Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1883 — The Parson's Mistake. [ARTICLE]

The Parson's Mistake.

Parson Pyne, who used to be settled on a fashionable’ congregation in the city of Washington, had, a chronicallyindisposed lady of great intelligence and sweetness of character in his flock. He Used to dread to visit her, so long was the catalogue of ills that she was wont to unfold before him. Of course, he was expected to sympathize, and he did his best. It happened at last that the parson fell sick and had a long siege of typhoid fever. When he recovered he determined to visit the sick first. He made inquiry of a lady parishioner as to the invalids, and was told that Mrs. Squire—the lady spoken of above had been very sick. Arrived at that lady’s house, Parson Pvne sent in liis card, and Mrs. Squire came down stairs the picture of health. The dominie congratulated her on her improved appearance. “I hear you have been sick and I called to bring you the sympathy which you do not appear to need.” “You have been sick, doctor, I understand, and seriously.” “Yes,” said "the dominie, with a s : gh; “that is the reason! ean sympathize with von so readily. I know all that you must have suffered. I have just had the same trouble and passed through all the symptoms and sufferings myself. ” The lady looked at him earnestly for a moment, and as if she were disposed to be angry. Then she seemed to think better it; her face brightened and she rose, Went to the parlor door and cried: “Kate, come here—just as you are.” The parson sat quiet and amazed as the footsteps came nearer. Then the door opened and Kate, the nurse, entered, bearing in her arms a chubby, crowing, 6-weeks-old infant. A light began to break on the dominie s soul and cold sweat stood upon his forehead. “There, parson, that is what ailed me,” cried the laughiDg lady; “where are your symptoms?” The good parson blushed and fled, but the story followed him.