The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1907-01-09
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pretty ittle DeurOOm, surrounded
by every comfort, sat girl, pale and
trembling, with tear-stained letter
lying before her which she presently
stopped and picked up to read for the
third time. The letter ran as fol-
lows:
my Dear Miss Jones: After due
consideration, | have come to the con-
clusion that It will be wiser for us
both to say nothing more about the
matter we were discussing this even
fng, but to let the affair quietly drop,
more especially as | am leaving so
soon. With my true regards, re-
main, Yours sincerely,
EDWARD p. HALL"
The Rev. Edward Hall was assist
ant to the pastor of the village
church. which for the past three
months he had sole charge of. owing
70 the ill-health OF the latter. Many
people much preferred Mr.. Halls
sermons to those OF the pastor, and
there was CONSERVATION when II was
made known that Mr.. Hall had had
an offer of pastorship elsewhere,
and had accepted It.
For long time the gossips In the
village had noticed that Mr.. Hall
paid an unusual amount OF attention
to pretty little Ida Jones, the doc
tors daughter, and strange to say,
very few people made spiteful re-
marks, for, IL Mr.. Hall was popular
for his gentle, courtly manner TO old
and young, rich and poor, Ida was
just as much loved by the villagers,
and many an aged person could testi-
fy to her skill in nursing.
Although Mr.. Hall had shown n
marked preference for Ida's society
to that of any other girl, he had GER
tainly never made the slightest
declaration OF love, and the poor
girls heart sank as each day brought
the parting nearer, but she bore up
bravely, and only Ter mothers quick
eye noticed the sad look so often to
be seen on her face now; but Mrs.
Jones was wise woman, and did
not try to force her daughters conf
dence, knowing that Ida never kept
anything from her long.
The evening before the arrival of
the letter Ida had been returning
from the choir practice by herself,
when her quick ear caught the sound
of manly footsteps. and her heart
beat quickly.
"Good-evening, Miss Jonesl" cried
CHEEKY voice. I'm going your way,
so hurried after you, but never
thought l should overtake you so
soon. How slow you must have
walked"
Ida blushed, but said nothing.
Il have only one more week in this
dear old place." Mr.. Hall resumei /
presently, "and then I shall have to
take up my new duties. In new sur
roundings and among new faces, II
will be so lonely, and sometimes | al
most regret that ever accepted"
He stopped, as il expecting his
companion to say something, but Ida
did not reply, and they walked lit
tie way in silence. Suddenly Mr.
Hall noticed tear drop from the
girls eye upon the book she was car.
rying.
Ida, can it be possible that you
care whether go CT stay?" he asked
SDoes it really make any difference2'
He had never previously called hel
by her Christian name. For a mo-
ment the words almost startled her
and before she could recover she hat
burst into tears.
At this very inopportune moment
wheels were heard coming along a
good pace behind them, and wha
the young clergyman might hav,
been going to say died away on hi
lips as he recongnized the DOCTOR
smart little trap, which shortly drew
Mp beside them.
well, Mr.. Hall, I'm glad to Sc,
Tou, old fellow!" said the doctor, II
his genial tones. I'm just return
ing home, so both of you get in ant
rome with me-"
Mr.. Hall declined, pleading iare
well calls which had to be made be
fore he left, but as he helped Ida Il
he pressed the little hand so trem
blingly laid in his and whispered:
II shall write to you tonight"
All that evening Ida seemed to b
treading on air, and, needless to say
when she at last retired to rest, slee
was long time in coming. The mex
morning she was up early, and ever
ring at the bel, brought such star
and shy little blush that DR.. Jone
asked her IL she was not well.
When the long looked-for lette
did come and Ida's trembling finger
at last managed to open it, she frs
seemed petrified and then burst int
. storm of tears.
"Oh, why did I show him I cared ?
she moaned. "Of course he despise
me, but 1t was cruel to write that le
ter! And now how shall l ever ia:
him again?"
Ida was not the only person .wh
had received letter that mornin
and, il her letter caused astonisl
ment to her, the one received by al