The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1913-04-25

lON W uio COhBlSBdtAOu TIC ApCFSANAu
Potter, without the slightest sign Of
nervousness, took charge of the serv-
ice as if he had been accustomed to
facing that particular sea of faces
for years. As a result his popularity
was assured from that moment.
Briggsyille was almost sinfully
proud Of its clever, handsome, genial
pastor. He chummed with Arnold
Young and Jared Bolton, while
Squire Wilson learned to love him
as if he were his own son.
Among the four lovely spinsters he
impartially divided his attentions,
~escorting Sarah Horton to the con
certs at Winterton, accompanying
Martha Hill on her sketching expe-
ditions, helping Anne Morrison in
her efforts to help those less fortu-
nate than herself, and visiting the
school where Janet Peabody was the
presiding genius.
In this manner a year passed, and
David Potter suddenly realized the
fact that he would like a helpmate,
and was confronted with the serious
problem Of whom to choose. He ad-
mired each one Of the four for some
particular charm, and since it was
impossible to blend those attributes
in one maiden he was miserable, and
decided to ask divine help in select
ing the proper wife. He prayed for
a sign by which he was to know the
favored Of the Lord.
The next afternoon found him al
Anne Morrison's, and as usual she
was planning to assist several fami-
lies to educate their children at the
state normal school, and he thought
what a help she would be in his work.
Surely heaven would approve Of this
noble woman; but no "fery pillar"
appeared to guide him.
Then David called upon Martha
Hill, who was in the studio painting
the most wonderful picture of an
apple orchard in spring. As he
watched her deft fingers guiding the
brush to realistically reproduce ma
lures beauty, he marveIed and hoped
that the sign would appear; but the
miracle was withheld, and so he
passed on to Sarah Horizons.
Before he reached the door the in
spring strains of Handles "Mes-
siah" greeted his approach. The
little maid-of-all-work told him to
walk right ill.," so he sat quietly,
not disturbing the performer with
a knowledge of his presence, until
the last note ceased to vibrate. Miss
Horizons music always had a calm
ing influence; he felt at peace with
the world, and could "sit enraptured
for hours beneath the soothing infu-
ence of her melodies" Surely she
must be the one God intended for
his mate; but the sign appeared not.
School was over at four, and Janet
Peabody came home escorted by six
adoring pupils. She felt especially
happy, and resented the fact that be-
cause she vas thirty-fve and unmar-
ried BriggSville demanded her to as
sumo a matronly dignity and wear
dull gray, brown or blue, and sup
press her youthful spirits.
Running upstairs, she obeyed a
sudden impulse to don a pretty pink
sprigged dimity she had worn years
ago, and stood before the mirror ad-
miring the pretty reflection, and
then there came a knock on the door
and she opened it to discover David
When each had recovered a natural
poise she invited him in.
During her conversation the pas
tor received the longed-for sign.
Love entered his heart, and he knew
hat Janet was the chosen one.
Manfully he told her of his
prayer and Of his afternoon visits,
ending: 81 have had my sign; l have
seen a vision and know you are mine
by divine appointment. God is love
and has manifested his presence to
me as to the prophets of old, Janet,
will you marry me?"
Janet did wed the pastor, and
Briggsville will tell its descendants
for years to come of the lovely we'd
ding, for at the same time Jared Boil
ton married Sarah Horton and Ar
mold Young Anne Horrison.-Buf-
falo Express.