Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1903-11-20


she asked, the blue-gray eyes soften
ing to strangely tender brightness.
DO 1 breathe a.. exist still?
tell you, Violet my heart Is like the
century plant which only blossoms
once-and its blossoming is in the sun
shine Of your love alone"
She was silent-lovelier than ever,
Clarence thought, in the momentary
indecision, the shy hesitation Of her
manner, as she stood under the old
trees, gold-tinted leaf drifting down
here and there around her, and her
tremulous hands clasped to hide their
futter as far as might be.
Violet, darling! tell me that you
love me-"
II love you, Clarence"
There il Garden of Eden created
anew for every happy pair Of lovers
and Clarence and Violet stood in
Paradise now!
But, Clarence" resumed Violet,
when the first ALA bsorbed words and
glances Of their new happiness had
been exchanged, 81 don't comprehend
this at all. How did you come here?
and how did you know where to find
me2"
II did not know where to find you.
| Violet. Chance has been my friend
here, and as for my opportune appear
ance on the scene, it is very easily ac-
counted for. l have been called to
take charge Of the parish Of Millham-
| bury"
Clarence, you are not the new min
| ister?"
But I am the new minister"
| His name is John Smith,"
IL beg your pardon, mia amlma-
1t is John Clarence Smith,"
And Violet's surprise was sufficient
| ly amusing to the reverend gentleman
| at her side.
Old Mrs. Bezabel Marsh and her
| two elderly, hardfavored daughters,
had got the parsonage all ready. even
to lighting the evening lamps on the
study-table, and poking the clear an
thracite fire that burned in the dining
room crate!
Miss Mehetable had turned the
tumbler Of crimson currant jelly into
its cut-glass dish, and disposed the
green sprigs Of parsley to the most
striking effect round the thinly-cut
slices Of boiled tongue, while Miss
Sarah made Leaning Tower Of Pisa
Of the buttermilk biscuits, and whisk-
ed the flies away from the sugar basin,
In readiness for the expected guest,
and like the hero Of song, still he
came notv'
"The kittle's boilin', and the teas
all STEPPED" said Mrs Marsh, as she
sat in the big rocking chair in front
of the fire. It'll be spilled II he don't
come pretty soon."
Hell be here presently now," said
Miss Mehetable, loosening her curls
from their combining papers "Oh, ma!
1 wonder If he'll be pleased with what
we've donev
He can't help It." said Mrs. Marsh.
mentally congratulating herself on her
double chances Of being the minister's
mother-in-law. But the words were
yet on her lips and the triumphant re-
Elections yet in her mind, when
knock came softly to the door, and
Miriam Blake entered, rosy with her
long walk through the frosty autumn
twilight
Have you heard the news?" asked
Miriam. II thought I'd come over and
tell you. The new minister has come"
'sakes alivev' calculated Mrs.
Marsh.
II don't b'lieve It." said Mehetable.
"Oh, but he has for I've seen him.
And you needn't stay here any longer,
for he has concluded to remain at our
house tonight"
Mrs. Marsh and her daughters both
stared.
What an airth does It all NEAR? ?"
demanded the elder lady.
III tell you very, very great Sc
cret." cried the delighted Miriam.
Hes an old beau OF Aunt yiolet's
and the engagement has been renewed.
and my dear little blue-eyed aunt is
to be the minister's wife the very next
month that ever dawn upon usr'
Land O. Goshenw cried Mrs Marsh
well I never!' said Miss Sarah.
81 shouldn't think" venomously com.
mented Miss Mehetable, that he'd
want to marry an old maid"
There are more old maids than one
In the world" observed Miriam mil.
osophically. 80 IL you'll kindly lock
up the room, I'll take the key back
to my new uncle-that-ls-to-be. | had