The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-03-21

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AZ lonesome Easter breakfast
and threw himself into big
chair by the window for 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 we'll lost for the
possession of one particular woman.
But that woman had not, as yet, APP
peared upon the ecclesiastical heart
stone of Rev. Mr.. Davis.
There were many fair Pensioners
who would gladly have been that
fortunate maid; their inclinations,
however. we're 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.
In his turn, he sought diligently
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 1t felt equal to. 1t was
comprised entirely of village talent.
Jimmie Langhorn, the tenor, consid-
cred the world and all its machina-
lions a Joke; If the soprano felt a
jolt in her side when sustaining a
high G 1t was nothing more nor less
than Jimmie's elbow prodding her
along. The contralto was a small
maiden to whom the tenor made love
during the darkness of the sermon;
the bass singer was also the choir
master.
The soprano, 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 bachelor.
So 1t 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 1t to him as
package, labeled and wrapped in
much tissue paper. Upon being I'M
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 womanI"
shifted Mrs. Mallory. Its a wonder
some Of them don't offer themselves
as housekeepers!" She made her exit
with high scorn for the susceptible
sex of which she was an humble mem.
ber
1t certainly seems odd," reflected
Rev. Mr.. Davis, casting a quizzical
glance at the small god of love. 81
had not suspected Mrs. Wade of a
secret attachment-for me--but Won
represent subtle hint Of some kind"
He smiled
He called up Mrs. Wade. No: she
had not sent 1t. Her voice. over the
phone, sounded more or less indig-
nant at the idea.
Rev. Mr.. Davis prepared for his
Easter service and dismissed the
thought Of the mysterious gift.
The door leading to the chanceI
faced the choir. AS the minister en-.
tered, his eyes lifted a moment and
met those of a girl who occupied the
sopranos usual place in the choir.
and for moment he had apprehen-
sions. Was It possible that the Easter
music, after all the careful prepare
ton, was to be sung by the substitute
"a stranger? Where was Mrs. Wade?
But as the service progressed the
minister realized that his fears were
groundless. And that was not all
he was keenly conscious of the pres
ence Of the new soprano.
After service. while he stood shak-
ing hands with his departing parish
toner's. according to his usual custom,
he anticipated with unusual pleasure
his meeting with the girl who had
30 graciously assisted the choir. He
was anxious TO congratulate her and
thank her.