The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-06-06

make" rejoined Mrs. Luton as she
clasped the arm Of her guest, when
we are one in Chris. jesus"
A happy sigh escaped the dele
gate as her hostess ceased speak
ing, but without further words they
mounted the church steps anG Joined
the audience assembled TO hear the
opening address.
During the ensuing days Mrs. Carl
ton had ample evidence that her
hostess, with six growing children
and no maid. had little leisure, yet
had 1t been the reverse she could not
have been made to feel more wei
come by every member of the family
Indeed. all seemed to have the
same spirit as little Daisy, who. on
the eve of her arrival, said II likes
defgates," though an observant per-
son would not have been long in
coming to the conclusion that all had
caught the spirit of the wife and
mother who plainly counted it a priv
ilege to have the delegate under her
roof.
The days were crowded SO full,
however, both for hostess and guest,
that there was little time for more
than commonplace talk, aside from
reports of the meetings, but when
the last day arrived and Mrs. Carl
ton said, in a reluctant tone: az
shall be leaving you this evening""
she was met by the positive excla-
nation:
81 shall not consent to your GO
ing this evening! You need a good
nights rest before you start for
home. Besides, we want one real
visit with you. for you have been
such a faithful delegate that We
have only caught glimpses of you"
And SO insistent was she that Mrs.
Carlton most gladly accepted the in
vitation.
and now for a little chati" ex-
claimed Mrs. Luton, after the even
ing had been enlivened by music and
general conversation, and the family
had scattered for the night, leaving
her alone with the guest.
But first I have a confession to
make" observed Mrs. Carlton ner-
vously, ''for l do not like to leave
without telling you that I am only a
proxy delegate, and not the one who
was first assigned to you
why, is that sou was the sur
prised comment. We'll, l never
would have know the difference if
you hadn't told me, for the card an
nouncing the date of my guests ar
rival was mislaid almost as soon as
| received, and I had given so little
heed to the writer's name that l did
not know the difference when you
introduced yourself; but, be that as
it may, pleace congratulate your So
ciety for me on their choice of a
| proxy for we have enjoyed her ex-
ceedingly!"
"Oh, thank you!" smiled the lit
tie woman, "but when l confess that
Mrs. Carlton as proxy has been a
standing joke in our missionary So
ciety for some time, you may hest
tate to send your message. For,
really, no one took it seriously at the
time of my nomination"
why not, pray tell, when you are
an ideal delegate, to my way of
thinking?"
THAT leads to another confession,
II see,'' rejoined Mrs. Carlton, with
a nervous laugh, land so 1 may as
well admit that my first experience
as a delegate left such unpleasant
memories that I vowed l never would
| again act in that capacity, and my
| determination is so well known
among our ladies that when dele
gate is appointed some one is sure
to suggest me as proxy in laugh
ing way"
"And yet you camel" joined in
Mrs. Luton, with questioning air.
Yes, but under protest, I assure
you, and I am ashamed to tell you
with what fear and trembling" sigh
ed Mrs. Carlton, "but the way of it
| was this-Mrs- Wade, who waste have
been your guest, was taken i'll the
evening before she was to leave, and
as there was no one our president
could prevail upon to take her place
she came to me, urging me to act as
proxy, and would not take No for
an answer. I tried to beg of, tell
| ing her anew of that unpleasant ex-
perience, when I was treated like
veritable intruder, instead OF with
Christian courtesy, and then our tact
full president told what leads to an
other confession, which was how, as
a delegate, she was most royalty en-
tertained by you, several years
ago!"
/ "By mel" here interrupted Mrs.
Luton, in an amazed tone, "do tell
me her manner"
MRS. Webster" was the answer
ooh, am SO glad to come in touch
with her again." cried Mrs. Luton