Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1909-06-18

IU Wil!oughby came through the
~ wicker gate to the left OF the
parsonage, carrying bunting for the
social. She was followed by Miss Per-
kins with bucket Of pickles, which
Mandy promptly placed on top of Mrs
Elverson's ice cream. The women ex-
planned that they had come to put the
finishing touches to the decorations.
IL anything was needed to Increase
Mandy's dislike Of the widow it was
this announcement
Mrs. Willoughby was greatly wor-
ried because her children had not been
home since the afternoon school ses-
Sion. Upon hearing that they were
with Polly she plainly showed her dis
pleasure. and Douglas dispatched
Mandy for them. She saw that her
implied distrust of Polly had annoyed
him. and she was about to apologize
when two Of the deacOns arrived on
the scene. also carrying baskets and
parcels for the social.
Strong led the way He ALWAYS led
the way and always told Elyerson
what to think. They had been talking
excitedly rs they neared the parson
age. for Strong disapproved Of the re
cent changes which the pastor had
made In the church service. He and
Douglas had FLASHED more than once
since the baseball argument, and the
deacon had realized more and more
that he had met will quite as strong
as bis own. His failure to bend the
parson to his way Of thinking was
making him irritable and taking his
mind from his business.
Can you beat that! he would ex-
claim as he turned away from some
disagreement with Douglas. his temper
ruffled for the day.
Polly was utterly unconscious Of the
unfriendly glances cast In her direction
as She came running into the garden
leading the widows two children.
She nodded gayly to Julia Strong. who
was coming through the gate, then
hurried to Mrs. Willoughby. begging
that the children be allowed to remain
n little longer. She was making up 4
new game, she said. and needed Willie
and Jennie for the set.
my children DO not play In promis.
cuous games" said the widow Jelly.
"Oh. but this isn't pro-pro-pro"-
Polly stammered. Its Il new game.
You put two here. and two here.
and
Il don't care to know" The widow
turned away and pretended to talk to
Julia.
oh" gasped Polly. stunned by the
widows rebuff.
She stood with bowed head In the
center of the circle The blood flew
from her cheeks; then she turned to go.
Douglas stepped quickly to her side.
Wait a minute" he said. She
paused. All eyes were turned upon
them. rs this Il game that grownups
can play?'
why, yes. Of course"
Good. Then I'll make up your set.
! need 4 little amusement Just now
Excuse me-" he added, turning to the
deacons. Then lie ran with her out
through the trees.
The deacons and the women stared
at each other. aghast.
well. what do you think Of that?"
said Mrs. Willoughby as the flying
skirts Of the girl and the black figure
OF the man disappeared up the path.
Il think its scardalous. If you are
talking to me-" said Miss Perkins.
The idea Of full grown parson
a-runnin' off 10 play children's games
with circuS ridin' girl"
"She isn't such child" sneered |
Julia.
Its enough To maKe folks taIn." nut |
IN Mrs. Willougl;hy. with sly look |
CT the deacons.
An me awaitiIl' To discuss the new |
church service" beloved Strong.
And me awaiting To give him Mrs !:
Elyerson's message" pipcd EMERSON.
The church bore all this IN silence
so long as that girl was SILK" snapped
Miss Perkins. But now she's perfect
ly well and still a-hanging on. No
wonder folks are tall;iag"
who's talkin':" thuaicrcd Strong.
didn't You know" simpercd Mrs
Willoughby. not knowing herself nor
caring 50 long as The suspicion grew.
know WHAT" yelled the excited
deacon. Mrs. Wi!loughhy noundcred
Miss Perkins rushed into the breach.
wei, if WAS deacon II this church
IL seems to Inc Id know something
about what's going on in IT,"
What is goiu' on" shricked the
now desperate deacon.
HE women looked at him pityingly,
exchanged knowing glances, then