The Living Age Volume 73 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1862 Excerpt: ...and my Phoebe will have it you're tired. I must say as it is peculiar to see you a-sitting up there all by yourself, and the lights going out, and not another soul in the place," added the butterman, looking round with a sober grin; and in reality the lights diminished every moment as Mr. Vincent rose and stumbled down from his platform into the great empty hall with its skeleton benches. If they had left him there till the morning, it would have been a blessed exchange from that walk home with the party, that invitation to supper, and all the applauses and inquiries that followed. They had the Pigeons to supper that night at the butter-shop, and the whole matter was discussed in all its bearings--the flutter of the " church folks," the new sittings let during the week, the triumphant conviction of the two deacon that Salem would soon be overflowing. " Oh, why were ' deacons' made so coarse, Or parsons mado so fine? " Mr. Vincent did not bethink himself of that touching ditty. He could not see the serio-comic lights in which the whole business abounded. It was all the saddest earnest to the young pastor, who found so little encouragement or support even in the enthusiasm of his flock. " And, oh, Mr. Vincent," said the engaging Phoebe, in a half-whisper aside, " how did you come to be so friendly with Lady Western? How she did listen, to be sure and smiled at you so sweetly. Ah, I don't wonder now that you can't see anything in the Carlingford young ladies; but do tell us, please, how you came to know her so well?" Insensibly to himself, a gleam of gratification lighted up Mr. Vincent's face. He was gracious to Phoebe. " I can't pretend to know her well," he said, with a little mock humility; whereupon ...