Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1909-08-14

amused. was his undoing. The walnuts
slipped from his grasp and, striking
another bag. liberated a peck Of pop
corn. He stood up guiltily.
"Plcase forgive me. Mrs. Fleming"
he apologized. II am sorry II my awk.
wardness has disclosed your gifts too
soon"
They're not Mis- Fleming's," correct
ed Deacon Brown. They're yours.
We thought we'd give you donation
stead Of money. times are so hard"
The Rev. Mr.. Morgan unconsciously
backed a step. "For me? But, deacon,
have no use for thcse-er-raw COM
modities. 1t is very kind Of you-but--
but
Besides this, there's side Of meat
and firkin Of butter outside" put in
Mrs. Fleming proudly. Now that
you've seen them I'd better take the
molasses out too. It's so warm In
here" picking up two OF the jugs.
'By all MEANS" said the minister.
wiping his forehead, and In the gen.
Giui tolN GtSitlOu tuAl GuouGu uG AOuuu
himself near Barbara Dean.
81 did not expect to see you." he said
In low voice.
II am spending a few days with
Cousin Bess," she answered. "Are
you so devoted to haywood that you
have forgotten your old friends"
"Only those who wished to forget
me-" significantly; then, with de-
spairing glance at the loaded table.
"what shall l do with IT." he asked.
"a family of ten could not consume
that perishable stun before 1t spells.
Why did they bring SO much?"
1.-THE unwritten law Of donation
party Is that none may attend without
bringing present." she said COM
posedly.
"Then what special donation must
thank you for" ironically-"the sack
Of four"
She laughed. His dismay was so
comical. She did not know the desper-
ate state OF his finances. II did not
bring anything" she said. II could
MOTTO YOU
Something In her voice lent sudden
hexibility to his most inelastic hope.
With her love to cheer him on he
would yet make of haywood his ideal
church.
"Come with me a moment" he said.
leading her to the deserted window
nearest the church. Il had bright
dreams when came here. Barbara"
he went on. II have learned to love
the church and the people. II go
away now my work will be wasted.
But ! think shall go when my year
Is up"
"Where" she asked quickly.
"Anywhere-to any church that pays
a salary" desperately. "rhat collec-
ton represents my work for nine
months. II Is not enough. Barbara.
You said that no one may attend u
donation party without a present
am waiting for yours. If you want me
to stay here you must do your part.
The deacons and elders have looked
after the needs Of the material man.
You must provide for his spiritual
nature"
She played with the widows best
curtains nervously. ''You said you
would not ask me again." she re-
minded.
II have not. You did well to say
no." bitterly. ''If my work is worth
only butter and -four you are justified
in forgetting me rs quickly as posi-
bic. haywood can keep its donation.
! shall leave at once"
A change flashed across her pretty
face The mischief vanished. and in
its place stole a tender blush. Don't
be hasty. James," she whispered. with
furtive glance over her shoulder.
perhaps with my donation we can
use the rest. When will the parson-
age be empty?"
"I'll give the tenant notice tomor-
row." he answered happily. Then.
under cover of the widows voluminous
curtains. with the church looking on
in solemn witness. he accepted her do
nation with kiss.