Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-08-07

Smets, that l Amt an agnostic no MOI
not me, ma'am''
THE bishop has always said that the
reading Of Gods Word would convince
any one" said Miss Penley.
''Yes'm," returned Mr.. Smets, obviously.
.'It's.a powerful help. but reckon you'v.
got to have personal stimulus OF some
kind to sort of help you along and lead
you up to beginnin' to read it. and then
to keep you at it,
Il suppose So" answered Miss Penley.
You're the stimulus for me- said Mr.
Smets. You and this book. You done
it. However his manners and morals
had improved, his grammar had remained
stationary. I've had some talks with The
bishop and I'm going to be baptized to-
morrow in the little church here Him
and me has arranged 1t, and you're to DO
my SPONSOR
Il shall be very glad" answered Miss
Penley. with a strange sinking of the
heart.
But that amt ALL" interrupted NJ
Smets. IF it rests with me there's going
to be a-another religious ceremony"
Miss Cordelia's heart stopped beating
for the moment. She did not dare to say
a word.
You see,'' continued Mr. Smets, with
elaborate explanation. I've been a differ
ent man since that day you saved me
right in this very room. ] amt drunk a
drop or swore, or done a mean thing, So
far as know it, since I went out to that
camp. It's because of you an God" he
continued gravely. without a thought Of
irreyerence. You called me a gentle
hut 7 90 BALI
now. and, Miss Penley. fit" for the
first time Mr.. Smets faltered-'if you'll
take me. I'm your man.
Mr.. Smets," exclaimed Miss Penley In
voice choking with emotion, I'm very
proud of your gratitude
''Gratitude, exclaimed Mr. Smets
why. great heavens. ma am, this amt
gratitude at all! I'm lovin' you I think
| was took with you the minute ! seen
you through the window that night,
lookin' SO quiet and good and comfortable
in here. viii you marry me now, Miss
Penley?"
I'm forty years DID," said Miss PenIey,
land I'm SO plain and homely-and-"
Il take ii" Mr.. Smets interrupted quick
ly. that that means you'll have me-
Miss Cordelia said nothing. She had No
experience to draw upon to meet crises OF
this character. The next moment Mr..
smets boldly stepped closer to her. took
her in his arms-so far as five feet six
could take five feet cleveland bent down
her head until he could kiss her fairly
and squarely upon the lips.
The other ceremony which l referred
to- said Mr. Smets lis our weddin'.
I've got 800 saved up from my years
work. and I've got steady job I'm one
of the Junior assistant engineers on the
railroad"
The happy Miss Cordelia slowly bent
her head and her back until she could
lay her cheek on his shoulder 1t was
new. strange. delightful situation
And again there came knock upou
the door
Mr.. Smets would have sworn had he
not been brand snatched from the burn
ing, child redeemed, and Miss Penley
would have perhaps forgiven him in view
of the untimely interruption at such a
moment. But Mr.. Smets tore himself
away from Miss Cordelia, strobe to the
door, threw 1t open savagely and admit
ted the bishop.
An, said the bishop, smiling genially,
Il couldn't resist coming around to see if
the arrangements for the baptism of our
friend here were agreeable to you and
Bishop" cried Mr.. Smets, 1.-The bap-
tism is to be followed by a weddin' You
see, | come back for that silver of mine.
and of course l couldn't take it without
takln- Mr. Smets paused-"Cordelia.
too" he added softly
Bishop" said Miss Penley, blushing, Il
know you think I'm an old fool"
My dear woman said the bishop, kind
~, Il think you are going to be as happv
as you deserve to be, and I could hardly
wish any one more than that"
Copyright, 190s)