The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1911-11-08


was whipped off as Darina opened the
door. He did not carry bag nor
bundle. but Darina did not doubt that
somewhere concealed about his person
was u capacious pocket that would
hold innumerable samples of something
salable-probably subscription books.
Good morning" he said pleasantly
and in very businesslike manner.
rs Miss Charity Decker at homer"
mo" she said coldly.
"Ah," he said In disappointed tone.
Then. unbuttoning his coat, he thrust
gloved hand into an inner pocket.
II wonder If you he was beginning
when Darina interrupted him coolly.
1--WE don't wish to buy a dictionary.
thank you"
His hand dropped to his side, and he
flushed redly. II beg your pardon
he was beginning when Darina's voice,
a little sharper this time. brought Are
to his brown eyes.
"Or history of the world or rem
iniscences of anybody" said Darina
heartlessly.
Pm not canvassing for books" he
said grimly.
Nor patent mousetrap or a carpet
beater or fancy note paper" continued
Darina recklessly. We've got fold
ing sewing table that turns into a
chair
do l look as If l had folding
sewing table concealed about mel? he
demanded scornfully, yet with smile
back of the glitter in his eyes.
We've got bread mixer and pat
ent washer and freezer
Pray spare me the inventory of
your household goods" he said cut
tingly. Il may as well tell you as
rapidly as can that
"And we don't want to purchase
any fruit trees or shrubs this year"
ended Darina breathlessly and rather
frightened at her own lack Of cuur-
tesy.
"All of which is very interesting,
madam; but, as a matter of fact, Mr..
Joseph Decker of Greenvile asked
me to stop here for his sister, Miss
Charity, and drive her over to his
place. There! That's why Pm here"
he calculated, in relieved tone.
Darina's floury little hands flew up
to her reddening cheeks, "Oh. | am
so sorry! What have 1 said?' she fal-
tered. MY aunt went to Greenville
by train. She left about an hour ago
in the station stage"
Then l may as well drive along"
he said, replacing his cap and turning
away, his glance lingering in trou-
bed way on Darina's sweet, fearful
face. You mustn't disturb yourself
over that. You see, was so slow
about explaining who l was that no
wonder you thought l was a canvass
er of some sort. 1 suppose you're both
cred to death with them
I'VE are" said Darina fervently, and
i'll a few words she told him Of Aunt
Charitys last admonition and also Of
her experience that morning. II think
the brush man scattered my last atom
of patience" she explained.
II don't WONDER" he consoled her.
Il believe the same fellow called at
the parsonage the other day and
THE parsonager echoed Darina
Then you must be Mr.. Fleck, the
new minister at Greenville."
Il am" he smiled, barring his head
again. II believe there is some sort
Of donation party going on for me
tonight, and my sister, who keeps
house for me, advised me to keep out
of the way. That is how happened TO
call for Miss Decker"
1T was very kind of you, indeed, and
l am ashamed of the reception l gave
you" said Darina. Just as he was
passing through the gate to enter the
little cutter that awaited him Darina
remembered the red mark on the gate
post. Perhaps Mr.. Fleck could reas-
sure her as to its meaning She recol-
lected hearing Miss Charity say that
he had been missionary.
Instantly she was in the gateway
explaining her fears. The minister
looked at the rude character closely,
thought for a moment, and then a
smile broke over his face. II was
connected with a mission in Syria for
year, and learned something of the
language, This merely says it is the
house of avarice and merchants will
do well to pass 1t by. 1t is too bad
that it is not written in plain English
so all your obnoxious agents might be
discouraged"
Darina watched him drive away
over the sparkling crust Of snow, con-
scious that her heart had thrilled
strangely at the clear, compelling
glance of his brown eyes She went
back to her baking quite cured of her
i'll humor and humming softly under
her breath.
The next day when Miss Charity re-
turned home and had evolved from her
voluminous wrappings into a very
small thin old lady she related with
much animation the events of the
evening before.
"It was the incest donation party |
ever went to, Darina, and | like that
| l,s az