The Delta independent., 1913-04-25

moved to Boston that summer The,
never came back to Trumet to live
Annabel remained single until aftel
her fathers death; then she married
man very much younger and poorer
than she was. II was remarked by &C
quaintances OF the couple that the DIFF
ference in age became less and lesl
apparent as their married life con
tinued.
On Sunday morning. a few weekl
after the committee meeting. the Reg
ular church was crowded. John Ell
lery was to preach his first sermon
since the San Jose came ashore. Ev
cry member OF the congregation was
present. Even Mrs. Prince. feeble
but garrulous, was there. Gaius
Winslow, having delivered his brood
of children at the church door, made
a special trip in his carryall to fetch
the old lady. Captain Zebedee and
Mrs. Mayo beamed from their pew
DR.. Parker and his wife smiled al
them across the aisle. Didama Rogers
new bonnet was a work OF art and
her neck threatened to twist itself Oh
as she turned to see each one who
came in.
She was dressed In a new black al
paca which rustled go very much like
silk that nearsighted people might
have been deceived by 1t. With her
was a man. apparently suffering from
strangulation because Of the heigh,
and tightness OF his collar. Its Ca
leb Pratt, from Sandwich" whispered
Didama. Thankful Payne's relation
you know Have you heard what folks
are sayin'? guess it's true, because
- Look at Ryan! you'd think he was
goin' to his own funeral.
There was a stir at the door. All
heads swung in that direction-alI
but Mr.. Peppers. that is. The minis.
ter and Grace were coming up the
aisle and behind them came Captain
Nat Hammond and Keziah Cofin. Nat
was smiling and self-possessed. New.
er before in his life had he entered
the Regular meeting house as a
worshiper, but he seemed to be bear
Ing the ordeal bravely. 1t was Grace's
first visit to the church. also. and she
was plainly embarrassed. To be stared
at by eighty-odd pairs of eyes, and TO
catch whispered comments from the
starers' tongues, is likely to embar.
rass one.
Yet the comments were all friendly.
Il declarei" whispered Mrs. Prince,
II never see her look SO pretty afore.
| knew she was the best lookin' girl
in this town, but l never realized she
was such a beauty. Well, there's
one thing sartin-we've got the hand
soonest parson and parsons wife in
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
ther"
The minister went up the stairs to
the pulpit. He was still white and
thin. but his eyes were bright and bis
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 1t 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, II 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
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 trueet friends a man
could hope to find-yes. and more
than friends. II / live, and while l
live. shall hope to prove by the best
effort that is in me my realization Of
the great debt owe you and my de-
ment must, OF necessity, be SO inade-
Quate. God bless you all-and thank
You" ss~1fas~Asss--~.--+-
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 probly
want you to That is, We want you to
be the one"
Yes, Miss Pepper?"
"Oh, my sakes. you see 'Bishy
dear, come here a minute. won't you?"
Ryan approached the picture OF
desolation.
What do you want?" he asked gruf.
fly.
Heavens to Betsy! Don't look Sc
sour. body'd think you was goin'
to be hung. to look at you. 'Bishy. you
= III AZ U-l1aru oil about fbara'a a