The Monticellonian., 1918-01-18
m "a RR "a "a s "a sa na sa k ry l. . CHURCH POLITICS 2. 1.
 n ks A En n By ESTHER vANDEVEER. ss tW En M Ha Ra Tn Ea En wz E- sr Ex
v Es ns Ea ka "a ra BEE sr nx

to his daughter. "I have found a eu- rate to take the place of young Reb- erts, who goes to another field. The man who relieves Roberts Is a Mr. kinsley. who left the seminary only last spring. and has been much sought after since, because he promises to be q shining mark in the profession. 1 nm indebted 10 the bishop for securing him as my assistant You know my dear that l am not as strong as form erly, and this young man can be in- trusted with great deal of my work. would not like to lose him through any-well-"
 All right papa dear" said Kit, put ting her arms around her fathers neck, T promise you to let Mr. Kins- ley alone"
 This was promising q great deal, for Mir. Roberts vas the third curate who had fallen in love with Kathryn Ire vor, and when refused by her had con sidered it necessary to seek another field.
 'Very well. my dear" replied the rector to his daughters promise; "if Kinsley falls in love with you and pro- poses I shall expect you to accept him."
 Kathryn made no reply to this. Her confidence in herself was not of the strongest. She loved her father and was anxious that he should be re- lieved of his arduous duties; she in- tended to give the new curate q wide berth.
 The new curate fulfilled in every re- spect what was expected of him. He spoke without notes, and this enabled him, to lead his congregation readily in the many things outside his ser mons that are required of clergyman. What he said and did was always to the point. As to relieving the rector it was not long before he was able to do almost anything required of his supe- rior better than that superior himself. The day after he entered upon his du- ties Kathryn went upon three months visit to a friend living in n distant city. Those of the eengrega- tion who knew the real reason of her fathers not being able to keep q eu- rate were very much pleased at her conduct in keeping out of Mir. Kins- leys way How noble of heri. said Mrs. Ballinger to Mrs. Smythe. "Splen- did" was the reply. And how nice for poor Mir Trevor, whose health Is so poor!"
 ''Beautiful n rejolned Mrs. Ballinger.
 The third Sunday after Mr. KinsIey assumed his duties, the rector was i'll. and the curate conducted the services and preached. Mrs. Baliinger and Mrs. Smythe walked home from church to- gether. "What n beautiful sermonf' remarked the former.
 "He's horn orator!' was the reply. Hen be our dear rector's successor"
 Indeed he will, and the sooner he takes the first place the better 1t will be for the parish"
 Mir. Kinsley continued in such favor that within sixty days after he began to officiate as rector Mrs. Smythe. who ran the affairs of the congregation, had her plans laid for getting rid of the rector and putting the eurate in his place. The only difficulty In her way was that the congregation loved the old doctor. and never would have dreamed of putting him aside had it not been suggested by Mrs. Smythe. As 1t was. the lady engineered the mat ter so well that all was ripe for hint ing to the rector that his resignation would be acceptable to some persons In the congregation. |
 One day Kathryn appeared at home having cut short her visit d month. Coming out of church the Sunday af- ter her arrival, she saluted Mrs. Smythe:
 "How lovely" said the latter, that your dear father has such q prop fin his old age"
 Tt is indeed; hear the new curate will now get some rest''
 Kathryn had been at home month. The curate had called upon her on her return, and that was all. Her father supposed he had every reason to be satisfied with her behavior towards his assistant but he was not thinking of
 
 there was a movement on foot to dis place him. He was much worried, but said nothing to his daughter about the matter.
 One morning the postman called at the reetory as usual at breakfast time and among the letters he left were two of importance. The doctor opened the first and looked with surprise and sus- picion at his daughter. It was the cu- rates resignation. However, the old man said nothing, but turned to the other letter. IL informed him that certain wealthy members of the con- gregation who were relied on to keep up the church were in favor of putting the curate in his place. His resigna- ton would be financial benefit to the church.
 The doctor laid down both letters and again looked at his daughter, who was meellly eating muffin.
 Kathryn" he said kindly, q hope you have had nothing to do with Mir. kinsley's resignation. You know you promised me"
 ''Yes, papa. but I heard that Mrs. Smythe was going to put him in your place"
 She sat beside her father. He drew her to him and kissed her.