The Democratic advocate., 1909-04-23

said the little minister. DON'T rOrges
that forgiveness Is yours for the ask
ing
He spoke in his most persuasive ac-
cents to the poor creature. His advice
was wise and sound, for with all bis
modesty and simplicity the minister
was both clever and alive to daily
needs, fact that the woman repeat
edly acknowledged with a mournful
eye and tagging appetite. At times
she even desisted In her siege Of the
eatables when the little minister said
something particularly simple and
kind.
Finally she broke down and told all
her story-an old, old story, not at all
romantic, not even interesting TO any
except the poor creature herself. The
minister listened patiently TO her long,
labored, tedious recital, and II some
times he felt as II he would go Wild
with impatlence when he thought Of
Marguerite he promptly forced himself
in punishment to concentrate his mind
and soul even more than before on the
object before him that demanded so
much Of his pity and his help.
Here was a soul for him TO succor
and save, and what was his own
hearts ease to that7
1t was late that evening before the
little minister returned home after
having found home for bis distressed
protegee. He should have felt thrill
OF gratitude for duty done and a sense
Of humble gatisfaction for his success
IN bringing back the straying one TO
the right road.
He blamed himself for not feeling II.
But the more he tried to feel content
because he had done his duty the more
hts soul sank In him and the heavier
did his heart seem.
The Rev. Mr.. Dubois, though most
devoted minister, was none the less an
intensely human rnan. and all the sat
isfaction In doing n duty could not lift
him from the despondency that he was
in. for he felt sure that he had lost
any chance, IL he possessed one. with
Marguerite Van Diemen.
His belief was strengthened 10 CON
viction next day when he called at her
house, wondering what he- could say to
gain her pardon. II was characteristic
Of him that It never entered his head
to explain to her what had kept him
away. That would have seemed like
cant and self praise 10 tho little MIN
lister.
Tho only excuse he could offer was
'parochial business.- And he realized
sharply that would seem a paltry en-
cuse. though he didn't consider any
thing In the line OF his duty as paltry.
SO no sent up his card IN low splrits
and he was not surprised, though be
was grieved. when tho maid returned
and said that her mistress begged b
be excused and added request that
he write TO her, saying what she could
do for him.
Another man might have felt Of
Tended and naughty. Tho little minis
ter was too just for that lie went
home quietly and wrote a very simple
little letter telling Miss Marguerite
Van Dicmen all that was in his heart
He begged her forgiveness for not
keeping the appointment and explain.
ed II by saying: "A little matter Of
church business came up 70 keep me.
! could not eyade Il, though ] assure
you that II was great sorrow 70 me
10 be kept away
Then 10 his mind he wrote "Finis'
to his romance and turned sturdlly I'd
his work ON the unfinished sermon.
Twenty minutes after be had disE
patched the note his doorbali rand
again. This time the little miniatel
did feel that there were dramas In lItI
tie things. He laid down his pen and
thought.
He heard the maid open the door.
He heard a soft voice nsk for him.
Before he could rise gown rustled.
and Marguerite Van Dicmen came 10
ward the open library door.
II have brought you the answer TO
your note myself said she. She held
up her baud. "11Sa Z tsIl I2p uxihat