The Storyteller

New Zealand Tablet, 29 June 1911, Page 1179

The Storyteller

i —♦- - A HAPPY MISTAKE When Father James, reading the banns of marriage between Agnes Jones and John Dean, paused and said: 'I have been stationed here four years now, and this is the first announcement of the kind; so that I wish to take this occasion to remark that I hope more of you people will imitate the example of this young couple,' there were at least four couples in his congregation who thought that he meant them, and listened with heightened color and a look that was patent to those who knew them, who now slyly smiled their approval of what their pastor had said. Consequently, there was a new feeling of unrest among these couples as they wended their way homeward after the Mass; and, under the stimulus of this feeling, William Banks found sufficient courage to ask Jennie Carr to give him permission to hand in their names, which she did. • But the other couples were still in the throes of indecision—or, rather, the masculine part of them were so assured of their own imperfections that they could not muster up courage to ask the angels of their hearts' desire to have them though the aforesaid angels were plainly willing to abide with these alleged imperfections, which they could not possibly admit; so that these young couples stared with unseeing eyes at a state of affairs quite visible to all others, and the cause of many a sly joke at their expense from friends. And good Mrs. O'Gowney, who was a widow, although still on the sunny side of thirty, and fully endowed by nature to hold her own among the younger beauties of the village, was almost in despair at the obtuseness of ' Jimmy ' Ryan. He alone of all her admirers was, in her estimation, worthy to take the place of the departed O'Gowney; but, though faithful in attending upon her, he could not bring himself, out of his overwhelming bashfulness, to ask the fatal question, for fear that it would be against him, and shut him out from the heaven he now enjoyed in her presence. Now, Agnes Jones had been the organist; and, upon deciding to be the presiding goddess of ■ John Dean's home, she gave her position to Ruth Devine, a recent addition to the congregation, but one who was everywhere received with favor, as much among the girls of her own set; as among the young men of the parish,—which is saying a great deal; for there was scarcely one among them, even to tho crusty bachelors, who would not admit her captivating influence. We must except the above-mentioned young swains, who were already too much engrossed in their own affairs to see any but the maidens holding their heartstrings; albeit, we may add, these maids took a tighter hold upon said strings after the advent of the charming Ruth. But their fears were groundless; for Ruth had no thoughts of such conquests, and went her way scattering sunshine and happiness; as sympathetic, kind, pleasant, eager and willing to do a favor, as were all her family, who soon made themselves felt in the affairs of the parish. Besides her wonderful ability to make herself useful, Ruth, as organist and head of the choir, found herself the natural and unexpected leader in the social doings of the parish; and as the annual tea and bazaar were to take place the following week, she found the task of arranging the details of that affair agreeable and absorbing, —so absorbing, in fact, that on this Sunday, instead of practising tho music of the coming Sunday, as was usual, after Vespers and the removal of the Blessed Sacrament to the basement chapel, she sat silent, pondering over the selection of 'aides' at the various booths; so that she did not notice the entrance of the tall and shapely man, who stood a moment at the door, lost in admiration at the picture before him. Her lithe, sMm figure, outlined in the mellow light flowing through the beautiful stained windows, the little hands lying on the white keyboard, and the fair, youthful face, surmounted by a mass of dark-brown tresses, gave him a curious impression. Involuntarily he thought of the pictured face of St. Cecilia opposite the organ. Then, advancing closer, he detected a perplexed little pucker on the white brow; and, with the manner of an old and trusted friend, asked : ' What weighty matter troubles the mind of our musician?' She laughed ruefully. . ' not help wondering who would be best to put in charge of the fancy booth.' And soon she was fully launched on the subject just then nearest her heart; for, this being her first year in the parish, she was anxious to make a success of the affair; and so told her visitor all her plans, not deeming that a large share of the interest and attention he gave was directed to herself. n Norman Roberts was a grave, quiet man, whose business ■called him to the city daily, but whose inclinations drew him back every evening to. this peaceful little village, where a fond mother and proud father gave of their love to form an ideal shelter from the stormy world. He was their youngest born, and all that was 'left to them of a

