Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1913-04-25

Nat Hammond and Keziah Coffin. Ma
was smiling and self-possessed. New
er before in his life had he entereC
the Regular meeting house as
worshiper, but he seemed to be bear
ing the ordeal bravely. 1t was Grace
first visit to the church, also, and she
was plainly embarrassed. To be stared
at by eighty-odd pairs of eyes, and t.
catch whispered comments from the
starers' tongues, is likely to embar
rass one.
Yet the comments we're all friendly
Il declared" whispered Mrs. Prince
II never see her look so pretty afore
| knew she was the best lookin' CIR
in this town, but / never realized she
was such a beauty. Well, there's
one thing sartin'-we've got the hand
soonest parson and parsons wife IL
this county, by about ten mile and
four rows of apple trees. And there's
the other bride that's goin' to be.
never see Keziah look so well mel
Their"
The minister went up the stairs t
the pulpit. He was still white and
thin, but his eyes were bright and his
voice clear. He gave the opening
hymn and the service began.
They said it was the finest sermon
ever preached in that church, and per
haps it was. When it was over be
fore the benediction was pronounced
Ellery stepped out from behind the
pulpit to the edge of the platform. He
looked over the friendly faces up
turned to his and. for an instant, II
seemed that he could not trust him.
self to speak.
my friends" he said, Il cannot let
you go without a personal word |
owe you so much, all of you. that moth
ing can say will convey to you my
feeling of gratitude and love for this
congregation and this church. You
have stood by me all through. You
trusted me and believed in me. |
came to Trumet a stranger. | have
found here the truest friends a man
could hope to find-yes, and more
than friends. II / live, and while |
live, l shall hope to prove by the best
effort that is in me my realization of
the great debt owe you and my de-
sire to repay it, even though the pay
ment must. of necessity, be so made
quate. God bless you all-and thank
you"
There was much hand shaking and
congratulation and the church emp
tied slowly. Among the last to leave
were the Peppers and Mr.. Pratt.
Lavinia took the minister aside.
"Mr. Ellery," she simpered, I've
that is, Caleb and me-will prob1y
want you to That is, We want you to
be the one"
Eyes, Miss Pepper"
"Oh, my sakes, you see 'Blshy
dear, come here a minute, won't your"
Ryan approached-the picture Of
desolation.
What do you want?" he asked gruf-
fly.
Heavens to Betsy! Don't look so
sour. A body'd think you was goin'
to be hung, to look at you. 'Bishy, you
tell Mr.. Ellery all about it. there's
dear. He'll tell you, Mr.. Ellery; and
We count on you. Neither
me nor Caleb won't have nobody else"
She seized Mr.. Pratt by the arm
and led him hastily away. Ryan
looked after them.
"Hung?" he muttered IT wish, by
godfreys mighty, had the hangin' of
some folks! I'd put a tighter collar
on 'em than they've got now, l bet
youi"
The minister's lips twitched. He
knew what was coming. Hints of a
surprising nature had been circulating
about Trumet.
What's the matter, Mr.. Pepper"
he asked.
Matter? Matter enough! You know
what she's goin' to do? She's goin
% marry that"
The last word was emphasized by
/ furious gesticulation toward the
back of the gentleman from Sandwich.
Who? Mr.. Pratt? Is your sister
% marry him? Indeed! l congratu-
ate them both-and you. / suppose
Mr.. Pratt will take his bride home
o Sandwich, and you, being here
llone, will be more free"
Free" Ryan repeated the word
vratbfully. Free! I'll be about as
rec as a settin' hen under a barrel,
will. Is Teller free when he's got
wo pickin' at him instead Of one? II
bought l was goin' to have a little
'eace and comfort; l thought that
anne as you, Mr.. Ellery. I've had my
uspicions as to her and him for some
ime. That day when | cal'lated I'd
ocked her up and come back to find
he's gone buggy ridin', | thought
twas queer. When she went to con-
erence and left me alone | smelt a
at. When she took to letter writin'
he smell got stronger; until the last
ew weeks I've been sartin Of the
anne she was up to. When Laviny
ONE to me and told me what she was
DIN to do, was l obstinate? Did I |
tand on my rights as head Of the |
amily and tell her she couldn't do
!? No, stree, l didn't was re-
igned. Bless you, Laviny,' says /. |
When you goin' to go awayr And |
hat do you s'pose she says to me?
Why, that she want goin' away at all. |
hat-that Pratt thing has sold out
is shoe store up to Sandwich and is
omin' here to live. Comm to live