The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1911-10-19

! Iuf cap that rested 0n his dark head
was whipped of as Darina opened the
door. He did not carry a bag nor Il
bundle. but Darina did not doubt that
somewhere concealed about his person
was eapacious pocket that would
hold innumerable samples of something
salable-pr0bably subscription books.
Good morning" he said pleasantly
and In very businesslike manner.
lis Miss Charity Decker at homer
No" she said coldly.
"Ah.' he said In disappointed tone.
Then. unbuttoning his coat. he thrust
a gloved hand into an inner pocket.
II wonder II you he was beginning
when Darina interrupted him coolly.
We don't wish TO buy dictionary.
thank you.
His hand dropped TO his side. and he
flushed redly. Il beg your pardon
he was beginning when Darina voice.
a little sharper this time, brought fire
| to his brown eyes.
''0r history Of the world or rem.
iniscences OF anybody" said Darina
heartiessly.
Pm not canvassing for books" he
said grimly.
Nor patent mousetrap or a carpet
beater or fancy note paper" continued
Darina reckiessy. We've got fold
ing sewing table that turns into a
chair
do | look as II | had a folding
sewing table concealed about mef" he
demanded seornfully, yet with a 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" be said cut
tingly. 81 may as well tell you as
rapidly as l 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 cour-
tesy.
"All of which is very interesting.
madam; but, as a matter of fact, Mr.
Joseph Decker OF Greenyllle asked
me to stop here FOR his sister. Miss
Charity, and drive her over to his
place. There! That's why I'm here~
he calculated, in relieved tone
Darina's foury little hands flew up
to her reddening cheeks "Oh, | am
so sorry! What have said2" she fal-
tered. My aunt went TO Greenville
by train. She left about an hour ago
In the station stage"
Then l may as we'll drive along"
he said, replacing his cap and turning
away, his glance lingering in trou-
bled way on Darina's sweet, fearful
face "You mustn't disturb yourself
| over that. You see, | was SO slow
about explaining who was that no
wonder you thought | was canvass
er of some sort. | suppose you're both
cred to death with them
| I'VE are" said Darina fervently, and
IN few words she told him of Aunt
|
her experience that morning. Il think
the brush man scattered my last atom
of patience" she explained.
II don't WONDER" he consoled her.
II 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 Greenyile"
Il am" be smiled. barring his head
again. Il 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"
lit 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 moment, and then
smile broke over his face. Il was
| connected with mission In Syria for
a year, and learned something of the
language. This merely says 1t is the
house of avarice and merchants will
do we'll to pass II by. 1t Is too bad
that 1t Is not written In plain English
so all your obnoxious agents might be
discouraged.
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
Ill humor and cumming softly under
her breath.
The next day when Miss Charity re-
turned home and had evolved from her
voluminous wrappings into very
small thin old lady she related with
much animation the events of che
evening before.
1T was the incest donation party
ever went to, Darina, and l like that
young minister Why. the first thing
I'd got there be singled me out and
told me about coming here and asked
all sorts of questions about us. He's
coming to call, and | say it's very
kind and attentive, because Little
River is out OF his parish, They're
going to have sociable at the church
next week. and your Uncle Joe says
be wants us both 10 come over for 1t.
Don't you want to go?" Miss Charity
beamed proudly a her pretty niece.
Eyes. indeed" said Darlna demurely,
with happy light In her blue eyes
Miss Charity shot keen glance at
a. II. "a