large and happy group of children, ; who; one by one had gone to take their allotted place in the quiet graveyard. Perhaps the sorrows caused by their going had left their imprint on his nature; for he was grave and thoughtful, though kind and f . considerate to those under Ci him. ..He was still youngonly thirty,—and,-"even among ""handsome attracted notice: yet, somehow, the girls of 1 the village could not effect an entrance to his affections, and gave it tip: as hopeless. Either he had sho heart; or?. considered himself above them,—which, could not be the - case; : ; for he made -no ostentatious display of - his wealth, though the little church bore evidence of his -generosity, and. he was always ready to lend his talents in any affair that concerned the welfare of the parish. nM ; !ri,; . ; -a ri/U ;.; ;- : : , The truth was that Cupid's darts had not yet struck him; - and the only thing he loved, outside- of his parents, was music. ; The sweet-toned organ that raised the spirits of the congregation to heavenly heights was his gift. - h He was known to go up to the gallery frequently after the last service on Sunday - to ': play the c, organ, or to help the organist over some difficult passage; and so the people did not pay any attention ,to his visits there. Had they done so they would have realised that, since the advent of Miss Devine, he had seldom missed a Sunday. ; £<:.:; Of course it never entered the pretty & little head of Ruth that she could -be the cause of his increasing regularity. It was owing merely to kindred inclinations, .she thought;, for she was a skilful organist,which fact the congregation soon noticed in the quality of the music. Besides, she was only nineteen. Mr. Roberts would consider her a child; -and so, like a child, she - ; ran on with her plans, while he listened and offered suggestions. ■■' ~- T ' There! Everything is-settled but helpers for Elizabeth Stone and Jane Callan. Now, what young men would you suggest for those booths? 1 ...-. . He knew the state of affairs between ithose two couples, and smiled as a thought struck him. c; Then he answered: 'John Steel would help Elizabeth, and Clarence - Fahey might assist Jane.' ■ 'Yes that will be all ' right now,' she said thankfully; then added, with a gasp : of dismay: 'Oh, I forgot Mrs. O Gowney! I might put her with Mrs. Nolan, but she might feel slighted. ,0 dear!' and she sighed, as the little pucker came again on her brow. r r ;" V- J 'May I offer another suggestion?' he asked. 'Why not have an Irish booth,-with" Mrs. O'Gowney in charge and have Jimmy Ryan help her?' -.-.- 'The very thing!' exclaimed Ruth, delightedly. -- 'And now. I will give these names in to Father James.' I hope the affair will be a great success, don't you?' '.% ' I do, and I know that it will be with you managing it, he answered,—which: brought him a bright smile. ■-■■'■ Father James was very busy when Ruth called to see him,; but he gave her his characteristic welcome. 7 - 'Sit down, child, and tell me how you are getting on with your work,'—saying which his busy eve caught sight of a letter unopened, lying in the waste-basket, which he rescued and read. -'Dear me, how careless lam owing'' But excuse me, child! I am also forgetful. Now, what was it you were saying?' .'Well, Father, I have just brought you the list of booths and helpers, so that you may read tTTem next Sunday, and all arrangements "will then be complete.' <mi' 011 ' y? s ' I see!' assented, the priest, thoughtfully, then you have everything happily arranged , Yes, Father,' Ruth replied enthusiastically, as she saw■-that her work was appreciated; though I did have a little trouble at the last. But Mr. Roberts helped me out by satisfactorily placing John Steel, Elizabeth Stone, Clarence Fahey, Jane Callan, James Ryan, and'; Mrs. U Gowney,—the last two having charge of an Irish booth suggested by Mr. Roberts.' .'■■ -:,;.;, While Ruth was eagerly telling all this, Father James was writing down the names mentioned. Finally, he looked up with a puzzled expression, and asked: • \ ;*; ; 'Eh, what about that last? I don't quite understand.' Seeing that the good priest -was taking unnecessary trouble, Ruth exclaimed: : ~ .'.*'-"• '0 Father, I shouldn't bother you about these details! Here is the list; and if it suits, you can announce the names on Sunday.' ....... , ' 'All right, my child!.. And I will see that von get proper credit for the interest you have taken 'in .this matter.' And he wrote her name on the sheet with the other names, thinking that ,it was the list she had given him. So the following Sunday the announcement was made; and, judging by the expression of those interested was satisfactory. Next Father James opened his reminder book, for he was very absent-minded and usually made a note of any announcement. He looked puzzled a moment, then with a smile turned to the people and said: 'I. am glad to see that some of you took heed to my remarks about marriage. Therefore, the banns are announced for the second time between Agnes Jones and John Dean; and for the first time between William Banks and Jennie Carr, John Steel and Elizabeth Stone, Clarence Fahey and Jane Callan, James Ryan and Mrs. O'Gowney; and Here the good priest flushed and stammered- l I am sorry, but through ■, some«stupid blunder I find that the gentleman's name has been erased. However, this can he fixed ; up plater,, by the gentleman betrothed :to Ruth Devine.' Beaming affectionately upon his people, he added • I congratulate all these persons, ? and desire to exprses

