The Tupelo journal., 1909-04-02


lkNNWXNrN the village church
lkCNXtlN and listened with
lN1NyWe6% bated breath. Rising
liEGzM high above the mel
low growl of the organ voice hoateo
out to his enraptured ears--a clear
thrilling, triumphant voice, singing
Handel's stirring aria, Il Know Thai
My Redeemer Liveth."
Her voice, by all that is wonder
full" he muttered, with an eager light
In his eyes. Surely | can't be mis-
taken. 1t must be the Easter LADY,
He sat there with a rapt expression
on his face until the portals OF the
church swung open and the congrega
ton spilled out into the April sun
shine, bringing color and animation to
the scene. He scanned the crowd with
searching glances as it slowly melted
away The last to leave the church
was the gray-haired rector. and walk
ing by his side as he came down the
walk was a beautiful young woman
1T Is She" whispered the man In
the automobile. Il never saw her IN
my life before, but know 1t Is she!
The rector and his companion came
nearer. They were about to pass the
car when the girl suddenly glanced up
and stopped.
why, this is my car, I believe,
she said blithely to the rector. I'm
to dine with Mrs. Camperdown, you
know Good-by, Mr.. Roden, and tell
Mrs. Roden I shall see her SOON"
The rector lifted his hat with pro
found bow and walked on up the vii
lage street, while the girl turned to
Valdean with pretty assurance.
"This is the Camperdown car, Is 1t
not?"
In an instant Valdean was standing
on the curb beside her, hat in hand.
"Of course" he said glibly. 1T is
anything you wish. That is-er- Let
me assist you, madam. Take this for
ward seat, please, beside the driver. .
The girl was on the step when she
hesitated, looked the car over doubt.
fully and turned a half-frightened face
toward Valdean Her cheeks were
flaming
Am l making a mistaken" she fal
tered
Not at all, 1 assure you," he stout
ly protested.
81 am Miss Drummond, you know
Certainly madam"
Mrs. Camperdown wrote me that
she would have her automobile wait
ing in front of the church, butt think
i know she said it would be a linn
CUISINE"
THE limousine is out of order this
morning." lied Valdean cheerfully, as
he gently pushed the girl into seat
and hastily occupied the one beside
her. $50 it had to be this or moth
ing. You will find it just as com
Portable. think"
He put the car in motion, and II
glided down the street with soft
purring sound.
"Now," he added, after a pause, I'll
you will kindly tell me which way
am to go"
(Which way?" exclaimed the girl
"Why, direct to the Camperdown farm
of course"
Yes, of course, but-but | haven
see."
The girl stared at him as if she
doubted his sanity.
Perhaps you will be kind enough
to tell me who you are?" she de
manded, coldly.
Richard Valdean, at your service
My father is a well-known banker il
the city-Sylvester Valdean, by name
Possibly you have heard of him.
was out for spin in my machine, an(
happened to be in front of the church
and-and there was no other vehicle
In sight, and-and you couldn't walk
you know could not let you walk
He choked in his eagerness, an(
paused abruptly.
Il suppose ought to be terribly in
dignant," she said, suppressing he
merriment, "but really cannot be 9th
erwise than grateful to you for thi:
kindness. You are very obliging, an
sure. Besides, the mistake was mine
in the beginning. Mrs. Camperdowr
lives two miles out in the country, anC
you are going in the right direction
Mr.. Valdean" She hesitated a mo
ment, and then asked: Were 20,
waiting for anybody at the church,"
Eyes, was waiting for you," he re
piled, simply.
"For mel" she exclaimed
81 heard your voice. you know
heard you singing that beautiful aria
and | stopped to listen. knew it wa
the voice of the Easter lady, and
was waiting there to see you com
out"