Juliet B. Brinker and the Canon.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 62

Juliet B. Brinker and the Canon.

Mildred Lechmere was engaged to a young clergyman in the neighbourhood, the ,Rev. Cholmondeley Beauchamp. , He was dining at Whyteleaf one evening when the conversation turned on the subject of some .Unitarians who had lately come to live in that part. Both Canon Lechmere and Mr Beauchamp referred to their religious persuasions in tones of deep regret. "Why, what's the matter with Unitarians then? You should see the fine Unitarian Chapel we've got in Detroit," Jule struck in, cheerfully. "It's a sight finer than, all the other churches put together!" " Ahem! Are there many Unitarians 'in Detroit?" Canon Lechmere inquired politely, [ putting up his spectacles. " I guess there are,", said Jule proudly. " Momma says she'd as soon have to do with Unitarians asany. They're mostly an awfully gooc^sort. I'm not crazy about any religions myself. First and last I should think the Buddhists have got the most way-up creed; ,but it don't much matter what you go in for so long as you acL fair and square! That'a what I say!" Jiilo enunciated this sentiment with-the secure v air of one who feels t!he house must be . with' her. *-She noticed, however," no one seemed to respond, and concluded the subject had ceased to interest. There was a pause, Mrs Lechmere coughed nervously, and Mr Beauchamp-inquired suddenly whether Canon Lechmere had heard that the.Bishop talked of resigning. After dinner, Canon Lechmere invited Juliet into his own private sanctum under pretext of showing her some fine photographs of the ,Kocky Mountains. His fatherly heart was full of anxiety for the welfare of this little sheep _ apparently belonging to no fold, but grazing in" independent ignorance by the wayside. On Jule's reappearance in the drawing room Mi's Lechmere inquired gently if she had had a nice talk. '' Ohf vurry, thank you," said Jule cheerily. " And see what a cunning little book your husband has given me, Mrs Lechmere." Her hostess looked at the dainty little volume. It was Dean Goulburn's "Personal Religion." > " He read me a piece out of it, and talked a lot. I guess he had to do pretty near all the talking " (Jule's tone was full of regret), "You see, I'm not posted enough about religion to differ from him !" " Perhaps then, my dear, you could agree with him," said Mrs Lechmere, kindly. " Waal —no —can't - say I could —not all along the line, you know! Oh, I've heard ministers talk that way before, scores of 'em. But you mustn't think I'm anyway rattled by what he said; nit, not much. Why! Why ! I'think he was just purfeckly sweet and lovely to me, givin' me Ihe little book and all I Say! you're not feeh'n' mad because 1 don't agree with your husband, are you,' dear?!' Jule inquired • suddenly, observing Mrs Leohinere's grave expression. " -<j.ad? Me?" cried that lady, with a start. "Oh, angry, you mean. My poor dear,'child, no indeed. What-a very singular idea." ' , "Then guess I'll go and. get my Beauty Book and show the girls and their beans. Most people are tickled to death with.it," and off she ran, leaving her gentle host much bewildered.—From " An American Schoolgirl in England," in Temple Bar.