The mirror., 1923-08-16

hHu IoW VIC III just nave d iIttC Pdity,
she said laughingly.
Conversation ran along commonplace
lines, until Mrs. Hellund remarked, "I
ran over to Elm City the other day, and
just returned last evening"
"Indeed! Why-you are getting to be
regular globe-trotter. declare, Mrs. Hell
lund; you were East just few weeks ago,
and now you've been to Elm City!" re-
marked one of the ladies, somewhat envi-
ouslya
"Oh, have friends everywhere almost,
but l seldom 60 to Elm City. It's most
quiet little town, with nothing to talk about
but the neighbors, and detest that" Mrs.
Hellund arched her eyebrows in scorn;
while her listeners exchanged sly winks
and gances, knowing full well that gossip
was the speakers chief delight.
"It makes one so miserable to hear moth
ing but tattling all of the time, and this
trip was no exception. Why, I heard the
most awful tale"-and the speaker glanced
about, as if to see whether the object of
her story was in sight or hearing. Then
she asked Mrs. Gibes, confdentially, if
the Rev. Mr.. Richards was at home, and
was informed that he was out upon "pas-
toral calls"
Rev. Fischer felt i'll at ease, as did his
several Pensioners, at the suggestion that
Mr.. Richards was the subject of this new
tale.
"Well"-began Mrs. Hellund. "I am
sorry-but they do say things in regards
to Mr.. Richards in Elm City. You know
that our pastor was there while his wife
lived. She died-poor woman-and then
he left and came to our Church here at
Metropolis. Wel-to make long story.
short, they say that he used to beat his
wife"
A chorous of s;ghs and "Ohs" greeted
this startling statement.
"Impossible!" cried Rev. Fischer.
"I don't believe it," said Mrs. Giber.
"Well-Mrs. Ryan, very devout and
pious old lady, told me that one morning
she saw Mr.. Richards rush out of his
home without even kissing his wife; while
she stood in the doorway in perfect
flood of tears. Richards explained later
that he had call to visit dying man in
the next town, and just had time to catch
the train. Naturally, his wife tried to
shield him. Said that she had been peeling
opions when the phone call came; and
they expected Mrs. Ryan to believe such
himsy excuse, Didn't she see Mrs. Rich
ards with her own eyes?" demanded Mrs.
Hellund. 81 tell you it's awful-and he
preacher!" and she stamped. her foot and
flashed her eyes about the little circle of
listeners.
"Rats-stuff and nonsense!" put in Rev.
Fischer. "These, little towns are hotbeds
for scandal Why, I once lived in small
town, and I declare~that I almost daily
expected to hear that I had colored blood
in my veins; or that I was once arrested
for leading "pajama" parade at college;
or that was plotting to poison the town
dog-catcher and run away with his wife"
Everyone laughed, and felt greatly re-
lieved by Rev. Fischer's defence of his
brother Pastor.
"Well-of course it's possible. But where
there is smoke there must be some fire
also," retorted Mrs. Hellund.
ooh I move that we change the subject"
said Mrs. Giber.
eyes; and let us be going" replied one
of the ladies.
"Thank you for the lemonade" added
another, and all remarked likewise, and
the party broke up.
"What terrible mischief-maker and
scandalmonger that woman isl" Mrs.