Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-05-25
CHAPTER TX.
BY MARGARET MAYO
1898. BY p0DD. MEAD AT

tue mousse Wneu the W iQOW HU Wnloughby came through tue 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. Elversoa's ice cream. The women ex- plained that they had come to put the finishing touches to the decorations. If anything was needed to increase Mandy's dislike of the widow 1t 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 tod Elverson what to think. They had been talking excitedly as they neared the parson age. for Strong dlsapproved of the re cent changes whi"h the pastor had made In the church service. He and Douglas had clashed more than once since the baseball argument. and the deacon had realized more and more that he had met will quite as strong as his 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 ruffied 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 gayiy to Julia Strong. who was coming through tine gate. then hurried to Mrs. Wilioughby. begging that the children be allowed to remain a little longer, She was making up a new game. she said. and needed Willie and Jennie for the set
 ~Aiy children do not play in promis- cuous games" said the widow icily.
 "Oh. but this isn't pro-pro-pro"- Polly stammered. Its new game You put two here. and two here. and"-
 q don't care to know" The widow turned away and pretended to talk to Julia
 "Oh.r 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. "Walt minute" he said She paused. All eyes were turned upon them. 'Ts this game that grownups can play?'
 "Why. yes. of course"
 Coed. Then I'll make up your set l need little amusement just now Excuse me" be added. turning to the deacons. Then he 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
 "l think It's scandalous. if you are talking to me-" said Miss Perkins. "The idea of full grown parson a-runnin' of to play children's games with circus ridln' girl.'
 "she isn't such a child" sneered Julia.
 "It's enough to make folks talk," put in Mrs. Willoughby. with a sly look at the deacons.
 "An' me awaitin' to discuss the new church service" beloved Strong
 And me awaiting to give him Mrs. Elverson's message" piped Eiverson.
 ''The church bore all this in silence so long as that girl was sick" snapped Miss Perkins. "But now she's perfect ly well and still a-hanging on. No wonder folks are talking"
 Who's taIkin'?' thundered Strong.
 Didn't you knowY" simpered Mrs Willoughby. not knowing herself nor caring so long as the suspicion grew.
 Know what?" yelled the excited deacon. Mrs. Willoughby foundered Miss Perkins rushed into the breach.
 "Well. if l was deacon of this church it seems to me I'd know something about what's going on in It."
 "What Is goin' onY' shrieked the now desperate deacon.
 The women looked at him pityingly. exchanged knowing glances then shook their heads at his hopeless stu pidity.
 Strong was not accustomed to crit icism. He prided himself upon his acuteness and was. above all. vain about his connection with the church. He looked from one woman to the oth- CT. He was seething with helpless rage. The little deacon at his side coughed nervously, Strong's pent-up