Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1903-07-02
mand Of dignity ia honor Of the occa-

L
ultant air as he wendell his church
ward way, thinking that his hour had
surely come for his cousin collecting
route was the middle aisle, left hand
side, and in this division was the Court
lney pew. Phyllis sat in the seat next
the aisle; next to her little brother
Ned, then widowed aunt, and at the
end Of the pew Mrs. Courtney. Phyllis
Invariably put little white sealed en-
velope in the plate and then passed the
plate to her aunt and mother for their
contributions. Many a time he had
watched the process.
He was confident she would be
caught; she had holy horror of doing
tanything to attract attention, and she
wouldn't balk to the extent Of refus-
ing to pass The alate to the other mem,
beers of the family, even if she refused
to put in her envelope. IN q
He waited with anxiety for the oc-
cupants Of the Courtney pew to arrive,
and breathed sigh of relief when he
saw them take their accustomed
places. The length Of the service and
sermon seemed intolerable. Never be-
fore had there been for him note Of
welcome in the words ''Let your light
SO shine" He jumped to his feet and
went up the aisle in most unholy haste.
Phyllis did not chance to see him
on his way to the chancel. 1t was,
therefore, surprise to her as he came
down the aisle in the place of bis
cousins white-haired husband. Sur
prise was quickly succeeded by con-
sternation. What should she do? A
wild desire to leave the church seized
her, but her courage wasn't equal to
the undertaking. She was determined,
however, not to be checkmated. She
put the little white envelope back in
the rack
Stephen jerome and the passing
plate came nearer and nearer, he with
the air of conquering hero. While
at the pew in front of the Courtneys
he took in the situation of the enemy
! with comprehensive glance-the
! white envelope in the rack, the reso-
lutely folded hands of Phyllis, the Sc
rene slumber Of Ned, and the silver
4 coin in the hand of the aunt a similar
one in the lap of Mrs. Courtney.
Phyllis proved game. She made no
motion to take the plate, as size usually
did. She felt the embarrassment Of the
slight pause, and was conscious of
surprised, indignant glances from her
mother and aunt.
Finally her aunt moved closer to
the sleeping Ned and leaned forward
1 to take the plate. In his discontinue
Stephen relinquished his grasp of the
plate too quickly. 1t fell to the floor
of the pew, and the silver coins rolled
about promiscuously. Ned awoke and
helped his mother and aunt gather up
the overturned contents of the plate.
Phyllis was covered with chagrin
and embarrassment at the attention
attracted by this incident, while Jerome
felt that he was at last having his re.
venge Her aunt had held the plato
during the operation of restoring the
money. She turned to hand it to Ned,
but he was under the seat searching
for more plumber. Jerome made no
motion to take it, and Phyllis knew
that he would stand there and wait
for her to take it. She was not cor
nered, however. She moved into Ned's
seat. took the plate from her aunt, and
set it down on the cushion. ..
At this moment little chorister
chanted: 1T is more blessed to give
than to receive"
With smile, Jerome picked up the
plate and passed on. That evening
during his call he appeared so serious
and depressed that Phyllis did MOI
give expression to her triumph of til Z
morning. Suddenly Ned appeared in
the doorway.
''Phyllis," he said, II want to see
you
She followed him into the next
room. The boy looked troubled and
sheepish. ..
"What is it, Ned?'
He hesitated and then blurted out:
"Say, Phyllis, you know when I
was picking up that money!
eyes, dear"
"Well, kept dime and put it in
my pocket"
"Oh Ned, Ned!"
"I've been sorry all day. I thought
I'd put it in the plate next Sunday, but
it's so long to wait Don't tell mamma.
I want you to give it to Mr.. Jerome
'You come in and give it to him,
Ned" 49,
| ooh, can't, Phyllis. am ashamed.
I should think you might do that much
for me-" and he uplifted a rueful face
with beseeching eyes.
/ She reflected moment. By a very
simple, act she could give pleasure Il,
one small, forlorn boy, and one big,
unhappy man.
81 will, Ned Give it to me-" and she
took the dime from him, leaving kiss
on the fair young brow. She then re-
turned to the music room and walked
directly up to Stephen. who sat with
his head leaning listlessly on his hand.
sMr. Jerome" she said, unflinching-
ly,.Ned kept enc of the dimes this
4 MOI ming His conscience troubles
IhA