Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-12-03

en- with disease anu ueatn. Guy WAS
about ready to follow his brother through
college, when this event exposed to him
for the first time, the Strengthened cir
cumstsnces under which his patient moth
er labored.
Nobly he resolved to give up his pro-
posed plan Of entering at next commence
ment. and instead of continuing source
of expense, he would apply his education
to practical purposes, and assist in educa-
ting the Younger members of the family.
For this purpose he leN home; and
through the influence of his fathers early
friends. he soon found himself established
in pleasant and profitable employment,
where. by steady attention and faithful
ness, he was sure of advancement. For
short time everything prospered. both
in appearance and reality, but. alas! too
soon the demon wine found its way to
his lips. Generous and unseliish, he was
an easy prey to the wolves in disguise,
who eagerly Gocked around him, and.
under prelense Of helping him to enjoy
life. led him to the wine cup, which is but
the first step towards drunkard's grave,
as too many, were they allowed to speak
once more, would testify. He learned to
love it, and instead of waiting to be urg-
ed. he soon learned to seek 1t. and even
to offer il To others.
Thus matters progressed for nearly
three wears the day was spent i'm close
attention 10 business, the evening, and
sometimes the whole night in the III. Fs
iClub-room' He had learned TO drink.
without getting drunk, and during this
whole time his employer never once sus-
pected the true state of affairs, so that
AIR. c.. realizing that he was growing
old. and unable TO attend rs closely n
was necessary 10 his extensive business.
extended to Guv cordial invitation 10
become his partner. The offer was glad
lv accepted, and all necessary arrange
ments made.
The Spring business had been unusual
" driving. and July found Guy thin and
pale-so very pale. that kind-hearted old
Mr.. c. literally drove him away.
''Go off, said he, anywhere. away
with you. I'm old | know. bnt can see
that things 60 As they ough, to; and there
are enough TO do the work; so off with
YOU. TO into the country, and don't let
me sec you back here. till September
Gladly. Guy obeyed; and was it Fate,
that sent him to G.? He went, and there
he me, Retta Lloyd. and learned how no.
BILE woman can be. found that all fash
ionable young ladies are not brainless
simperers, as he had almost bclieved.nnd
in her presence he was better man.
He had guarded his secret carefully.
it was natural he should, for he had al
rayS done So. He did not design to de-
ceive her, in fact it never occurred TO
him that he tods deceiying her, for choice
liquors had become part of his daily
life. no-one had ever asked him to do
without them. and the thought that he
was approaching a drunkard's grave,
was far, very lar from his mind.
|. Let Us return to Retta; sadly she sits
by her window. \ busy neighbor, whose
son had often visited Guy in his room,
has been in with choice bit OF gossip,
and could Retta have seen the triumphant
CLEAN in her eve, "a she noted the pale
cheek and dropping lid of the surprised
almost overwhelmed girl, she would not
have thought rs she did.
Mrs. Crosby little thinks how her gos-
sip pains me.m Mrs. Crosby did think.
and moreover knew, how it panied, and
she enjoyed the pain she caused. for had
not Retta received coolly the attentions OF
her darling boy3
Revenge is sweet and Mrs. Crosby
drained the cup of the last sweet drop as
she told each particular, and saw the rosy
cheek grow pale, the sunny head droop
lower and lower over the dainty work.
! Mrs. Crosby is gone. Retta, once more
alone. throws down her work, and sum
mons to her aid all her strength she did
. not sit down weakly under this blow-as
, too many would-but with heart bruls-
ed and bleeding. she resolved to make an
effort TO save this man, whom she had
thought to be all she could ask in an
earthly being, and whose very worst side
had now been shown her by one who was
careful to add nothing that could possibly
SAVIOR of IN excuse for his only serious
+ fault But Rettas heart pleads hard for
, him. and with noble heroism she resolves
to face this fault, and save, or lose all.
There could be no half way work with
her. what she did, must be effected. or
she must give up all; and thus we find
her; sadly. yet tenderly thinking. She
| was aroused, by hearing wcll'known
footstep on the walk below; her heart
/ beat quickly, but her resolve was taken'
and rising. she pr epared to go below.
, Reader, are you expecting something
[ in the usual line of stories, a romantic ad-
venture, or heart-rending scene? If so,
you must be disappointed, for Retta is
, not story-boCk girl, she is a realty, and
noble hearted, whole-souled little wo.
, man. who will not shirk duty, as have
known girls to do. for fear of giving OIL
fence. No! she went toward the parlor,