The Democratic advocate., 1908-06-05

When the long sermon was finished
the organ commenced a well know,
prelude, two gray haired warden,
creaked up the aisle and received the
oaken contribution boxes, while ths
choir arose to sing the offertory.
Christ the Lord is risen today. AL
le-lu-iar'
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.
10, our suns eclipse is o'er'-
1t had happened. With discordant
wall like the breaking of violin
string Lucy Clifford's voice died out.
The startled choir paused for an in
slant, and then from the congregation
burst mans strong voice, "Al-le-lu-iar r'
To a triumphant conclusion he car
ried the fine old melody, his rich tenor
supporting the wavering voices of the
agitated choir. He had seen the white,
frightened face of Lucy Clifford turned
in his direction, and he threw all the
vigor and force of his nature into the
third stanZa.
Almost unconsciously her tremulous
voice took up the refrain, and once
more their tones were united. It SEEM
ed as though her weak utterance rest
ed on the assured strength Of his, and
he carried it up-up-to an exultant
close until their voices blended in final
joyous "Al-le-lu-ia!'
Lucy Clifford sank back in her seat
with trembling hands and a Pickering
color in her pale cheeks. She did not
glance at Allen Elwood. 1t was sufa-
cient for her that he was present and
that in the hour of her distress he had
come to her rescue.
1t 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, it
was too late now, but she could re-
member this day. 1t would be pleas
ant memory to be stored away against
a dreary future.
When the service was concluded,
Lucy Clifford slipped through the side
door into the churchyard and thence
toward the opening in the stone wall
that led to the homeward path across
lots.
Elwood did not follow her. 1t would
be of no use. He was too much of
black sheep But when the dusk fell
he walked slowly along the shore road
until he came to the old Clifford place.
1t was long, low, brown house fac
ing the harbor. Tall cherry trees over
shadowed its gabled roof, and thick
hedges Of pungent box bordered the
winding paths. A wind swept up from
about him. A whipporwill throbbed
from the bough of an apple tree. 1t
was like another night that was past.
There was a light step on the gray
eled path, startled exclamation, and
he was holding Lucy's unresisting
hands in his own.
81 have come to ask your forgive.
ness, Lucy" he began tenderly.
"Nay," she murmured tremulously;
''it is I who should ask yours for my
narrow minded prejudices. But that is
past-I-I tried to steel my heart and
failed-and the years have been so
long, Allen Her voice broke.
81 know" he said slowly, "but the
years that are to come will be long
and sweet, God willing!'
The whipporwill whirred away
through the darkness, while again the
cherry trees swayed in the breeze and
sent a shower of bridal whiteness over
the lovers at the gate.