The Penn's Grove record., 1913-03-21

study after having eaten a
lonesome Easter breakfast
and threw himself into a big
chair by the window for a few
moments of quiet before beginning his
strenuous day. He heaved a sigh as
he glanced at the empty chair on the
opposite side-empty save for the
mind picture the young minister was
wont to draw on occasions when the
world would seem well lost for the
possession of n particular woman.
But hat woman had not, as yet, ap'
peared upon the ecclesiastical heart
stone of Rev. Mr.. Davis.
If only some sparkling creature,
all his own, might rush in, arrayed
In the glory of Easter daintiness and
wait with apprehensive eyes for his
approval before taking her place in
a front pew. He knew that, against
all beliefs, he would take her into
his arms and tell her she was his
dream.
There were many fair parishioners
who would gladly have been that
fortunate maid; their inclinations,
however, were restricted to the gifts
which constantly found their way to
the rectory. The wide couch in the
rector's study was a heterogeneous
collection of sofa pillows; the walls
were lined with biblical subjects, evil
IDENTIFY considered the only art ap-
propriate for ministerial eyes Rev.
Mr.. Davis had been the recipient Of
eighteen pairs of slippers and three
house coats.
among his flock for the girl who
might do; she apparently summed her
self in another fold, for she certainly
did not thrive in his pasture.
The choir, which weekly occupied
four seats facing the pulpit, gave
forth to the little church such quar-
tet music as it felt equal to. 1t was
comprised entirely of village talent.
Jimmie Langhorn, the tenor, consid-
cred the world and all it's machina-
lions a joke; If the soprano felt a
jolt in her side when sustaining a
AA6h VI IL was hOIklll6 IlOAO LOt 1Co0
than Jimmie's elbow %prodding her
along. The contralto was a small
maiden to whom the tenor made love
during the darkness of the
the bass singer was also the choir
master.
The soprano, a young matron, and
Jimmie Langhorn were fast friends,
and many a plot against ministerial
bachelordom was Matched between
them. 1t seemed to them a shame
that so good-looking a minister should
remain a bachelor.
So it happened that as Rev. Mr..
Davis bemoaned the singleness of his
own state and others bemoaned it for
him, the god of love entered his study.
His buXom housekeeper was the liter
al bearer, and she offered n to him as
a package, labeled and wrapped in
much tissue paper. Upon being VI
swathed the Easter gift proved to be
a small marble statue of Cupid.
And which of your lambs is it this
timer she asked with motherly in
%terest, and noticing surprise on the
rector's face.
The minister read the card: From
the soprano, Easter greetings"
And her a married woman!"
shifted Mrs. Mallory. It's a wonder
some of them don't offer themselves
as ho~usekeepers!" She made her exit
with high scorn for the susceptible
sex of which she was an humble NOM
Der.
1t certainly seems odd" reflected
Rev. Mr.. Davis, casting a quizzical
glance at the small god of love. Il
had not suspected Mrs. Wade of a
secret attachment-for me-but you
represent a subtle hint Of some kind"
He smiled.
He called up Mrs. Wade. No; she
had not sent it. Her voice, over the