The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-09-07
VOLUME XVI.

IN society, the result would nave Deen very
different, but being under the same roof,
thrown in constant companiQnship and with
minds that perfectly accorded, they could not
but he friends.
Maude was well read in the best literature
of the day, and her cultivated mind had
grasped the grand thoughts Of the master
spirits ofthe age, and made them all her own.
The well furnished library ofMaple Glen was
the scene Of many pleasant morning hours
spent in conversation or in listening, rs one
or the other read, to the strain OF the great
old bards whose footsteps echo down the
corridors Of time
Then there were long rides, taken through
the winding woodland roads and along the
rocky banks of the picturesque river that
wound around Maple Glen, and sails on the
crystal lake embosomed in green hills that
fed its clear waters There were gorgeous
sunsets 10 be admired together, when the dy-
ing day drew around him all his royal dra-
perry Of crimson, purple and gold, and died
in blaze Of glory-calm solemn moonlight
evenings, whose perfect beauty hlied the
heart too deep for words. and sometimes, yes,
often, there were times when they watched
the sun lift its head above the eastern hills,
and saw the earth glori6ed with fresh bap-
tism of loveliness.
Yes the Judge and Maudc got along amaz-
ingly we'll together, and cousin Jennie smiled
| 10 herself as she saw it but like prudent
woman, as she was, she kept her own coun-
ell and said nothing.
One morning he entered the library in
search of some book he wished to consult.
and discovered Maude engaged in the perusal
| Of something very interesting evidently, for
his entrance failed to attract her attention.
He watched her for u moment and then
said:
MAY ask what has the honor Of absorb
ing your thoughts 50 completely this morn
ing, Miss MaudeY
She started slightly, and laughed, as she
answered.
'Oh, Sewari's last speech It's grand isn't
itg
Imagine his feelings, especially when it is
taken into consideration that the Judge was
a Democrat Of the most ardent stamp and
consequently entertained about the same af-
fcction for Seward and his speeches that rabid
dogs might be supposed to have for stream
of water. lie made wry face in spite OF
himself, and Maudc, looking up, caught him
in the act.
'why, Judge said she smiling, you are
not Democrat hope"
Il am happy to say Iam,' replied he rather
stihly. =.
Il am sorry for you, my friend. I must say
said Maude, while her eyes danced with
mirth to see how shocked the Judge looked.
And are you
a Republican, Of the blackest dye to bc
sure said she.
We'll, every one to their taste,' and
Maude was alone again.
What Judge Compton's meditation's were
il would bc difficult to say, but that night
he dreamed that Maudc was President Of the
i Unitcd States, and in the act OF giving her
hand to Seward, who was big negro with
intensified woody hair and thick lips, and
Henry Ward Bccchcr was performing the
marriage ceremony. He was rather shy OF
Maude for day or two but gradually affairs
returned to their old channel.
One quiet afternoon Jennie and Maude
were alone together, tho gentlemen being
absent ON some business or other. They were
seated ON the piazza with their sewing con-
yersiny ON various feminine topics, or paus-
inc 10 admire the quiet beauty Of the blue sky
cleaning through the heavy foliage Of the
trees, or Of the golden bars Of sunlight that
Law upon the thick green grass. At length
Maude made some remark that had tinge
Of her political opinions in 1t and Jennie
laughingly said:
.Mow, Maude, what's the use OF talking
in that stylep' You'll marry Democrat
some day, and then what will become ofyour
politicsp :,
But | shan't, though said Maude ener-
yet;cally. II wouldn't marry St. Paul him
self, IL knew he were Democrat.
.why, Maude,' said Jennie, her black eyes
enlaryrng themselves considerably, you really
look as il you were in earnest what are
your reasons, may ask
because should fear man whose prin-
ciples would allow him to support such a
system Of fraud oppression and wrong, would
make poor husband
Nevertheless, I'll wager my pet cameo
min against your new riding hat, that you
will not only receive an offer from Demo-
cnt, within two weeks, but will accept
himr
.Iaccept the wager and refuse the man in
advance. said Maudc, bending over her work,
that her companion might not see the bushes
that mantled her cheek and brow: $50 con-
slider your cameo rs good Us mine"
j we shall see,' answered Jennie gaily, rs
she turned to welcome her husband who
entered just then.
Judge Compton was to leave Maple Glen
in a few days, and the final catastrophe came
at last. Ii happened in this wise. The
purple gloom OF the dying twilight had just
melted away in silver beams Of the rising
moon, that threw dancing shadows OF trec
and flower, on the velyety lawn, when Maude
and the Judge returned from q ride, and sat
down on the yine-wrcathed piazza. Maudes
ewes had sober. dreamy look in their dear
iepths, and perhaps the mystic beauty oil the
nirht had cast its spell over them, Tor both
Were silent. At length she looked up but
for an instant, for Judge Compton was gazing
upon her face with an intense gaze, as IL he
would Rad her very soul, and she looked
down as quickly, whilsa faint Hush crept
over her white brow. :, :,
'Maude, l love YOU, viii you be my wife,
IL WAS noble, this earnest manly deciara-
ton, Maude felt it, after all the unmeanlng
hattery to which she had 80 long listened.
For moment she hesiated. then something
OF her old sauciners came back, s she re-
called the conversation with cousin Jennie,
and glancing up, she said, demurely:
, MY dear Judge, l know Of but one objec-
J ton
name it, he exclaimed, eagerly.
!, .Only this: I made solemn promise
long since, never TO marry person Of your
peculiar political faith
.Maude, this il no time for triaingf 1t
may be nothing to you, but II Is more than
life or death to me. am serious in this
matter
so am L.
And thi, is all for which you reject me =
j AN i,
j have been mistaken in you, Maudc! I