The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1907-01-04
He gave a slight start.

observation-disclosures" he
repeated obviously. as if he had not
heard Alright.
Thlda thought him quite dense.
Yes" she explained, merrily. I'm
afraid / dislike clergymen. It's very
wrong of me, | know. because"
She paused and a brilliant flush
sufusei her cheeks as she suddenly
became interested in the sea.
Because" he repeated. patiently
awaiting her answer.
"Because-oh, I'm supposed 10 be
going to---oh' / don't quite know
why" she said. incoherently. You
see-well, | daresay YOU will laugh at
me-but I've always been brought
marry a clergyman! 1t is very stupid.
Most probably IL dad had wanted me
10 marry an actor | should have felt
a distinctly rebellious desire for the
cloth But as il is"
Human nature rebels, eh?" he
suggested, with a laugh. And the
balance is in favor of the actor"
Il don't know any actor. really"
she responded, naiyely. so | am
afraid there is no balance"
And it's all dead weight against
the poor parson," he murmured. TAX
ing a side glance at her
Hilda shrugged her shoulders.
Poor" she echoed. DO YOU like
clergymen?"
Il never thought didn't" he said,
slowly. ''In fact, ! used To-"
But you don't?" she began, mer-
rily.
"No-since | knew YOU" he said,
boldly, I've altered my opinion"
I'm such a short time" began
Hilda.
1t was fortunate that az that mo-
ment Mrs. Hunt, who had been on the
lookout for them. opened the door.
for IIilda had an uncomfortable feel
ing that things were going too far.
Miss Eely worshiped at st. Peters
and duly carried Hilda off 10 that
church the following Sunday. The
tall figure of the hero slipped into
pew just opposite and fixed his blue
eyes nearly all the service through
just below Hlda's pretty chiffon hat.
The elder Miss Lely prayed for the
speedy return OF the prospective
bridegroom, and Hilda decided that
certain tall figures looked equally
we'll 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 a little
farther before returning to the house.
Hilda glanced at her companion and
met his gaze with rash courage. Soon
he was speaking fast and passion
ately.
Don't think me mad-and don't
say | 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-"
lie turned his handsome face to-
ward her, and his eyes were lit with
an eager, passionate fire that Hilda
found disconcerting, albeit delight
full.
Il" 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 ergyman-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.
simply.
But you have seen him!"
She smiled softly.
Not since | can remember any,
thing" she answered. Il couldn't
have the heart to tell dad / refuse
before seeing him"
Suppose ne is ugly?"
"If loved him. it wouldn't matter
how ugly he was" 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. tri-
umphantly, Il am Ronald Martyr,
Only you didn't know it, of course.
Don't you think YOU could pass over
the fact that ] am stupid clergy
man."
You aren't ugly" whispered
Hilda, as If that settled matters
Modern Society.