The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-26
THE EVENING STORY
An Easter onering.

The Rev. Milton Davis entered his
study after having eaten a lonesome
Easter breakfast and threw himself
into big chair by the window for a
| few moments of quiet before begin
| ming his strenuous day. He heaved a
! sigh as he glanced at the empty chair
on the opposite side-empty save for
! the mind picture the young minister
was wont to draw on occasions when
the world would seem well lost for the
possession of one particular woman.
| But that woman had not. as yet, ap-
peared upon the ecclesiastical heart
| stone of the Rev. Mr.. Davis.
II only some sparkling creature. all
his own, might rush in, arrayed In the
glory of Easter daintiness and wait
with apprehensive eyes for his approval
| before taking her place in a front pew.
He knew that, against all beliefs. he
would take her into his arms and tell
her she was his dream
There were many fair parishioners
who would gladly have been that for
tunate maid; their inc1inations, how
ever, were restricted to the gifts which
constantly found thier way to the rec
tory. The wide couch in the rector's
study was a heterogeneous collection
of sofa pillows; the walls were lined
with Biblical subjects evidently con-
sidered the only art appropriate for
ministerial eyes. The Rev. Mr.. Davis
had been the recipient of eighteen pairs
of slippers and three house coats.
In his turn. he sought diligently
among his flock for the girl who might
do; she apparently summed herself in
another fold, for she certainly did not
thrive in his pasture.
The choir, which weekly occupied
four seats facing the pulpit, gave forth
to the little church such quartet music
as it felt equal to. 1t was comprised
entirely of village talent. Jimmie
Langhorn, the tenor, considered the
world and all its Vaccinations a joke;
if the soprano felt jolt in her side
when sustaining high G 1t was moth
ing more nor less than Jimmie's elbow
prodding her .long. The contralto was
small maiden to whom the tenor
made love during the darkness of the
sermon; the bass singer was also the
choirmaster.
The soprano. young matron, and
and many plot against ministerial
bachelordom was Matched between
them. It seemed to them shame that
so good looking a minister should re-
main a bachelor.
So it happened that as the Rev. Mr..
Davis bemoaned the singleness of his
own state and others bemoaned it for
him, the god of love entered his study.
His buxom housekeeper was the literal
bearer, and she offered it to him as a
package, labeled and wrapped in much
tissue paper. Upon being unswathed
the Easter gift proved to be a small
marble statue of Cupid.
"And which of your lambs is it this
timer" she asked with motherly in
terest, and noticing surprise on the
rector's face.
The minister read the card: From
the soprano, Easter greetings"
And her a married woman"
sniffed Mrs Mallory. sfIt's a wonder
some of them don't offer themselves
with high scorn for the susceptible
sex of which she was humble mem
Der.
'Tt certainly seems odd" reflected
the Rev. Mr.. Davis. casting quiz
zical glance at the small god of love.
ct had not suspected Mrs. Wade of
a secret attachment-for me-but you
present subtle hint of some kind
He smiled.
He called UP Mrs. Wade. No; she
had not sent it. Her voice. over the
phone. sounded more or less indignant
at the idea.
The Rev. Mr.. Davis prepared for his
Easter service and dismissed the
thought of the mysterious gift.
The door leading to the chance1
faced the choir. AS the minister en-
tered, his eyes lifted a moment and
met those of a girl who occupied the
sopranos usual place in the choir. and
for moment he had apprehensions.
Was it possible that the Easter music,
after all the careful preparation, was
to be sung by a substitute stran-
ger? Where was Mrs. Wade?
But as the service progressed the
minister realized that his fears were
groundless And that was not all-he
was keenly conscious of the presence
Of the new soprano.
After service. while he stood shak- |
ing hands with his departing parish |
toner's, according to his usual custom, |
he anticipated with unusual pleasure, |
his meeting with the girl who had so |
graciously assisted the choir. He was
anxious to congratulate her and thank |
her.
DIR. Davis" said the voice Of Jim
mie Langhorn at his side, ST want to |
present you to this sister of mine.
Muriel, our rector, DR.. Davis he said
turning to the girl ''She cried to be
allowed to sing in our choir. SO we
cold, you know. and was glad of an |
opportunity to be excused. Sis, here, |
has just returned from Germany and |
was anxious to try her WINGS Jim |
mie Langhorn joked even with the
minister.
Muriel cast an indignant glance at |
her brother as her hand met that of |
the minister, ut isn't so, DR.. Davis" |
she said with mounting color, for the |
young minister's gray eyes had not |
once left her face. He and Mrs. Wade
made dire threats until I consented"
For which they deserve a gold med
al" affirmed the dominic.
"Don't!" exclaimed Jimmie. stShe is |
conceited enough now. between her
voice and her collection of statuaryi"
''Statuary!" INQUIRED the minister.
Then perhaps I can thank you. Miss
Langhorn, for the dainty bit I receiv-
ed this morning?"
Jimmie became suddenly interested
in the arrangement of the music for
the evening service
Pm sorry" laughed MurieI but I
happen not to be the guilty party.
Some one sent me Easter greetings
in the form of a little marble god of
love; and have already fnsuhed Mrs.