Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1868-06-26
PARIS, MAINE, FRIDAY,

weeks you have evaled, and still evade an
answer. This seems SO much like ,ria;ng
that begin to thisk tha, just cause for OF.
fence existed"
None Is intended. assure you, :" replied
MIR. Mason. with something like dcprecia.
ton IN his tone. But YOU must remcm-
Der, Mr. Page. that you have never sought
to win the young girls affections. and that
a' a consequence the offer OF marriage which
YOU wish me 10 make ber, will be received
with surprise. and it may be disapprovai.
| wish to approach her on this subject with
proper discretion. To be precipita,c may
star'le her with instant repugnancc 10 your
wishes"
I 'She loves you. does she not?" inquired
Page, with marked significance OF man
ner.
"A child never loved parent more ten
derly," replied Mr.. Mason.
Give her, then, an undisgui.ed history
ct your embarrassment. Show her how
your fortunes are trembling on the brink of
ruin. and that you have but one hope OF re-
lief and safety lef. The day ,he becomes
my wife, you are removed from all danger.
VIII you do this ~
I The old man did not reply. He was in
deep reverie. 1t is doubtful whether he
had beard all that the Young man had said
"Wiil you 10 ,hsi" repeated Page, and
with some impaticnce in his tone
Mason aroused himself as from dream
and answered with great frmness and dig.
nifty
Mr.. Page. the struggle in my mind is
over. ! have no idea that Florence will
iavor your suit. and | will not use a single
argument TO influence her In that mat.
ter shc must remain perfectly free. Ap.
proach her as man, aud win her II YOU
have the power to do so. II is your only
hope"
A' II stung by serpent, Page started
from has chair
You viii repen. this. sir he angrily
retortcd-"and repent it bitterly came
to YOU with honorable proposals for your
daughters hand you listened to them.
gave mo encouragement. and promised me
an answer tonight. Now. you meet me
with insult YOU will repent OF all this"
Mr. Mason ventured no reply, but mere.
ly bowed his head in token OF his willing.
ness to bear all consequences that might
come.
For long time after this angry visitor
had retired. did Mr. Mason cross and re-
cross the floor with measured tread At
last he rung the bell, and directed the ser.
van; who came, to say TO Florence that hc
wished 10 sec her
When Florence came. she was surprised
to sec that her father was strou ely agitat
ed.
"Sit down. dear" he said in trembling
voice. Il have something to say 10 YOU
that must no longer be concealed"
Florence looked wonderingly into her
fathers face. while ber heart began to sink
just then a servant opened the door and
ushered in 4 stranger. lie was tall. fine
looking man just ia the prime Of lie. Flor
ence quickly retired. bu, no; before the vi,-
itor had fixed his eyes upon her face, and
marked its sweet expression.
Pardon thiS intrusion, sir. he said. as
soon As the young girl had lefl the room
but facts tina. | have learne ! this evening
have prompted me to call upon you without
moments delay Ny name is Greer, Of
the firm Of Greer. Miller. & Co"
Il know your house very well and now
P rar. 10, try st,r
in business transactions
"Ycs. yon have bought one or two bills
OF good. Of us." replied the visitor. Then
after 4 moments pause, he said in a chang
cd voice
Mr.. Mason, I learn tonight from a
source vhich leaves me no room TO doubt
tie truth Of the statement. that your affairs
have become seriously embarrassed. That
yop are in fact on ihe eve Of bankruptcy.
Tell me frankly whether this j. indeed 80.
I ask from 40 idle curiosity; nor from a
concealed sinister motive. bat to the end
thit may prevent the threatened disaster.
IT it's in my power to do So.
Mr Mason was dumb with surprise at so
unexpected a declaration. IIc made two
or three efforts to speak, but hi, lips utter.
ed 90 sound
"Coudlc 10 me. SIR urged the stranger.
Trust ne a. on would your own brother,
AMI lean upon me. your strength be IN
deed falling. Tell me. then, q, it as I have
said!7
II. is was all the merchant could Ut.
ter.
How much will save you? Mention the
sum, and i within the compass Of my ability