The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1903-12-22

called that way. Perhaps the next
minister will De an older man-one
who has been set aside by Providence
for this particular"
But Mrs. Darrow had hounced out to
the kitchen for more biscuits, and the
minister did not finish his speech. He
went to church with Mrs. Darrow that
night. Miss Juliet Marcy came in very
late, with one of the little Dane boys.
and was distinctly cool to Mrs. OAR
row.
But never mind. Mrs. Darrow had
met all these rebuffs with a feeling of
triumph. There was still Maggie
Clyde. He had never seen Maggie yet
Maggie was the best girl in the world
the best and sweetest, and almost the
prettiest. What minister could want
more than girl who had sacrificed the
pleasures of youth for the sake of an
invalid father, for whom she cared day
and night There never was such a
girl as Maggie-and this was the kind
OF marriage that would be certain to
be made in Heaven. She mentioned
Maggie 10 MIN in the most incidental
way Not for worlds would Mrs. OAR
row have him believe that Maggie was
to be won by any man alive-so de-
voted was she to ner father Her only
thought was to get some one to take
care Of the old man for few days, and
give little Maggie a rest She needed
IT, poor girl.
Next day the minister looked into
the face Of pretty. demure Maggie
Clyde. Long watching had made her
pale, and had set dark circles under
her eyes; and Mrs. barrow fastened
to explain that poor Maggie was worn
out with caring for her father. and she
had brought her in for rest
And the minister murmured a polite
speech. after which he searched for a
book he had misplaced. and found it,
and vent to his study.
If Mrs. Darrow shook a small fist in
the direction of the study door when
no one was looking, who can wonder?
But there was still to-morrow-and
who could tell what would come to
pass? Certainly, there was not an IN
married minister on earth who could
resist girl like Maggie, if he were
given time enough. and Mrs. barrow
meant TO give him time. They had
employed an old man TO take care of
Maggie's father for one whole week.
Much may be accomplished in a week.
II it were necessary. Mrs. barrow
would extend the week to another
week.
So the days passed, and at every turn
Rev. Marcus Fairing came upon the
pretty. quiet girl, who went about the
house helping Mrs. Darroyr. and every
day he attended to his duties in the
most humdrum manner, and did not
abate one visit 10 snuffy old women or
tiresome old men. OF leave of a page
Of his daily reading. Mr.. barrow be-
gan to pass sleepless nights.
Il known what I'll do" she declared
to herself at last I'm send for that
baggage. Lena Morrison. Think of
girl like that being a niece of mine,
Let him see a real society butterfly
once in contrast with little Maggie
and then maybe his, eyes1l be opened"
A hurried note of invitation was dis
patched the next morning, and as hur-
riedly accepted.
She's worn out with her seasons
gayety, suppose" said Mrs. Darrow,
grimly to Maggie. Such a grill
parties and theaters and receptions and
journeys l hear that this winter
she's been gayer than ever Well. it'll
be an experience for you-and for the
minister, too, l should think l only
hope she won't drive him away from
the house with her friEolity."
They were Just arising from the table
the next day. when there was a com
motion out at the front, and a sound
of light footballs and rustic of skirts.
and she came running ina girl from
another world. She tossed her hat
away as she came. 1t was a moment
or two before her eyes had grown &C
customed to the darkness; then she
saw the tall figure at the other side of
the table, and the pallid face, and the
somber eyes that were gazing at her.
And you are here!" she cried, draw
ing herself up and speaking with bit
ter emphasis.
"You Also he replied He was very
sad.
Il can easily return" she retorted
angrily. Il was not expecting to find
you here"
Stay. beg of you" he answered.
II will go. instead. You must know
that l had no wish to see you again"
She flashed an amazed look at him
and then broke into a laugh, and
moved toward the door. 1t might have
been the laugh that made him start as
though he had been stabbed, but in an
instant he was before her.
Wait" he cried. 81 said what was
not true. have never ceased to wish
that could see you again, if it were
only for a moment l knew you were
not for me-you had no need to tell me
that-with such pride-but you see
that I am glad OF this ehance-what-
ever brought it about-just to look
upon your face again-and to tell you
that l have loved you as no man will
ever love you again. That is all-now
/ can say goodbye"