The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-01-10
l0D18 o61b5D3D eAsseSDVe's, THE MINISTER'S CHRIST:
 MAS PRESENT.
BY F. H. LANCASTER.

 Copyright. 1902. by Daily Story Pub. Co.lN asaks*,eiks* ks1kx,xif ' i Blanch Mereton and settle the matter DO you know something" he began with his customary directness, as he drew up an easy chair and leaned for around to see Gleeson. He will not at tempt the carols" , How unfortunate!"
 eff you would handle 1t successfully, % at a delicate subject boldly" the min tster reflected and kept himself from getting up nervously by sheer physical
 sYes." he responded, slowly. "it is un- fortunate Gheeson was in such excelleT-.. to him. poor fellow. went over to get Hamlin to take the place; he has a music. He had about consented to help us out when he suddenly remembered a silly runor that was once afoat apout you and himself assured him that you would never give a senseless thing like that second thought. He Is . punctillious sort of a man-Ive known him q long time. You wouldn't mind, sanS aS o the bs sE os mh Rash tSe of his boot; his face a little tense Tn US
 sCertainly not" the girls quiet tones He turned quickly and caught her hands:
 How can I ever thank you," he said warmly.
 with g question about church decora-
 The minister walked home under the clear winter skies and the crisp sod was too excited to think of sleeping or ending; he wanted to- sit down before his fire and go over it all again. How kind and friendly she had been; what and the carols and Christmas Day. Surely the thought had been Heaven sent. Christmas Day would find her
 It was Christmas eve. The little church 1t Deerwood was as Christmas-like as eager hands and loving hearts copid make 1t. Candles giowed among the against the white-berried mistletoe and the rich red holly. Soft gray moss wrapped the pillars and fell fin festoons from their capitals. ax were making final arrangements and set tiing last points about the carols. They were standing close together and their bent heads almost touched. The minister
 "It will be all right" he told himseir mechanically. In the last busy days he had lost sight of the matter. but 1t came back to him now with rush. He felt
 Some of the watcffuI eyes noticed that their young minister looked rather white as he came under, the strong light over the altar and whispered uneasily to their ueighbors; but when he began to speak they forgot the man in his message. How eagerly he told the old sweet story; how tender1y he plead Tor the supremacy or that peace and goodwill: A message Heaven-sent, and right nobly delivered.
 It was over at last. The congregation drew a deep quiyering breath. the carols rang out triumphantly joyous ana, ana warm unda wishes and blessings. Then they went away, touched and happy. and the min ister turned into the vestry. The exhii- like a, garment and aeain he realized that he was tired.
 BIanch Mereton was standing before the vestry fire. He had forgotten that she was to meet him there, and the sight of her startled him.
 "Pm so glad had to see you about the music tomorrow she said frankly Tt permits me. to thank you for" she cannot tell you what it has done for me- I was not really alive before"
 Thank you" he replied, grave1y. T trnst Wii yoS pey y Whs ns Ierx am happy nES have been such a selfish creature. l never realized what good will meant. It is the sunshine of the sonl.'
 Yes" he said. He came into the fire light and his face looked bleak and cold. "I wished to offer good wishes for your happiness-and Hamlin's."
 ."Hamiin,' she repeated. Then her eyes shot from under her and she turned to study the fire. So YOU did believe that silly rumor?" she said in a low voice.
 Relieve? Tell me, isn't--'
 NO"
 The minister moved and stood beside her.
 T thought it was all settled he said In an undertone, "and the thought was --agony.''
 The girl slipped her fingers into his half-closed palm.
 "Tm sorry" she said vaguely
 His hand closed eagerly on those slim fingers.
 "Blanchw
 There were voices outside the door. The rest of the choir was coming to the consultation.
 Please, dear" he whispered, just one, for a Christmas present."
 She lifted her lips and gave it to him right royalty. Such was the minister 5 Christmas present. A kiss from the lips of the woman he loved and with it the whole breath of her wonderful woman love.