The daily Alaskan., 1914-06-12

with her lU the other cases, for the men were not talented and could easily be replaced. But here was a wonder who, when they lost him, could not he replaced. Indeed, there was not a member of the congregation but feared that at any moment he would receive a call elsewhere at a far higher salary than they were paying or could afford to pay him Should Triyie Severance be allowed to deprive them of their prize?
 An informal meeting of those who understood the matter was held at the house of Mrs. Deacon Stoncman, wherein it was discussed, and the re- suit of the conference was that the deaconess should request her husband to go to Deacon Severance and ask him to warn his daughter to keep hands off the new minister. Deacon StOneman called on Deacon Severance, and the two were closeted together for the space of half Ag hour. Then the visitor withdrew, and Deacon Stouem0u called BeatriX into the room. closed the door and informed Der of the subject of the recent interview.
 Papa" said TrjXie, "what do you wish me to do%"
 Nothing so far us Mir. Ridgcly is concerned"
 "What does the congregation wish me to do? Have they mentioned any especial act | have committed with reference to Mir. RidgcIy that they ob- ject tOY
 "I don't know that they have"
 Well, you may tell them for me that Mir. Ridgely had best be let alone with reference to his treatment of me and l had best be let alone with refer ence to my treatment of him."
 This ended the conference between father and daughter What report he made to those who had taken it upon themselves to udmouisb Bcatriy through him was not known, but it was probably not very satisfactory, for the feeling against tGe siren iu- creased, and it was not long before she began to get the cold shoulder from certain members of the cougreGa- ton. One thing was uotlceaJlo-tle relations, so far as they appeared be- tween her and Mir. RidGcIv. were by no means changed by the fact of her admouition.
 One day Mrs. Hardness met Mrs. Gooding on the street. and the two ladies stopped for a chat.
 Have you heard the news about our pastorT' asked the former
 ''No What is it."
 "He's had a call,"
 CT knew it! It's all that minZ TriZte Se7erance's fault She's driven him out as she has driven out the others"
 "He hasn't accepted 1t yet
 "But he will. Do you know what sal ary goes with it?"
 ''They say 1t is double what we are paying"
 "Then he's sure to go.'
 The news spread that the church's idol had received a call, and it was gen eralIy conceded that 1t was preliminary to bis leaving the place on account of having received a refusal from Beatriy Severance. Then 1t began to be known that in his new field he would receive double the salary be was paid by the First church. Meanwhile the feeling of antagonIsm toward Trixie was growing like a rolling snowbalL Some even sug- gested that in the event of their losing their pastor she be brought up before the church and tried for unseemIy con- duct. But the absurdity of such a course was apparent when some one asked in what form the charges would be made.
 One Sunday, after reading the usual notices, Mr. Ridgely said that since it had become generally known that he had received a call he would say that be had declined it and would remain with the First church.
 Great was the astonislmenr at this announcement What did 1t me0ut Was the man crazy to refuse a salary Of S1,2OO when he was getting only S6OO? Those who understood Miss Ser- erance's part, or her supposed part in these pastoral affairs looked at her lu- Quiringly. Her face was as passive, as uninteligible as usual
 The only person in the congregation who could give a satisfactory cXplaua- ton of the matter was Mrs. Goodiug, who said 1t was so plain she couldn't understand why everybody couldn't see 1t. Triyie had so bewitched the pastor that rather than leave her he had given up an additional $G00 a year. This view commended itself to others, and the impression gained ground that the minister's departure was only deferred Miss Severance was playing him as cat would play a mouse. Before long he would depart, call or no call.
 Meanwhile the power of the young clergyman for good was becoming known elsewhere, and calls began to pour in thick and fast. Mr. RidgeIy did not speak of them himself; they leaked out through those who gave 4NaUo TTa Ta1lfnaI +H171 rTI