The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-12-02

rest fell back, and the girl entered alone
She went softly down the carpetei aisle
which was deserted. The rector sat at
his desk alone, with a book before him,
and ne did not hear her till she stood be-
side him and touched him on the arm
i have come to ask favor OF you" she
said, little nervously, as she caught the
nash OF his earnest, uptuFned gaze, and
the half-repFessed exclamation of delight
as he took her hand and retained it in
his own. You have been so good to me-
SO kind, can never forget it," she went
On hurriendly, with moist eyes and qua
vering voice you are my California TO
NE, my West. Whenever I think OF this
place. It will be Of you. who have made it
beautiful to ne"
Yes, my dear" said the rector. much
moved. but first you must listen 10 me-"
no. no; have scmsthing to ask you.
Dearest and best OF frieEds'-and she ex-
tended both her hands with pretty girl
ISL impulse-"wouId you be willing 10
marry me2''
He rose GREATNESS and pale, with a wild
throbbing at his heart.
Would ycu2" she asked again Would
you marry me to Frank
He swayed back from her as If he had
been dealt blow in the face. She thought
he was going to fall; then ne leaned
against the desk and smiled YEARLY
Why do you not speak to me? They
are waiting on the outside. Ny betrothed
came suddenly with my father and mother
last night. He was obliged to 90 abroad,
and so ne urges the wedding TO take place
at o5ce. We are to be married tonight
ana SO East l wanted it to be a very
quiet wedding. in this dear little church I
love so well, with you to marry NE You
do not think hard Of me that / have not
told you before2 l have tried again and
again, and you would not listen 1 am SO
sorry to go away, but I-Iove Frank so
much"
She did not know what she said. She
pulled to pieces the blossom of the pas
sion flower that GraiIed its flaming en-
biems round the altar, and scattered the
leaves. The stiffness oppressed her: she
felt guilty that she was wouuding her
friend, but she could hardly understand
Why did he not speak2
Yes. yes. he said family, at last
Certainly Bring them in. Certainly l
VIII marry you
There was a hush as OF death in the
little church. The heavy odoT of the flow
ers seemed sitting him. He looked help
less3y at the door as II he would like 10
escape, then at the stained window with a
figure Of Christ. He remembered he was
representing the cause Of the Master to
the people. and uttered z brief PRAYER.
He saw them come down the aisle and
>
commenced the service.
His voice was full Of emotion As he
went On It thrilled and trembIed, and once
ne almost lest himself He WAS too much
excited to notice their agitation They
urged him to go back TO the city with
them, but he refused TO leave the church
He stood in the door under the roses. and
the beautiful girl looked up tearfuIIy TO
say goOd-by. He stopped aud kissed her
without word, and theE they drove
away.
He watched the carriage disappear in
the distance. and he knew that his hopes
and dreams went with them II IS 50 diff
ferent TO lose ones ideal at twenty and at
forty All life is before one at twenty
Life disiIlusisnized is behind one at forty.
A mist was stealing in from the ocean,
like a shrouded spectre. The valley was
IN shadow; only the mountains were gold
en- in TIE glow OF the sun behind them.
and unconsciousIy he looked UP and said.
I viii lift Up mine eyes unto the hills.
from whence eopseth NY help
Then he bowed his head in his hands
and wept at the bitterness Of life.