Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-06-08
CHAPTER XXI

the hamlet, and all opportunities for
 10vial intercourse were eagerly sought Iby the gregarious pioneers. Upon this fact the astute parson of that day de- pended for the success of his minis try. He who ignored this, making his church place for pious worship alone suffered rid.cule at first, and then
 neglect ct-ending in exile to fresh ldelds.
 But Rev. Ballinger made no such
 mistake To his pious lore was added
 a goodly stock of worldly wisdom, and
 there was permitted in his church
 many a meeting of which religious ob. lservance formed the minor part. Some lot the stricter brethren objected, de- lclaring that the levity before and after
 service was the seal of compact with
 Satan. But these dissenting spirits were few, and their combined efforts had not sufiiced to keep the wolf from the door of Rev. Luke's predecessor. llnat godly man kept, therefore, his own counsel, replying mildly to all ar-
 suments: T have greater authority than my own regarding the conduct of one in Rome; the rule applies to St. Eharles-so far as the grace of Heaven permits me to see it.
 So the queer method of evangeliza- tion proceeded, and if result were proof. the new Gospel teacher needed mo further justification.
 The frolic on this occasion was ealled a 'jug-breaking' when tiny Nhgs. into which contributions toward the church fund had been put, were |epened with noisy pranks and home NY humor.
 To the "jug-breaking" came Law lender with Gonzaga-the latter glad ICf even this rustic entertainment, if Eonly he might be near her. All his leforts were bent toward a speedy mar lriage; for, aside from the lovers im- patience, was his ever-present fear of some revelation which would part them. He knew that of which Laven- der was ignorant-that he had in Winslow's character, obtained her &AlOJAOA . SouoCuIs Ml6uI AOI tuol ullS- take be explained at any time should her mother rally enough for a coher- ent talk? And he-the real Winslow might not he find way to make his conduct right in her eyes?
 Reaching the church, they found a large and motley crowd before them. It filled the tiny structure; it peeped in at door and windows. An unusual quiet prevailed. for each was anxious to see and hear proof of his neigh har's generosity or greed All were in gala mood, with striking efforts at holiday attire. A bright ribbon or string of beads added Sunday charm to many rosy damsel-in whose eyes a waiting swain was made irresistible by a new necktie, or an extra allow ance of bears grease upon his short clipped locks.
 The frolic seemed a sort of prelude to the real service. Ballinger was not present. but as the meeting broke up hls horse was seen bringing him down the road at lazy trot.
 Then ensued a short intermission, after which, with no outward show of authority, Rev. Luke quieted the hubbub, and again the church was filled this time with decorous array of listeners.
 Lavender and her escort joined them in time to hear the little preacher read the hymn in a voice out of all proportion to his size.
 i Toward the close of the service Lay ender caught the attentive gaze of a pair of eyes. large. luminous. the blue gray of the iris refecting the shade of the ragged robin on his coat In their depts were love, inquiry. sorrow much that she could not fathom. This silent exchange of glances dis turbed the Sabbath calm which had en- tered the girls heart. Torn by con- ficting regret and hope, she hardly knew when the service was over, or listened to Gonzaga's whispered ehid- sng of her inattention-
 After the benediction, winslow came up to them; his greeting was easy. his manner less constrained than hers. Few words were passed however. as Winslow was taken aside by one of the villagers to discuss some matter relative to the school-house then build ing For the new teacher was already . favorite in the community. where his "book larnin' was forgiven as a drawback inseparable from his voca- ton. and his elegance of manner tol- erated because of genial friendliness. On this occasion Winslow found many an honest hand extended, many a hearty welcome. The Spaniard, on the contrary, was by most of the St. Charles folk distrusted and disliked. Luck at play had completed what pre- 5udice against his nation had begun Lavender. too. was almost a stranger 10 them. Living away from the town. and secluded by the illness of her mother. she had been enabled to make sew acquaintances and no friends. Hence 1t was that both left the church together without interruption
 Slowly they went down the road to ] the waiting wagon.
 At last Gonzaga found courage to say. T am glad we have left that mans Polluting presence" !
 She looked at him in cold astOnisb- ment Those are strong words she said .=.
 -strUng soras!~ he rspsaisd. hot 1y. Have you forgotten wbo and