Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1907-01-24

But Rev. Ballinger made no such
mistake. To his pious lore was added
a goodly stock of worldly wisdom, and
was permitted in his church
many a meeting of which religious OBJ
servance formed the minor part. Some
of the ~stricter brethren objected, de-
that the levity before and after
was the seal Of compact with
Satan. But these dissenting spirits
were few, and their combined efforts
had not suficed to keep the wolf from
the door of Rev. Luke's predecessor.
1nat cody man kept, therefore, his
own counsel, replying mildly to all ar
guments: II have a greater authority
than my own regarding the conduct of
one in Rome; the rule applies to St
Charles-so far as the grace of Heaven
permits me to see It,"
So the queer method of evangelical
ton proceeded, and if result were
proof, the new Gospel teacher needed
no further justification.
The frolic on this occasion was
called a OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES tiny
jugs, into which contributions toward
the church fund had been put, were
opened with noisy pranks and home
ly humor.
To the "~jug-breaking" &C ne Law
ender with Gonzaga-the latter glad
of even this rustic entertainment, il
only he might be near her. All his
efforts we're bent toward a speedy mar
riage; for, aside from the lovers i'm
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
mothers consent. Might not that mis-
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 a way to make
his conduct right in her eyes?
Reaching the church, they found a
large and motley crowd before them.
1t 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
boris generosity or greed. All were
in gala mood, with striking efforts at
holiday attire. A bright ribbon or
string of beads added a Sunday charm
to many a rosy damsel-ln whose eyes
a waiting swain was made irresistible
by a new necktie, or an extra allow
o-o0 - haar,s erraaco unnp hiq nhnrt.
clipped locks.
The frolic seemed a sort of prelude
to the real service. Ballinger was not
present, but as the meeting broke up
his horse was seen bringing him down
the road at a 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 a 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.
Toward the close of the service Law
ender caught the attentive gaze of a
pair of eyes, large, luminous, the blue
gray Of the iris rejecting 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 child
ing of her inattentiolA.
After the benediction, Winslow came
UP to them; his greeting was easy, his
manner less constrained than hers.
Few words were passed, however, az
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
!, a favorite in the community, where his
"book larnin'" was .orgiven as a
drawback inseparable from his voca-
ton, and his elegance of name toll
: Grated because Of a genial friendliness,
| On this occasion Winslow found many
an honest hand extended, many q
3 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-
JUDGE against his nation had begun.
Lavender, too, was almost a stranger
to them. Living away from the town
and secluded. by the illness of hel
mother, she had been enabled to make
. few acquaintance and no friends
Hence it was that both left the church
together without interruption.
V Slowly they went down the road tc
D the waiting wagon.
I At last Gonzaga found courage tc
say: 81 am glad We have left that
9 mans polluting presence
!, She looked at him in cold astonish'
Y ment. CHOSE are strong words" she
said.
: Strong words?'" he repeated, hot
ly. Have you forgotten who ant
what this Winslow is, that you car
: smile at him, and"
9 II have forgotten nothing. l re-
member only too well all you have
: taken pains to show me-" Tin hel
= words was the sting Of bitterness evei
7 felt toward the bearer of bad news
But" she continued, Il have also {
memory of his services ito me-to my
= mother. There is a gratitude due tx
past favors in spite Of seeming for
felt"
!. "You call this seeming forfcit?''
l and from his breast he drew a yellow
! enYalnna which he handed her witt