Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1931-02-06
Cupid-and
a Call
r.
by EDITH MORGAN WILLETT
(copyright,)

the hall to remove his clerical hat and
smooth the ruffled auburn hair beneath
It; then he pushed back the pOrtiere
and briskly entered Mrs. Minturns
luxurious drawing room.
Half past ten o'clock.
He glanced obviously at the gilt
timepiece opposite. A trife early for
q morning visit, but he couldn't help
that. There was no time to lose. This
matter must be settled without delay.
and his letter written to the bishop and
of by the 3 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 serious problem and
hard to decide, especially (as he ac-
knOwledged) for man of his whim-
steal, over-fastidious tastes. Even now
he realized keenly that there were
other women In the world-girls even,
good looking ones tool "a reminiscent
blush Overspread his carefully shaven
face)-but for charm, position, and
well, general attractiveness there his
eye strayed appreciatively out Of the
window toward Conservatives and
weil-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.
~ was especially anxious to see you
this morning." Mr.. Marble told his
hostess boldly after tactful prologue
Of banalities. "There is something ex-
ceedingly important desire to COM
municate to you"
ITO me! echoed Mrs. Minturn.
She looked at him with innocent, IL
lusive blue eyes and fingered her rings
penslvely.
"What can 1t be, I wonder Has
that wretched vestry been bothering
you again, or is 1t the poor throat2
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 changew
Want it! OF course he did, but the
rector Of All Souls, being subtle
student of the other sex, walked dell
cately"-like Agog!
mot much rest for met" he ejaculat-
I'd with a tired smile. "The bishop is
seriously urging me to accept call to
Shooting Rock, Arkansas"
And at her cry Of dismay-
Eyes, it's a good way off," he said
grimly-"a lonely spot 20 miles from a
railroad track. A mission Of a thou
sand miners that have never felt a
clvilizing or refining touch; pretty des-
perate characters, some of them, I 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. Its too awful How can you
even talk of going to that dreadful
place. You might think Of us" There
was touching catch in her voice.
"What would I-we-dO without you
at Wheatley? Oh, Mr.. Marble. say that
you won't gow
'"There is only one consideration that
would induce me to remaln!" said the
Rev. Ronald with decision.
His moment had come, and he seized
1t with Characteristic promptness; also
her unresisting hand. How soft 1t was,
and how her rings sparkled
Lydia" he cried. putting the time
hOnored question with striking origl-
nality. will you be mine? VIII 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 mew he querled blankly.
The fact, even now, seemed prepos-
ferrous. incredible.
Mrs Minturn nodded and dabbed her
lace.
-Its not that wouldn't have you 7"
she explained lucidly. ITS Jack
Don't you see--can't you understand
that my poor husband wouldn't have
liked II IL he'd been alive, and isn't 1t
gone-even more so?"
Mrs. Minturn put out her hand. 1--WE
can be friends at least, can't we"
she pleaded. "And You won't go
awayT
The Rev. Ronald Marble turned the
knob "If do" he said sternly, at Is
because you have made It impossible
for me to remain Good morningw
And the pOrtlere swung to behind
him.
The rector OF All Souls followed
Janet Noble into her cosy sitting room.
81 wanted especially to see you this
morning." he said with real emotion,
coming to standstill by the fireplace.
"I have just received an important
call, and you ought to be the first to
know IT,"
"a CALI" repeated Janet Noble In
terestedly. as she took up some plain
sewing.
She was president Of the woman's
auxiliary, secretary of the parish aid
society, and soprano OF the church
choir, besides being tall. handsome
girl with bright brown eyes and vivid
color.
"Yes," Mr.. Marble returned with en-
thuslasm IT am called to Shooting
Rock. Arkansas beautiful, lonely
spot 10 miles from rnilroad track.
"Oh II would be gIorlous!' she In
tcrrup'"h him eagerly.