Page 97 (1/1)

So far the usta Hall and Bill Hopkins by the undertoned sobs that continually eed from behind the numerous white handkerchiefs So dense was the quietude of the painfulof his own heart Suddenly Augusta with a slight cough and a rustle of her fine skirts rose to her feet She started to speak reverently in a low tone It was the usual petition that blessing should descend upon thecircle and the children's work--and here her voice wavered a little, for a man's bass voice joined in with her own It was that of the deacon who carried the offering plate each Sunday , opposite her husband On and on both th and rapidity upon their hearers' ears The Deacon's voice lifted and fell with the power of an orator Augusta strained forth her tones high and clear Minute after minute until fifteen had passed was the oratorical word display of each pitted against the other

Do nervously beside his well-shaped nose Bill Hopkins still twiddling his wart had drawn hi with all intentness The pallor of Deacon Hall's face deepened as Augusta talked on and on until all thought of prayer had left her mind, and her words shaped theainst the church official, whose broas now running with the sweat of his embarrassment--his voice had becousta's voice, on the contrary, rang clearly through the room, a prepared speech upon the aptitude of wo her intently--and thought how beautiful she looked as the bloodas her thoughts took turn after turn The unfortunate deacon was roan he sank to his seat and placed a handkerchief to his fevered brow Presently Augusta sat down and there was again an awful silence No one advanced another petition and Doation rose hastily and hurried toward the doors, with no desire for further discussion

Bill Hopkins leaned back against the outer door and as Mrs Hall passed hirasped her hand

"You had nerve," said he, "I'ht kindbut it's nerve just the saained the day in this church"