Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-02-21


deayor not to attract him. Besides
Miss Stanton reckoned without her
host. The reverend Arthur was ac-
custorned to be admired, not 10 say
pursued her Indifference psaued him,
and made him all the more attentive.
Not that she gave him much chance
for attention. On the contrary. she
handed him over to Abby, ostenta-
tiously, upon all occasions. His visits
to the Merrills became more frequent.
and the whole neighborhood settled
1t that he was going TO marry Abby.
No one dreamed of Ida except that
young woman herself, and Abby, who
grew pale and thin, TO the distress
and wonder Of her mother. who dosed
her with herb teas, Of course to no
purpose.
Miss Stanton was honestly pro-
voked. Why upon earth should the
magnet fancy the silver churn? ]
fear she very nearly snubbed the
reverend Arthur, but he seemed i'm
peryious TO neglect. and she dared not
be openly rude to Cousin James min
lister.
"What can do?" she asked herself.
II cannot stay here and see that idiot
who don't know a good thing when hi
has it, breaking that foolish chiId's
heart, yet what excuse can ! make fU
leaving before papa comes home?"
In all her life Ida Stanton was never
so thankful for an'invitation as FOR ore
which came while she was worrying
over the situation She had come ts
the Corner for rest and quiet, and had
told no one her address, so THAI the
letter, from an intimate friend in
distant city, was a surprise.
Il saw Mrs. stanton ON her way
west" wrote the friend. "and she told
me you were buried in that out-of-the-
way country place. At this tiIe Of
year, such conduct on your part is alb
surd, and don't mean TO allow IL, es-
pecially as I need you badly. Come
70 me at once. John says we are 70 dc
a lot Of entertaining this winter and
7 want you dreadfully. Start imme-
diately, and wirs me, at my expen =, of
course"
The sincere regret with which
Cousin Jane and her husband heard Of
Ida's intended departure was ruore
than counterbaIanced by the expires
sion Of joyful relief which Illuminated
Abby's face when she was told the
news "Ah, well, il IS better that she
should blame me-" Ida thought -She
VIII forgive her dear Arthur the more
readily. And why should | care
Nevertheless she was so much upset
that she went for long walk, in oEsier
TO put herself into tune.
IT, was with no pleasant emotions
that. after she had tramped for mile
or so. she beheld the reverend Arsifu
advancing from the opposite direc ion-
Escape was impossible. bot she felt
that she hated him, as he fastened to
meet her with his hand o,Ttstretcitsd.
IT am glad to see you, Miss Ida, he
said. as he shook her reluctant fingers
"But you ought not to wander 50 far
alone"
or don't think there is say danger,
the girl replied.
"Better Keep on the SAFE side. What
would You do IL you met tramp
'swish for a man TO take care Of me
I suppose she answered, fsppIntly,
aua, then turned red with Fexatisn as
she saw her mistake.
II wish you would let ne take care Of
YOU from this time heneeforth,~ said
the reverend Arthur, eagerly.
Ida laughed. and shook her head.
''You would find me a handful"
Don't laugh; ] am ih-sober earnest
love you with all myvheart; indeed J.
do
Ida's face was serioas enough now
,''No. you do not. Yondon know me
at all. Won have an ideal that isn't like
me in the least. am worldly, ! am
selfish. the last woman yoU, knoss
whom YOU ought 20 marry. Fancy ne
a country minister's wifel Why | am
not even orthodox. / believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ, 5eyond tnat | am
sure OF notulhSs dA-f AoAASf ~
off. could not even join yonr ehunoh'
And I do not love you, not the least
little bit. I love luxury, aud ! shall
never marry any bWt a richman.
Resides. youaresofoolisnthat have
no patience with you. Think how you
have treated Abay, dear little Abby
who loves you 50. You made hsr be-
lieve you loved her. ana you wsn her
pure little hears She il better than
every way You want me 70 thinS
that YOU love me, as If 2 could besuch a
fool. am going away tomorrow. AIT
er l leave you win come to your senses.
at least hope so. GoOdsby." And she
walked off quickly in the direction OF
home. leaving Arthur Kirkiand 200
much astonished to answer, or indeed
to do anything but stare.
He was angry and hurts his vanity
stung to tie quick. aud he told himself
that never had he been 50 deceived IN
anyone. and Thanked Heaven FOR
great deiverance.
vear or so later, when Abby
showed Arthur The beautiful wedding