Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-07-16
We'll, the other night, Just as we were

knew was cold and hungry. He could
not abolish rumselling, but starving
drnkaurd was just rs much an object OF
charity 10 him rs starving minister.
Good gracious didn'this eyes snap though
He's rs much too radical as | am too will
ful. Then hated beggars, any way.
Aunt Mary could say nothing. advise
nothing. She saw that, by little judi
cious management on the part of the low
er, this grand finale might have been
averted but men are not natural diplo-
mists. And so, with a careless observa-
ton in regard 10 the weather, she with
drew. Several days passed, and not n
word from Harvey.
'Oh, dear. how lonely that poor little
finger looks, said Maggie one day softly
to herself. 1T has been there long
enough to leave ridge too. / reckon
the next girl Harvey Crittenden is engag
ed Ia will have IN easier time with him
than | have. He has learned lesson
from this As true as you live Maggie.
Its always the way with men; one wo-
man has 10 be victimized in order that
another may be decently treated. Well,
am glad for somebody! Harvey is n
glorious fellow sometimes. If that fellow
does not send home my photograph by
tomorrow, I'm just going to send for it,
And now Maggie Meredith, if YOU make
a fool of yourself another minute longer,
for any biped under the sun, you deserve
the rack. You do hate beggars; stick to
it; and Maggie surveyed herself in the
mirror and promised she would.
Miss Maggie, said the cook, breaking g
in upon her reverie, there's IN old man
down TO the door who wants somethin g
to eat, and joboflight work. Och, he's
a sick looking old fellar entirely. Will
We be after coming down, Miss?'
Another beggarr mused Maggie. I'm
thankful Auutie is out, or might receive
a lecture on the beauties of consistency.
| wasn't born with any of that, either
Weir said she, opening the back area
door. where the old man stood. what
can do for you? Cook tells me you are
III and hungry, and in want"
Yes, Miss said the old bundle of tat
ters. in low, trembling tones.
What is the matter with you?' and
Maggie's voice was full of sympathy.
oh nothing but the rheumatic. I've
had it all winter. It's all can do to take
a step. But for the love of mercy give
me mouth full to eat I'm almost starved.
Come into the kitchen, and we'll see
what we can do for you. Cook, get him
a good warm cup of coffee, and wha,ev-
er YOU have got good to eat. Would you
like TO wash your face and hands"
.Oh yes, ma'am.' replied the beggar'
If YOU please i was trying to put in
some coal for the folks below out | was
obliged to leave it; hadn't got the
strength.
Maggie with her own hands placed a
basin of water, soap, and towels before
him. poured out his coffee, and sc, the
chair to the kitchen table.
Now eat just rs much as you can said
she, filing his plate.
How much did you put in for the fam
lily below? p
oh, about half ton
Well, and didn't they pay you Tor
that?'
.Oh no ma'am,' he replied. How
could expect it when didn't do as l
agreed top
We'll, that man deserves hanging. I'd
take my affidavit that it was man who
made that bargain with you, and allowed
you, hungry and sick, to leave without
being paid, no woman would serve hu-
man being so scurvy trick
The old man pressed his hand to his
face a moment. and then replied:
Yes, my dear Miss, it was man; but
then there are but very few like you in
The world
That's so,' she replied, and burst into
hearty laugh. Very few like me-
YOU poor, sick old man very few like me,
indeed! You wouldn't belive now that
hate beggars. would you? That l have
no patience with any body who is poor
ill, or unfortunate Oh, pshaw. what III
the world am l talking about? Why,
bless your soul, good man, you havn'
eaten enough to keep mouse alive
Now tell me about this rheumatism
Where does it trouble you"
In nay knees, Miss and the old man
again hid his face in his hands.
Go to my closet said she to the ser
want. 'and bring me that big bottle oi lin
iment. I'll give them real good rub
bing myself, and then you can take the
bottle home, and bathe them two or three
times day. Rheumatism must be terri
ble.'
Bridget returned with tho desired arti'
Gle. Maggie took her seat on the floor.
oh. no, Miss said the beggar,
strange tremor in his voice, 'Icannot per
nit that
why, you old goose said Maggie