The Preacher and the Gossips
The Rev. Frank Speakman has been to a rural congregation, and is entertained by the members. He is considered a fine catch matrimonially and the ladies set their caps for him. A pretty little milliner is among the contestants and the new minister cannot be blamed for favoring her. The widow with whom the new minister boards, finds an unfinished letter which really is being written to Speakman's sister. The sister's name is Ellen and the milliner's the same, so the letter is an excellent weapon in the hands of a gossip. The deacons and good sisters of the church are amazed at the familiar language and action is quickly taken. The new minister is put on trial and condemned unheard and is about to be dismissed from the pulpit when the widow landlady discovers her mistake and reports it. Another hearing is granted, the wise men frown a little, but it is seen that the gossips have a very poor hand. With a warning to be good, the handsome preacher is allowed to remain. He leaves the session with the pretty milliner and notifies the deacons and members of the congregation that his discourse on the following Sunday will be a dissertation on malicious gossiping.
