The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-10-23

OF lace and counted three dozen pearl
buttons, large and small, before she
looked mp into the sweet face of the
pastors young wife. The rosy cheeks
we're pale now and the pretty mouth
was slightly drawn. 1t seemed is IL
it would not take much to cause Mrs.
Posts blue eyes to fill with tears.
Mrs. Dale shrewdly guessed as much.
but she said nothing, except to wish
her customer n pleasant good morning
as she went away
Della Post knew well enough what
to surmise from the remarks made by
the purtly widow. Somebody must
have been criticising Homer's SER
mons, or Mrs. Dale would not have
defended them.
Into the door OF the pretty gabled
cottage which the good people of West
END had provided for their pastor the
young wife went and straight into the
tiny study where her husband sat at
his desk.
Has something troubled you. De-
lil dear?' he asked kindly, laying
down his pen.
Nothing much;" but as If to con-
ttadict her words she sat down in an
easy chair and commenced to cry.
What can it be?' thought the min
ister, as he vainly tried to soothe his
wife
In n few moments the story came
out; for Della Post was very young
indeed-only just 19-and she had not
learned to keep her troubles shut up
within her own heart. rather than add
another burden to the one who was so
dear to her.
Mr.. Posts face cleared.
"ls that ALL child? I certainly
thought you had bad news from home
OF course, everybody does not like my
preaching. How could that be posi-
BILE? | do my best, and, with the
Lords help. | trust that some word
may comfort or cheer longing lonely
soul"
You are so good" replied Della.
'and Homer, | do not help you at all.
| was never cut out for a preachers
wife. Do you remember how
laughed that day at Sister Hathaway's,
when she was telling about her sons
misdeeds? Wasn't it awful? And how
she glared at me-"
Mrs. Posts tears had quite disap-
peared now, and her husband looked
down lovingly at the sunny face
"Oh, dear, entirely forgot those
biscuits. They'll be all burned up"
With a gay laugh she sprang down
the stairs singing, and the minister
turned again to his work.
She little knows how much she
helps me with her sweetness and cheer
mess" he murmured But must be
more particular about my sermon next
Sunday. | noticed that Brother Nc
Pherson spoke coldly to me last week
and I fear that do need Sister Dale's
kindly words.
Mr.. Post had married Della Harold
about year before. She was the
daughter of wealthy merchant and
entirely without the experience need
full for a preachers wife, although she
was a happy Christian and loved her
husband dearly.
Mr.. Post is not a brilliant preach
err" said Brother Mcpherson that even
ing at an informal meeting held at mis-
own house. HE is sincere and good.
| believe we could get along with him
if he were alone, but his wife"
There was an expressive pause, and
then Brother White took up the tale
"Yes, Brother McPherson. it's the wife
that is the trouble. Not that see much
amiss in the little girl, myself She's
Just the age of my Mary, and I doubt
III | should dare to recommend her
To any one of our young preachers
but all the women are against her."
| At Mr.. Whites remark, Mrs. Nc
| Pherson shifted audibly.
II don't know as it's more the wom-
| en- than the men; but do think that
the way she wears her hair in that
sort of pug on top, and them curls
around her face, is shame and dis
grace for a preachers wife. or at least
for our preachers wife"
There was a general chorus of dis
sent from the women but Mr.. Nc
Pherson added, with a sly look at his
wife:
ITS very becoming to her, Mar
garet."
To this frivolous statement his wife
vouchsafed no reply.
AS the conversation became general
bits OF criticism might be heard.
"She has four silk dresses"
"And hat to match each one"
"And sealskin cloak"
This last item of attire seemed to
be particularly Objectionable and the
talk was waxing warm when Mrs. Har
per. little palefaced woman who had
hitherto kept silence. said quietly.
Mrs. Post was very good to my
Davie when he was sick. 1t was she
who was with him when he"
The poor mother could not say more
and the meeting was most effectually
broken up. However, it was settled
between the men, nearly all of whom
were leading members of the church