The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1902-02-27

appointment to him, poor fellow. l
went over TO get Hamlin to take the
place; he has q pretty fair tenor, and
used to sing sacred music. He had
about consented to help us out when
he suddenly remembered silly rumor
that was once afloat about you and
himself. L assured him that you would
never give a senseless thing like that
a second thought. lIe is punctlll-
Gus sort of man--pve known him
long time. You wouldn't mind, would
your" He got up to push back a
brand of the burning log with the toe
of his boot; his face little tense III
its eagerncss.
Certainly not" the girls quiet
tones fell like balm on his fcv1rcd
pulses. lie turned quickly and caught
her hands.
How can thank you," he SAID
warmly.
She colorcd slightly and answered
him with question about church dec
Oration.
The minister walked home under The
clear winter skies and the crisp sod
seemed to bound beneath his feet. He
was too excited TO think of sleeping or
reading; he wanted to sit down before
his fire and go over it all again. How
kind and friendly she had been; what
n delicious cosy half hourl Three days
of choir practice, and then the carols
and Christmas day. Surely the
thought had been Hcavcn-sent. Christ
mas day would find her happy.
1t was Christmas eve. The little
church at Dccrwood was as Christmas
like as eager hands and loving hearts
could make it. Candles glowcd among
the cvcrgrcens about the altar and
cleaned against the white -bcrrcd mis-
tlctoe and the rich red holly. Soft
gray moss wrapped the pillars and fell
in fcstoons from their capitals.
Up in the choir, a man and woman
were making final arrangements and
settling last points about the carols.
They were standing close together and
their bent heads almost touched. The
minister saw them as he came out OF
the vcstry.
{" 1t will be all right" he told him
self mechanically. In the last busy
days he had lost sight Of the matter,
but it came back to him now with /,
rush. lie tolt suddenly very tired.
Some of the watchful eyes noticed
that their young minister looked rather
white as he came under the strong
light over the altar and whispered un-
easily to their neighbors; but when he
began to speak they forgot the man in
his message. How eagerly he told the
old sweet story; how tendcrly he plead
ed for the supremacy of that peace and
goodwill. ~ message Heaven sent,
and right nobly delivered.
1t was over at last. The congrcga
ton drew deep, quivcrlng breath, the
carols rang out trumphantiy joyous.
and warm hands graspcd the minister's
with good wishes and blessings. Then
they went away touched and happy,
and the minister turned into the YES.
try. The cXhilaratiOn Of excitement
slipped from HIM like a garment and
again he realized that he was tired.
Banch Mcrcton was standing before
the vcslry fire. lie had forgotten that
she was to meet him there, and the
sight Of her startled HIM.
I'm so glad | had TO sec you about
the music tomorrow" she said frankly
1t permits me TO thank you for" she
paused and added, in a low voice, "
cannot tell you what it has done for
me. | was not really alive before"
! " Thank you," he replied, gravcly.
" trust you will be very happy"
" viii bc9 Why, am now. 1 have
been such a selfish creature. never
realized what goodwill meant. 1t is
the sunshine Of the soul"
Yes" he said. lie came into the
lirclight and his face looked bleak and
cold. "I wish to offer good wises
for your happincss--and Hamlin's.n
llamlin," she repeated. Then
her eyes shot from under his and she
turned to study the fire. 80 you did
believe that silly rumol?" she said in
a low voice.
Believe? Tell nc isn't'--
No"
The minister moved and stood beside
her.
"I thought it was all scttled,n he
said in an undcrtonc, "and the thought
was--~agony.'
The girl slipped her fingers into his
half closed palm.
" Pm sorry,' she SAID vaguely.
Ills hand closed eagerly on those
SLIM fingers.
| /" Blanchp'
There were voices outside the door.
The rest of the choir was coming 10
the consultation.
please, DEAR" he whispered,
Just one for Christmas present"
She lifted her lips and gave it to him
right royalty. Such was the mlnistcr's
christmas present. a kiss from the
Fps OF the woman he loved and with il
the whole wealth of her wonderful
woman-lovc.
l1lTrLE TOO LATE.-The mlnis-
ter OF Scotch parish had q orcot wisb