Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-09-11
ing me to he examination and stood

ing me to the examination and stood
II for me-"
The rector sat upright and gave an
unministerial whistle.
You poor little girlr' he said com
prehensively.
Il have come TO argue with you as
to whether l can accept the appoint
ment," the girl continued Il want 1t,
and need it badly. There is no doubt
that could have passed the examina-
ton as cordially, or even more so,
than Rose did. We were in the same
classes at school, and my marks were
always higher than hers"
The rector INDUCED in the-to him
unusual luxury of fidgeting in his
chair and hopping his forehead with
his handkerchief.
at is an involved point of ethics,
Miss Marion" he said feebly.
II want you 10 clear IL up for me,
but I'm afraid l want you TO see 1t
my way" she acknowledged.
you have come TO fortify yourself
by getting me TO substantiate your
opinion that you are justified in ac-
cepting the appointment he asked
slowly.
I'VE will accept the premises that
there was no fraud premeditated. that
there was no reason for your preferring
Miss Lawrence to take the examina-
ton except that you were temporarily
too i'll. You are by education entirely
hn I
think we may also claim that you
have n more practical business mind
and stronger physique than Miss
Lawrence, both of these being recog-
nized as desirable business qualifica-
TONS
The girls face grew brighter, and
she nodded her head eagerly.
you don't see how you could posi-
bly, be injuring any one. If you filled
the position satisfactorily, you can't
understand how you could be defraud-
ing the government l don't see that
either" the rector concluded muslngly.
The girls face beamed upon him.
"Then you think l may take it? l
need it so badly" she spoke with rapid
intensity.
The rector leaned over and took her
hand
do you think you could feel happy
and satisfied, little girl?" he asked,
looking her sQuarely in the eyes.
Her eyes wavered and finally turned
away from his.
81 thought perhaps l could, If you
t.IJ t. oil f.rHt he
family.
Il don't know how 10 explain ii to
you--it is a proof that is powerful, yet
intangibly abstract. / can logically
see no wrong in your accepting the
position. yet / could not be happy TO
do so. and | feel sure you could not
either"
But l need 1t so badly" she fall
tered. II only have $50 year of my
own, and l can't expect Uncle James
TO take care of me forever. I'm old
enough to be self supporting"
The rector's countenance commenced
steadily growing redder and redder.
There are other things you could
do" he said finally, with no trace OF
his usual brilliancy of speech.
What" she asked. her young voice
stern with the responsibility of giving
up something upon which her heart
was set.
II wish you would come and make
the rectory homelike for me-" he STAN
mered
"A minister couldn't marry fraud
and cheat" she whispered. her face
paling
Little girl. you are not a cheat-you
simply met with temptation. Will
you 20 to Washington or will you come
to the rectory?"
She picked up the official envelope
that had fallen to the floor and looked
at him hesitatingly.
Il don't think I'm good enough for
a minister's wife. but you can be the
judge in the case"
He caught a glimpse of her eyes
and pronounced his sentence:
Imprisoned for life, little woman"
he said, taking her in his arms.