g had been going on for some
time, Jasper Very rode up to the tavern. He had been on a long
preaching tour, and was tired and hungry. When he had dismounted, he
asked the proprietor if he could lodge there for the night. Mr. Nebeker
politely told him he could stay, but he was afraid he would not enjoy
himself very well, as a dance was in progress. Jasper then inquired how
far it was to a suitable house where he could put up for the night, and
was told seven miles. He felt in his present condition that this was
too far, and said that if the tavern keeper would treat him civilly and
feed his horse well by his leave he would stay. This was promised him,
and Very dismounted and went in. He quietly took a seat in one corner
of the room, and the dancing continued. While musing upon many things
and wishing in his heart he could do those people good, and having
finally made up his mind to ask the privilege of preaching there the
next day, he was surprised to see a beautiful and ruddy young lady, who
was no other than Stella Nebeker, walk gracefully up to him, drop a
handsome courtesy, and pleasantly, with a winning smile, invite him to
dance with her. Jasper Very in his life had been in many strange
situations, but this was an experience unlike any he had hitherto
passed through. He could hardly understand his thoughts or feelings,
but in a moment he resolved on a desperate experiment. He arose as
gracefully as he could, with many emotions crowding upon his mind.
Stella with much grace moved to his right side. Jasper grasped her
right hand with his left hand, while she leaned her left arm on his
right arm. In this position they walked on the floor.

The whole company seemed pleased at this act of politeness in a young
lady shown to a stranger. The colored musician began to put his fiddle
in the best order. Jasper here asked the fiddler to hold a minute, and,
addressing the company, said: "Friends, for several years I have not
undertaken any matter of importance without first asking the blessing
of God upon it, and I desire now to ask God's blessing upon this
beautiful young lady, who has shown such an act of politeness to a
total stranger, and upon the whole company."

Here he grasped the young lady's hand tightly and said: "Let us all
kneel down and pray." With this he dropped upon his knees, and began
praying with all the power he possessed. Stella tried to get loose from
him, but he held her tightly.

This unexpected act