my willingness to hoar from any others s that, may, bo matrimonially inclined.' " ' v: ;-v - - . • ''"■ - Needless to say, these announcements created' quite a stir; among, the congregation. ,The principals blushed and looked .sheepishly at their friends, who regaled them with a broad ' 1-thought-so !' smile. ..But. the effect on-Norman Roberts was startling. lie ?1 had listened "with'-"an amused smile to the calling of the : first three" couples, but ".-when"; came the unknown and "Ruth 'Devilie—his Ruth, as : ho fondly thought of her,—the color left his lace, and a feeling of sickness came over him. - ' Too late he groaned. -„-< 'What a fool I,was, to keep my dreams to myself, and not tell her! Perhaps she would have listened'to me.' ' Then he realised with what bonds his heart was bound to her, and in the bitterness of his soul sent up a prayer ...that he might be able to accept his cross patiently. "Suddenly reason and hope:came to the rescue, and: suggested that there muse be some /mistake; for Ruth would not keep from him such an event in. her life. . Bearing up surprisingly well uncle: the congratulations showered upon ..them, the three happy couples went homeward. The young girls thought that their partners had taken a fit of courage and thus surprised them; and they, wily men, knew better than'to enlighten them, and so winked slyly to each other. In reality, they were even more astonished than their future brides, but chose to regard it as a piece of rare ,good s luck- for .them; and in this spirit John Steel threw Ids hat -up in the" air and; shouted, Hurrah -Father James!' in which he was joined by the other two. \ .... , r * ■ .'Why, John,' said .Elizabeth, with.a.; fine air of loving reproval, 'what is the matter with you:-:' • " s ' Nothing, dear! Only f was just thinking what a great priest is our Father James! Sure lie can turn Stone into Steel, and make the six .of; us only three.' And, thus laughing and "joking, the happy couples passed gaily along the flower-strewn road leading to Matrimony. Norman ascended to the .organ-loft after. Vespers ; as usual; and, looking-for the little organist, he- beheld her kneeling as in prayer. Once again his heart sank despairingly. 'She is giving thanks for her great happiness,' he thought, and turned sadly to depart, when a suspicious shaking of her shoulders attracted':him, and lie "listened. Yes, surely she was crying! Going closer, he heard a little sob. Instantly all his love was aroused, and, crossing swiftly, he asked tenderly : :■■• 'What is it, Ruth?' ' .." 'Growing calmer in the presence of a.; friend she trusted, she told him the whole story, : —of reading those names which were called out, which the priest had copied; of his abstraction and erasing of words relating to ; the Irish booth, which he said he did not understand; and, lastly, of his putting her name down, that he might not forget to express his appreciation of her work. Evidently this piece of paper had gotten into his '.memo' she said,which was the case; for the priest had. left his 'memo' of marriage banns on the table, and, the title being covered up by other papers, had mistaken it for blank paper. •-<£■; .- ;* ; • 'And now/' she finished tearfully, '-I am afraid this awful mistake will create ill-feeling-and spoil our bazaar.' 'Never fear, little girl!' said Norman, joyfully, as he saw through the mystery. 'I happen to know that everything is going to end pleasantly. But how about- yourself'?' he asked. ' Remember your name was called out also.'.- .; 'Oh, I. had not thought of that! But it will make: a laughing stock of me, won't it?' she said. ' .kff Taking her hand in his, and gazing earnestly into her eyes, he answered : "■'".. -.:•-'Give me permission, to hand my name in to FatherJames, to fill up that blank; for I lore,you, Ruth.' * - ■." Surprised at this revelation,-she turned her startled eyes to the handsome face'bending above her, to see if he was laughing at her troubles; but the look in his eves and the: pressure of his hand touched a responsive chord and brought a rosy glow to her cheeks. Then, dropping her eyes; she.said in sweet confusion- ' 0 Mr. Roberts—' _ ," _-• 'Norman, please!-' he commanded lovingly, as,he saw her iook of surrender. ~'' -■■ ' Well,—Norman ' (with pretty hesitation), 'you —oh, you are not in earnest! You just wish to".cheer me up. 'Yes, I am in earnest,' he replied. 'And I- wish to cheer you up, if you will let me, to the end of my life ' 'Well,' she said roguishly, 'seeing that von have made a success of your first attempt in that direction, I think you should be given the contract.' ' \ ;- •-,- ■" "And so it was settled. iv-;..■:,'-;■%,-■/. '■■ : ■ -•". — Ave Maria.