The Iuka vidette. (Iuka, Miss.) 1894-1912, 1909-04-01


low growl of the organ voice floated
out to his enraptured ears-a clear,
thrilling, triumphant voice, singing
Handlers stirring aria, II Know That
My Redeemer Liveth."
Her voice, by all that Is wonder
full" he muttered, with an eager light
In his eyes. Surely I can't be mis-
taken. 1t must be the Easter lady!'
He sat there with a rapt expression
on his face until the portals of the
church swung open and the congrega-
ton spilled out into the April sun
shine, bringing color and animation to
the scene. He scanned the crowd with
searching glances as it slowly melted
away. The last to leave the church
was the gray-haired rector. and walk
ing by his side as he came down the
walk was a beautiful young woman
Valdean's heart gave bound as he
looked at the girl. She was a dainty,
willowy creature, her face lit up with
bewitching smiles, her dark eyes
sparkling vivaciously under her white
plumed hat.
1T is she" whispered the man In
the automobile. II never saw her in
my life before, but 1 know it is shell"
The rector and his companion came
nearer. They were about to pass the
car when the girl suddenly glanced up
and stopped.
why, this is my car, I believe"
she said blithely to the rector ''I'm
to dine with Mrs. Camperdown, you
know. Good-by, Mr. Roden, and tell
Mrs. Roden l shall see her SOON"
The rector lifted his hat with pro-
found bow and walked on up the vii
lage street, while the girl turned to
Valdean with pretty assurance.
This is the Camperdown car, is it
not?"
In an instant valdean was standing
, on the curb beside her. hat in hand.
"Of course" he said glibly. 1T is
anything you wish. That is-er- Let
me assist you, madam. Take this for
ward seat, please, beside the driver"
The girl was on the step when she
hesitated, looked the car over doubt
fully and turned a half-frightened face
toward Valdean. Her cheeks were
flaming.
Am making mistaken" she fall
tered
Not at all, 1 assure you," he stout
ly protested.
Il am Miss Drummond, you know"
Certainly, madam"
Mrs. Camperdown wrote me that
she would have her automobile wait
ing in front of the church, butt think
Il know she said it would be a. linn
CUISINE"
THE limousine is out of order this
morning." lied valdean cheerfully, as
he gently pushed the girl into seat
and hastily occupied the one beside
her. $50 it had to be this or moth
ing. You will find it just as COM
Portable, think"
He put the car in motion, and it
glided down the street with a soft,
purring sound.
Now" he added. after a pause. "if
you will kindly tell me which way l
am to go"
(which way?" exclaimed the girl
'Why, direct to the Camperdown farm,
of course
YES, of course, but-but haven't
the slightest idea where that is, you
see."
The girl stared at him as if she
doubted his sanity.
Perhaps you will be kind enough
to tell me who you are?" she de-
manded, coldly.
Richard Valdean, at your service.
My father is well-known banker in
the city-Sylvester Valdean, by name.
Possibly you have heard of him.
was out for spin in my machine, and
happened to be in front of the church,
and-and there was no other vehicle
In sight, and-and you couldn't walk,
you know-I could not let you walk"
He choked in his eagerness, and
paused abruptly.
II suppose I ought to be terribly in
dignant," she said, suppressing her
merriment, "but really / cannot be 9TH
erwise than grateful to you for this
kindness. You are very obliging, am
sure. Besides, the mistake was mine
in the beginning Mrs. Camperdown
lives two miles out in the country, and
you are going in the right direction,
Mr.. Valdean." She hesitated a mo-
ment, and then asked: Were you
waiting for anybody at the church,"
Yes, was waiting for you," he re-
piled, simply.
For mel" she exclaimed.
Il heard your voice, you know
heard YOU singing that beautifs Il aria,
and stopped to listen. I knew 1t was
the voice of the Easter lady, and
was waiting there to see you cone
out"
1.-THE Easter LADY,"
You are not wholly unknown to
me, Miss Drummond, although l con-
fess | never saw you until to-day"
said Valdean. slowly. Last Easter I
changed to be at st. Marks church in
the city, and there heard you sing
for the first time. / know 1t was you,
80. 7 could hn w,;cfo1n,, ba