Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-10-25
.erial seven DAYS Of the week thar II

terial seven days Of the week that II
must present difficult field for the
awakening of any religious senti'
ment," confessed Brant sympathetical-
ly. 81 have often wondered how you
consented to bury your talents in such
q place"
The other smiled, but with trace
of sadness in his eyes. 81 firmly be-
lieve that every minister should de-
vote a portion of his life to the doing
of such a work as this. II is both a
religious and a patriotic duty, and
there is a rare Joy connected with it"
"Yet It was surely not joy | saw pic
tured within your face when we met;
you were certainly troubled over some
problem"
Wynkoop glanced up quickly, q
slight flush rising In his pale cheeks.
"Perplexing questions which must be
decided off-hand are constantly aris-
ing. And Just now / scarcely know
what action to take regarding certain
applications for church membership.
Brant laughed. 81 hardly consider
myself a competent adviser in matters
of church policy" he admitted, yet ]
have always been informed that all so
! desiring are to be made welcome in
religious fellowship"
theoretically, yes" And the min.
lister stopped still in the road, facing
his companion. But this special case
presents certain peculiarities. The
applicants, as learn from others, are
not leading lives above reproach. So
far as l know, they have never even
attended church service until last Sum-
day, and | have some reason to sus-
pect an Interior motive. | am anxious
to put nothing in the way Of any hon
estly seeking soul, yet confess that
III luCoC CdoCS l uColldIC'
"But your elders? Do not they share
the responsibility Of passing upon
such applications"
The flush on Mr.. Wynkoop's cheeks
deepened, and his eyes fell. "0rdi-
narily, yes; but in this case fear
they may prove unduly harsh. II
feel-that these applications came
through the special intercession Of a
certain young lady, and l am anxious
not to hurt her feelings in any way, or
to discourage her enthusiasm"
"Oh, / see! Would you mind telling
me the names Of the two gentlemen?
Mr.. John Motfat and Mr.. William
Mcneil. Unfortunately, know neither
personally"
And the young LADY,"
"A Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has
but lately arrived from the east to
take charge Of our new school-a most
interesting and charming young WON
an, and she is proving Of great assist
ance to me in church work."
The lieutenant cleared his throat
and emitted sigh of suddenly awak
ened memory. Il fear can offer you
no advice, for II, as begin to suspect
| though she sought most bravely to
avoid the issue and dispatch me upon
a false trail,-she prove to be that
same fascinating young person l met
this morning, my entire sympathies
are with the gentlemen concerned.
might even be strongly tempted to dc
likewise at her solicitation"
you? Why, you arrived only this
morning, and do you mean to say you
have met already?"
Il st least suspect as much, fol-
there can scarcely exist two in this
town who will fill the description. My
memory holds the vision Of a fail
young face, vivacious, ever changing
in its expression, yet constantly both
piquant and innocent; perfect wealth
OF hair, pair Of serious eyes hiding
mysteries within their depths, and lips
which seem made to kiss. Tell me, Is
not this a fairly drawn portrait o.
your Miss Spencer"
The minister gripped his hands ner
vously together. Your description Il
not unjust; indeed, it is quite accurate
from a mere outer point Of view, vel
beneath her vivacious manner | have
found her thoughtful, and possessed Of
deep spiritual warnings. In the east
she was communicate of the Episco
pal church"
Brant did not answer him at once
He was studying the minister's down
cast face; but when the latter finally
turned to depart, he inquired, do you
expect to attend the reception to-mor
row EVENING""
Wynkoop stammered slightly. Il,
could hardly refuse under the circum
stances; the committee sent me al
especially urgent invitation, and I'm
derstand there is to be no dancing I'm
til late. One cannot be too straight
laced out here"
"Oh, never mind apologizing. l SCI
no reason why you need hesitate to at
tend. l merely wondered If you coulC
procure me an invitation"
did she tell you about it,"
well, she delicately limited at II
and, you know, things are pretty SLOW
here in social way. She merely sug
gested that l might possibly meet he
again there"
"of course; 1t is given in he
honor"
$50 I understood, although sh,
sought to deceive me into the belle
that she was not the lady. We me