Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-05-01

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The superintendent wife knocked
on the study door to announce that
Brother Brown wished to speak to him.
Sorry, to interrupt you, Elder he said i see
you busy.
TO tell you the truth. I'm rather glad of
Interruption for I've struck a snag in my course
This task Of sorting out preachers, and rearranging
them the map of the district isn't all childs play
l must give the Bishop some idea as to where the
will fit, and what changes are necessary. 1t
isn't easy task"
Especially as some OF 'cm don't fit anywhere"
suggested Brown
The superintendent smiled, his eyes wandering
BY the way said Brown, as if it had Just
CURED to him, what you going to do with
Consi"
You've run into my snag, Brother" answered
the superintendent hunorously. There was sug
gcston of twinkle in his eye as he went on: II
thought of sending him back to Brownstown." In
spite of the twinkle, he watched Brown closely to
the effect of his words.
That's just what I've to tell you not to do
replied Brown, with decision. THE church will go
but fossils go to hear him preach as it is. I don't
see how his own wife can keep awake under his ser
mons. They are so cut-and-dried that they need
sprinltng to keep down the dust
The twinkle reappearcd in the superintendent
eye
collins is good man" he said, soothingy.
"Hc may be good, but he's human. don't
believe he ever spoke word OF sympathy, in his
lifc and when he makes calls on the church folks,
that inhabitant OF another world has wandered
in for few moments, and is anxious to get away.
lie 5
for his sermons. l could forgive their being faulty
if there any feeling in Them but there isn't
He is in the conference and will have to be sent
some place The superintendent spoke more
himself than to Brown.
Send him to--T was about to say Halifax but
believe tlindustan would be better place., sug-
The superintendent laughed in spite of his anxiety,
but Brown followed up the idea in earnest 9.
"Why not send him there he argued Collins
is no good, IIindustan is no good. Why not count
eract with the other?'
"Youve forgotten important factor in this al
fair, remarked the superintendent. quietly, you've
forgotten Collins wife"
81 had forgotten her" admitted Brown But our
people don take to her much more than they do to
Collins. They have the feeling that her chief
Germ is advancing Collins though it is not clear how
she can bring it about. Wonder how she keeps up
appearances the way she does. The people were so
put out Collins being back last year that
they have not Raid more than halt OF his not over
sometimes wonder il they have anything to eat
Rather lightweight stuff, she ISL fancy"
superintendent gravely. 81 knew Annette Collins
when she was girl She the belle Of the COM
munty and leader of everything Its always been
He was predisposed to the ministry when she mar
tied him. and she at once set about helping him
carry out his wishes While he took the theological
in Graymont. she kept boarders. and prac-
ical!y supported them both, Collins, of course help
ing her, S, She was always an ambitious soul, and
solved to make preacher Of Collins, and she GER
tainly did her best, whatever the outcome may be:
l
Brown, rising to co.; but don't see anything for
II except Hindustan."
The next morning the superintendent entered his
ing OF desperation. The superintendent picked up his
pen write down the fateul word opposite Collins
name when there was interruption in the shape of
Mrs. Collins herself.
Il wanted Robert to come instead of me-" she
announced in her animated fashion; but he wouldn't
consent | came to ask where you are going to
send us next year"
The superintendent wondered how often he was
to be plloricd with that question. The sensation
it gave him was like that experienced when, as a
boy. an icclc had been slipped down his back.
you see its this way she went on with the
prlish eagcrness she might have displayed in plan
ming for a party. Mr.. Collins has been preaching
for several years, now, and think he ought to have
a promotion. He has studied very hard, and has no
end of sermons written It's awfully hard to get
along at Brownsown.
See this dress?" She jumped up. 1--WE made it
over three times
IT'S very pretty dress stammered the supern-
tcnden with genuine admiration.
But | can't make it forever, YOU know.
We made most everything over, either for Mary
Louise or me: and we We run out | won't keep you
longer. | only wanted to bring this matter to your
attention. OF course, you see we can't go back to
NO" repeated the superintendent dazedly; you
can't so back to Brownstown."
Il suppose ! was coward the superintendent
acknowledged to himself when she was gone; but
how could tell her that her husband was blank
failure, il she can't see it herself: The word TAIL
urc' is not in her dictionary
What to do with Collins was the question that
haunted most of the superintendent waking hours
and some OF his dreams for the next three days
lie could not force himself TO look at the blank
space opposite Collins name after the visit o
Collins wife At the end OF that time, Mrs. Col
Inns came again.
Il came to see you about the matter were
discussing few days ago" She hesitatcd. and the
superintendent felt another cice slip down his back
"I--Iyc learned something. since then was IN
, one Of the small Of the church one night
, looking for book. ! sat down to hunt for song
when committee OF women met there. They did
not see me, ! did not mean to listen; but they
talked of--Robcrt; and when they talked, under
stood-at last was silly thing when married
10 know all about the church doctrine all tina
was necessary for preacher, | have always beer
success ,iul in everything undertook and was am
l bilious for Robert | always managed things a
home aud folks were willing to FOLLOW my lead
1 Robert thought me very clever because | was usec
10 MANAGING people and he wos not H telews'
D MY lead Ike The rest J new whsts Led hi,s
don't know what you must think OF DC an