River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1901-01-17
1t was all up with the reverend


deavor not to attract him. Besides,
Miss Stanton reckoned without her
host. The reverend Arthur was ac-
customed 10 be admired, not to say
pursued; her Indifference piqued 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
it 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? l
fear she very nearly snubbed the
reverend Arthur, but he seemed inn
/ pervious to neglect, and she dared not
be openly rude to Cousin James min
lister.
what can l do?" she asked herself
Il cannot stay here and ser that idiot
who don't know a good thing when he
has it, breaking that foolish child's
heart, yet what excuse can make for
leaving before papa comes home?'
In all her life Ida Stanton was never
so thankful for an invitation as for one
which came while she was worrying
over the situation. She had come to
the Corner for rest and quiet. and had
told no one her address, so that the
letter, from an intimate friend in a
distant city, was a surprise.
Il saw Mrs Stanton Oh her way
west" wrote the friend. land she told
me you were buried in that out-of-the-
way country place. At this time of
year, such conduct on your part is alb
surd, and l don't mean to allow it, es-
pecially as / need you badly. Come
to me at once. John says we are to do
lot of entertaining this winter, and
I want you dreadfully. Start imme-
diately, and wire me, at my expense, of
course"
The sincere regret with which
Cousin Jane and her husband heard of
Ida's intended departure was more
than counterbalanced by the express
sion of joyful relief which illuminated
Abby's face when she was told the
news. "Ah. well. it is better that she
should blame me-" Ida thought. "She
will forgive her dear Arthur the more
readily. And why should l care?"
Nevertheless she was so much upset
that she went for long walk, in order
to put herself into tune.
1t was with no pleasant emotions
that. after she had tramped for mile
advancing from the opposite direction.
Escape was impossible. but she felt
that she hated him, as he FASTENED to
meet her with his hand outstretched
II am glad to see you, Miss Ida" he
said, as he shoe k her reluctant fingers.
"But you ought not to wander so far,
alone"
II don't think there is any danger"
the girl replied.
Better keep on the safe side. What
would you do if you met a tramp"
"Wish for man to take care of me.
I suppose" she answered, fiippantly,
and then turned red with vexation as
she saw her mistake.
81 wish you would let me take care Of
you from this time henceforth," said
the reverend Arthur. eagerly.
Ida laughed, and shook her head
''You would find me handful"
Don't laugh; / am in sober earnest.
I love you with all my heart; indeed I
do"
Ida's face was serious enough now
''No, you do not. You don't know me
at all, you have an ideal that isn't like
me in the least. ! am worldly, l am
selfish. the last woman you know
whom you ought to marry. Fancy me
country minister's wife! Why ! am
not even orthodox. / believe in the
Lord Jesus Christ. beyond that ! am
sure of nothing. and follow Him afar
off. ! could not even join your church.
And | do not love you. not the least
niue .bli' rove luxury, ana Sndll
never marry any but rich man.
Besides, you are so foolish that have
no patience with you. Think how you
have treated Abby, dear little Abby
who loves you so. You made her be-
lieve you loved her, and you won her
pure little heart. She is better than |
every way. You want me TO think
that you love me, as if | could be such a
fool. ! am going away tomorrow. Aft
er l leave you will come to your senses.
at least | hope so. Good-by." And she
walked off quickly in the direction of
home, leaving Arthur Kirkland too
much astcnished to answer. or indeed
to do anything but stare.
He was angry and hurt; his vanity
stung to the quick. and he told himself
that never had be been so deceived in
anyone, and thanked Heaven for a
great deliverance.
A year or so later. when Abby
showed Arthur the beautiful wedding
present which her cousin had sent
them, he scarcely noticed it, and with