The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1907-02-08

ly.. 'I saw you. Why is it clergymen
are such stupid set Of men all round -
He gave slight start.
.sSo--er-stupid- pid-clereymen? Ire re-
peated obviously, as if he had not heard
Alright.
Hida thought him quite dense. ''ies, .
she explained, merriy. I'm afraid |
dislike clergymen. It's very wrong Of
me. | know, because-'
She paused and brilliant flush sutfused
her cheeks as she suddenly became inter.
ested in the sea.
Because? - he repeated, patiently
awaiting her answer.
Because-oh! I'm supposed to be 60
ing to-oh | don't quite know why y
she said, incoherently. "You see-well,
| daresay you will laugh at me-but I've
always been brought up to expect that
some day l must marry IA clergyman! 1t
is very stupid. Most probably if dad had
wanted me to marry an actor [ should
have felt distinctly rebellious desire for
the cloth. But as it is
"Human nature rebels, eh - he sug-
gested, with laugh. "And the balance
is in favor of the actor %
II don't know any actor, really, she
responded, naively. $50 | am afraid
there is no balance -
"And it's all dead weight against the
poor parson, he murmured, taking side
glance at her.
Hilda shrugged her shoulders.
''Poorr' she echoed. "Do you like
clergymen p
II never thought I didn't" he said,
slowly. 'sIn fact, l used TO-
''But you don't p she began, merrily,
"No--since knew you, u he said, boldly,
1--WE altered my opinion?'
''In such short time began
Hilda.
1t was fortunate that at that moment
Mrs Hunt, who had been on the lookout
for them, opened the door, for Hilda had an
uncomfortable feeling that things were 60
ing too far.
Miss Lely worshipped at St. Peters
and duly carried Hilda off to that church
the following Sunday The tall figure of
the hero slipped into IA pew just opposite
and fixed his blue eyes nearly all the ser
vice throughjust below Hilda's pretty chif-
ffon hat.
The elder Miss Lely prayed for the
speedy return of the prospective bride
groom, and Hilda decided that certain tall
figures looked equally well in gray tweed
or black.
That Sunday was to live long in the
memories of both ladies. The elder Miss
Lely actually sat down and volunteered to
wait for the young people if they cared to
walk little further before returning to
the house. Hilda glanced at her COM
panion and met his gaze with rash courage.
Soon he was speaking fast and passionately.
ssDon' think me mad-and don't say
l am presumptuous. But are you really
engaged to that clergyman you talked OF the
other day? Answer me truthfully, please,
because it makes all the difference in the
world to me-
He turned his handsome face toward
her, and his eyes were lit with an eager,
passionate fire that Hilda found disconcert-
ing, albeit delightful.
sI--'' She stopped. They sat
down, while she told him the whole story.
He laughed as he heard it.
''And you intend to marry this man
this clergyman-whether you like him or
no?' he asked at the finish.
Hilda looked down toward the sea. She
had completely forgotten the waiting Aunt
Ellen on the esplanade.
Il must see him first,' she said, SIM
ply.
But you have seen him.
She smiled softly.
ssNot since [ can remember anything,
she answered "I couldn't have the heart
to tell dad I refuse before seeing him.
s'Suppose he is ugly y?'
'sIf [ loved him, it wouldn't matter
how ugly he wasr' the girl said in her
soft voice.
The hero jumped up suddenly, and
knelt on the gravel path, seizing both her
hands,
"Hilda darling" he cried, triumphant
ly, II am Roland Martyr! Only you
didn't t know it, of course. Don't you
think you could pass over the fact that |
am stupid clergyman p
"You aren't ugly" whispered Hilda,
as if that settled matters.