being empty at this season of the year, and the weather warm, Mr. Vannist would once a month hold meetings in barns in New Hackensack, Hopewell or vicinity, before he returned to Poughkeepsie, after preaching on the Sabbath at Fishkill, as no church had yet been erected at either place. The congregation seated themselves in the linters, and an open space in the center of the barn was allotted for Mr. Vannist, who commenced the services by addressing the throne of grace. He opened the Bible and read the one hundred and thirty-fifth Psalm, and then the singing was led by Rebekah in Dutch. After which a practical discourse was delivered from the first verse of the Psalm just read: "They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever." The congregation listened with interest while he delivered his sermon, and after the services were over, they all gathered around their Dominie, shaking him by the hand and inviting him to go home and take dinner with them. After thanking them all for their kindness, they dispersed for their homes, and the Dominie and Rebekah took dinner with Mr. Monfort, who entertained them very pleasantly. After an hour's rest after dinner, spent in pleasant conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Monfort, they set out for Poughkeepsie.

The heat now was oppressive, and Mr. Vannist and Rebekah were exposed to its scorching rays, and after having traveled a few miles they concluded to take shelter under a large oak tree that stood near the highway and remain there an hour or more until the sun's rays should be less penetrating, and oh, what a precious hour that was to Mr. Vannist. They sat for some time

in silence and nothing broke the stillness but the occasional chattering of the squirrel and the singing of birds. He at length became tearfully agitated, so much so that Rebekah perceived it, and she gazed at some object to hide the secret throbbings of her heart, and at last the stillness was broken by Mr. Vannist, who then offered her his hand and his heart. Rebekah was so overwhelmed with emotion, that she had not the power to express herself, but placing her hand in his, nodded assent. A gleam of joy irradiated the Dominie's face, and as the heat was subsiding, they commenced their journey, he urging his horse, for the day was getting towards its close, and they were yet several miles from Poughkeepsie. A sudden shower obliged them again to stop and seek shelter under a tree, as no house was near to afford them protection from the falling raindrops. But the clouds soon dispersed, and they traveled on, the sun again shining from below the clouds, and before them lay luxuriant fields covered with a tapestry of green, meadows blooming with buttercups and daisies, sparkling in the recent falling raindrops. As they neared Poughkeepsie, the sun was sinking below the western horizon, the last rays were gilding the eastern hilltops, and the approaching shades of evening touched the landscape with inexpressible beauty. Mrs. Schank had been looking for their return for some time, for Mr. Vannist had informed her that if nothing prevented they would return before night on Tuesday. Presently she saw them coming down Main street, and her anxiety was relieved by seeing them once more safely ensconced in her house. Sanco took charge of the Dominie's horse, and Paul, who had just

come from his store, saw that he was well cared for. Rebekah Schank accompanying Mr. Vannist to Fishkill, created considerable excitement among the matrons in Poughkeepsie, and they would congregate in each other's houses and discuss the subject. Some thought it was not right for the Dominie to take a girl with him when going to Fishkill to preach, and not return until Tuesday night; others said that they saw no harm in it, but they were all confident that they would make a match. "Don't you see," said one, "how often they walk out together?" "Yes," says another, "I saw them pass by our house one evening last week, going towards the river, engaged in close conversation.” "Why," says an elderly lady, "I can see Paul's garden from our back window, and I have frequently seen them at twilight, sitting in Paul's summer house, and I heard Sanco say that Misses Becca and Massa Dominie were walking in the garden every night."

Rebekah did not communicate to her mother that Mr. Vannist had offered himself to her in marriage until some days after her return from Fishkill. She merely told her of the pleasant time they had spent among the people there, and the many acquaintances she had made. But Mrs. Schank had long seen that an ardent attachment had existed between them, which she hoped would ultimately end in marriage. This was a source of great anxiety to her, for she was fearful that he occupying a high position in society and the influence he had in his congregation and in the community at large, he might not condescend to marry Rebekah, but she also thought he would not win the affections of her daughter and then not marry her, but

she would wait and see what the future would bring forth. A few more days had passed, when Rebekah and her mother were in the sitting room alone. The father and two brothers, Isaac and Cornelius, were at the store, and Dominie Vannist had just left Poughkeepsie for Fishkill, and would not return until the next Monday. Sanco was at work in the potato field, clearing the hills of weeds. Juda and Fillis were at work in the kitchen, and Mrs. Schank was busily engaged in their household duties. Rebekah then informed her mother of Mr. Vannist's offer to her in marriage, when returning from Fishkill. Her mother looked at her with some surprise, to think that she did not communicate to her this information before, but Rebekah said that she waited for a favorable opportunity, and then suddenly her father came into the room, and she related to them the diffidence and agitation the Dominie manifested under the large tree by the wayside, when he gave her his heart. Her parents' joy was unbounded, and the news soon spread through the village, that Dominie Vannist was engaged to Rebekah Schank, which now was the topic of conversation. Dominie Vannist promised Rebekah that he would return on Monday from Fishkill, as he would not preach at Hopewell until his next regular appointment there, and he arrived home on Monday at noon, in time for dinner. After dinner, the Dominie and Rebekah retired to his room, and an hour was spent in close conversation. She related to him that she had made known to her parents his offer to her in marriage, and the pleasure it would afford them to see them united, and, said she, the report is now circulated

through the village that we are engaged, and the wedding is appointed; and she farther said that Isaac told her that he overheard several young men, one a lawyer, talking over the affair at the Van Kleek House, wondering if they would be lucky enough to get an invitation, and several of her associates had hinted to her of her intended marriage. In the evening, Mr. Vannist entered the sitting room where Rebekah and her parents were sitting. The air was sultry, for it was midsummer, and Paul had just returned from his store, leaving his son Isaac there to attend to customers. As soon as the Dominie entered, Paul arose and seated himself close to an open window, to catch the summer breezes that were gently passing, when he remarked that he hardly had time to ask him if there was anything new at Fishkill, whether any of his congregation was sick, and where he remained over night. Such questions were usually asked when the Dominie returned from preaching or visiting his parishioners, and then the conversation ceased and a stillness pervaded the room for some time. Mr. Vannist knew that Rebekah had informed her parents of his offer to her in marriage, and the diffidency he expected he would have to contend with had subsided, and he proudly asked Mr. and Mrs. Schank for their daughter in marriage. "Yes," said Paul, "and I hope, with the blessing of God," but he could say no more; ecstatic joy pervaded his soul, and his mind was so absorbed with his daughter's marriage, that he could not find words to express himself. Mrs. Schank then remarked that Rebekah was their only daughter, and she could willingly consent to give her to him in marriage, and if