Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1919-10-28
and
a Call
4,
(Copyright.)
By EDITH MORGAN wILLErr

the hall to remove his clerical hat and
smooth the ruffied auburn hair beneath
II; then he pushed back the portiere
and briskly entered Mrs. Minturn's
luxurious drawing room.
Half past ten o'clock.
He glanced obviously at the gilt
timepiece opposite. A trifie early for
morning visit. but he couldn't help
tnat There was no time to lose. This
matter must be settled without delay,
and his letter written to the bishop and
Off by the 8 80 train.
Dropping with satisfaction into
deep, cool Morris chair, Mr.. Marble
congratulated himself resolutely on the
step he was about to take.
1t had been a serious problem and
hard to decide. especially Gas he ac-
knowledged) for man of his whim-
steal, over-fastidious tastes. Even now
ne realized keenly that there were
other women in the world-girls even,
good looking ones too! Ga reminiscent
plush overspread his carefully shayen
face)-but for charm, position. and
well, general attractiveness (here his
eye strayed apprecatively out of the
window toward Conservatives and
well-kept lawns where many gardeners
pottered about) there was no one in
Wheatley better fitted than Lydia Min
turn to adorn-
At this point with some embarrass-
ment he rose to greet her.
Il was especially anxious to see you
this morning." Mr.. Marble told his
hostess boldly after a tactful prologue
OF banalities. There is something ex-
ceedingly important desire to com
municate to you"
"To mel" echoed Mrs. Minturn.
She looked at him with innocent. IL
iusive blue eyes and fingered her rings
pensively.
"What can 1t be, wonder, Has
that wretched vestry been bothering
you again. or Is 1t the poor throat?
Do you know you're looking. very
badly?" She leaned toward him
with pretty earnestness. "What you
want, my dear friend, is rest-a COM
plete rest and changer"
Want it! OF course he did. but the
rector Of All Souls, being subtle
student of the other sex, walked deli
cately"-lke Agogl
mot much rest for mes" he eiaculat-
ed with a tired smile. "The bishop is
seriously urging me to accept a call TO
Shooting Rock. Arkansas
And at her cry Of dismay-
Eyes. it's a good way Off" he said
grimly-"a lonely spot 70 miles from
railroad track. A mission of thou
sand miners that have never felt a
civilizing or refining touch pretty des-
perate characters, some of them, / I'M
derstand, but of course it's a splendid
field"
He paused as Mrs. Minturn laid a
white, restraining hand on his arm.
Don't say another word" she
begged. "It's too awful How can You
even talk of going to that dreadful
place. You might think of u.s." There
was touching catch in her voice.
"What would I-we-do without you
at Wheatley? Oh, Mr.. Marble, say that
you won't go!"
'"There is only one consideration that
would induce me to remain J" said the
Rev. Ronald with decision.
His moment had come, and he seized
1t with characteristic promptness; also
her unressting hand How soft it was,
and how her rings sparkled!
Lydia" he cried, putting the time
honored question with striking origi-
nality, will you be mine? Will you
make me the happiest of men?''
| Twelve O'Clock struck, and Mr.. Mar
| BILE rose, somewhat flushed and dis
| hevelled from kneeling posture.
"Then it's irrevocable. and you won't
have me' he queried blankly.
The fact, even now, seemed prepos-
.erous, Incredible.
Mrs. Minturn nodded and dabbed her
eyes with a few square inches of real
lace.
"Its not that wouldn't have you Y
she explained lucidly. Its Jack
| Don't YOU see-can't you understand
that my poor husband wouldn't have
| liked it if he'd been alive. and isn't II
lust the same now-that he's dead and
| gone-even more SOP"
Mrs. Minturn put out her hand. I'VE
can be friends, at least. can't WEI"
she pleaded. "And you won't go
away?"
The Rev. Ronald Marble turned the
| Snob. "If do" he said sternly. 1T is
because you have made it impossible
| for me TO remaini Good morning J"
| And the portiere swung to behind
him.
| The rector of All Souls followed
Janet Noble into her cosy sitting room
az wanted especially to see you TINS
morning." he said with real emotion
coming TO standstill by the fireplace
| 81 have lust received an important
call, and you ought to be the hrst to
know It,"
| "a call" repeated Janet Noble in
terestedly, as she took up some PLAIN
sewing.
she was president of the woman's
auxiliary. secretary of the parish aio
society. and soprano of the church
choir besides being a tall, handsome
girl with bright brown eyes and viV'o
| color.
"Yes." Mr.. Marble returned with en-
,husiasnl. 81 am called to shooting
Rock Arkansas beautiful lonely
Snrt 20 mites from railroad tracK
.ob II would be glorious" she in
terrupted him eagerly.