts in a tumult. For months Mel
lie Golfers laughing face had been
haunting him, and he often found that
his eyes rested on her when he was
preaching.
He waited a few minutes and then
met the little white rObeG figure as she
was about leaving the room.
Nellie, want to tell you some
thing" he said. taking hold of the
hands which were full of rope.
81 have been wanting to tell you for
q long time that | love you. ! don't
think that you can be surprised. for
you must have seen that | love you
dearly, and hope that it has not been
distaSteful to you. has it?''
There was no answer. but there was
no attempt 20 withdraw the hands that
he held.
81 am not an adept at lOvemaking,
darling. VIII you be my wife. Nellie?'
81 never thought that you cared for
me-" she murmured. You never no.
ticed me much, and | thought you
cared for Others" came in low voice.
Il must have hid my feelings more
than | thought. but it was because
loved you so that you thought that
neglected you. 4 minister is watched
so much and has to be so very careful
But can you love me. darling. enough
TO be my wfe?"
He could scarcely hear the answer
but he suddenly claSped her in his
arms No matter what happened fol
a few minutes. 1t was the first time
that he had been in love. and the room
was dark He remembered afterwarG
that he even then felt surprised to fine
that she was so small.
81 must be going darling" he salt
at last as he heard some one enterln,
the next room. "There is a commit
tee meeting In my study. ! will com
up stairs as soon as | can." and. Civ
ing her a last kiss. he hurried frou
the room.
He was in no humor for a busines
meeting. and the good brethren mus
have thought that their young minis
ter was growing frivolous. he SCENE
so light hearted and laughed sewers
times when they were discussing in
portant business. The truth was b
scarcely knew what was said or don,
and as soon as the last one had depar
ed he hurried up, stairs. Nearly ever
one had gone, but Nellie. Ibis Nellie.
was busy arranging some last flower
L., nd nr 30 ha m tvo
ing beside her and whispering SOM
thing to her while she just shook he
head and laughed.
Nellie merely glanced up as he al
preached.
what do you think of the decor;
tions?" she asked.
"They are fine. very fine." he answe
ed, trying to meet her glance. but 81
had turned back to DR.. Graham, an
for moment he was angry.
"Pshawl How unreasonable | am
he said to himself. How much mo-
thoughtful she is so as not to attra
attention"
So he walked away until he saw b.
preparing to leave.
"Are you ready to go nowY' he ask
in low tone. "Do you want to tai
this basket alongT
"Why, yes-but." she hestated {
instant. "Dr. Graham will help n
with my things"
He suddenly dropped the basket.
why, Nellie. II is my place. not th
fellows" he exclaimed
Nellie Golfers face flushed. 81
not see how you can claim that rig
any more than you have to speak
DIR. Graham in that manner" she sa
haughtily.
why. Nellie. think that what pa,