Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1868-01-03
NO. 80 PARIS MAINE FRIDAY IANUARy , 1898

But we seemed to get along Just as well
without bim-at least 1 did. though aunt
katherine asked me a number of times
about the cause Of bis absence.
"IIe is sulky suppose. Don't fret abou,
me. aunt Katherine; it don't trouble me a,
ALL" / said.
y few evenings after. John made b is ap.
pcaranco aud entered the parlor where Mr..
Devereux and sat playing chess. while my
aunt was writing letter n, side table.
thought il would be rather awkward for him
At first, but be came forward easily, and af-
ter speaking to Mr.. Devercux and myself.
crossed The room and seated hmsc II by my
aunt. Pleased with this arrangement. /
devoted myself 10 my game. AMI did not
look around for some half an hour after.
ward. when my attention was attracted by
the sound OF John Aubrey's voice, which.
though low. was remarkable earnest nd
emphatic. | turned my head and gazed in
wonder. My auni's cheeks we're flushed
crimson, and Johns face, a seen by me for
an instant. was pale and agitated. turn
ed to Mr.. Devereux in astonishmcnt. but be
only smiled slightly. ma dc n move. and
then waited for me to do tho same. But |
could not play from excitement caused by
the scene had observed moments before
and lost the game through inatientiou.
Shall we play again!" said Mr.. Devc.
reux.
shook my head. and be replaced the
pieces 10 box and then took up book.
The next moment John arose. and aun
went with him to the door She did no,
come back tor some time. and when she did
Mr.. Devereux was preparing to go. lie
looked up quietly at her entrance. and then
asked her iaughinsly if it wts amicably set.
lied. and II he might congratulate her (?
She blushel, but said. YES, at some other
time" and bade him good night | had
stood by in round-eycd wonder nd bewil-
derment
When the door closed on him NV aun,
looked steadily at me moment. then laugh.
ed. and finally burst into hysteric tears.
was frightened. She put her arm about
me.
"Addie. arc you sure YOU didn't like
John?" she asked.
II believe did little last winter, but
don't at all now"
Are you sure?'
Quite sure" l replied "he i, so sui.
len -
"Waitl-do you know who YOU are talk
ing TOT"
What do you mean, aunt Kaiherine2r
IL am John Aubrey's be,lothed wife, Ad q.
die and she laughed and IL en- cried again.
l stood mutely staring at her. At last
| found words to say,
why. aunt Katherine. thought it was
whom John was in love with"
She shook her head.
And though Mr.. Dcveraux was in
love with YOU"
"You must ask him about that" she said
smiling through her tears.
And did ask him the next excning, as
we stood by an open window. and my aunt
Katherine sat by John Aubrey in the cosy
corner where / used to SIT with him.
"Is it possible that you haven't been
couring aunt Katherine all this time, Mr..
DeverauX?" said
Ilo he laugheI!
''l1 1t possible that YOU don't know that
have been courting you all this tirne?"
"Mr. Dcveraux - exclaimed.
Bu. he vast jesting-and neither was
when | promised year later to Love,
honor anil obey him. through life.
John Aubrey and my aunt Katherine
were married at the same time. which nv
aunt declared was a great saving Of trouble
and wedding cake