Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1908-06-19

er. AnNlOusly he Followed her through
the anthem and sighed with relief
when the final amen" died away In
the rustic of the kneeling people.
The service proceeded as 1t had pro-
ceeded fifteen years ago. There was
another minister and, save for Lucy
Clifford, other voices In the choir.
There were strangely familiar faces In
the congregation, and his eyes eluded
many glance of recognition. 1t was
enough for him that he could look
upon Lucy Cllfford's sweet face once
again. In the morning he would go
away.
When the long sermon was finished
the organ commenced well known
prelude, two gray haireda wardens
creaked up the aisle and received the
oaken contribution boxes, while the
choir arose to sing the offertory.
"Christ the Lord is risen today. Al
le-lu-ialn
That was Lucy's voice rising high
above the other singers, and again Ell
wood felt that tender apprehension
lest she should fail. When the second
stanza was begun her tones were
strained and tremulous.
"She's going to break DOWN. whis-
pered one Of the women in the seat be-
hind him.
40, our SUMS eclipse is Ger
1t had happened. With dlscordant
wall like the breaking OF violin
string Lucy Cliffords voice died out
The startled choir paused for an in
slant, and then from the congregation
burst n mans strong voice, "Al-le-lu-ia"
To triumphant conclusion he car
ried the fine old melody, his rich tenor
supporting the wagering voices Of tho
agitated choir. He had seen the white,
frightened face OF Lucy Clifford turned
In his direction, and he threw nil the
vigor and force Of his nature into tho
third stanza
Almost unconsciously her tremulous
voice took up the refrain, and once
more their tones were united. 1t SEEM
ed as though her weak utterance rest
ed on the assured strength Of his, and
he carried 1t up-up-to an exultant
close until their voices blended In final
Joyous "Al-le-lu-iaW
Lucy Clifford sank back In her seat
with trembling hands and n pickering
color In her pale cheeks. She did not
glance at Allen Elwood. II was sutIi-
Client for her that he was present and
that In the hour of her distress he had
come to her rescue.
II was like him to have done that. 1t
was strange that she had permitted
that escapade OF his youth to blind her
to his many noble qualities. Well. 1t
was too late now, but she could re-
member this day. 1t would be pleas
ant memory to DO stored away against
dreary future.
When the service was concluded,
Lucy Clifford slipped through the side
door into the churchyard and thence
toward the opening I'm tho stone wall
that led to the homeward path across
lots.
Elwood did not follow her. 1t would
DO OF no use. flo was too much of a
black sheep. But when the dusk fell
he walked slowly along the shore road
until he came to the old Clifford place.
It was long, low, brown house fac
Ing the harbor Tnll cherry trees over.
Swallowed Its gabled roof. and thick
hedges Of pungent box bordercd the
winding paths. A wind swept up from
the bay, and a shower OF blossoms fell
about him. A whipporwll throbbed
from the bough OF an apple tree. II
was like another night that was past.
There was light step on the gray.
eled path startled exclamation, and
he was holding Lucy's unreslsting
hands In his own.
II have come to ask your forgive
ness, Lucy" he began tendcrly.
may" she murnurod trcmnIously;
at IL | who should ask yours for my
narrow minded prejudl e., Bat That IL
past-I-I tried to steel my heart and
falled-and the years have been so
long Allen Her voice broke.
II know" he said slowly, but tho
years that are to come Will be long
and sweet, God wllling!'
The whipporwill whirred away
through the darkness, while again the
cherry trees swayed In the breeze and
sent shower OF bridal Wilderness over
the lovers at the gate.