Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-12-10

was Ndhtu" htsopy S"' PtieS ~ ~ WSic. Al
dressmaker, are youp Well, Ruth,
shouldn't care if you were crossing
sweeper. love you, and that's quite
enough for me-
"But, Charley, am poor and obscure
What of that? I'm not rich. by any
means but ] amtully capable of working
for both of us; and rs for being poor and
obscure, why, WEI try and see if we
cannot make name for ourselves in the
world, Ruth"
But you are not obscure. Charles.
The Trevors stand high in the circle oi
fashion. l know that. humble little
dressmaker though am"
What theu?"
why the world will say that you have
made neSdiiiance"
And what care | for The worlds
verdict, as long as am happy in your
love? Little Ruth, what sort of mercena-
ry renegade do you take me for? | love
you. and I'm going to marry you,'
There was glitter suspiciously like
tears on the long eyelashes, as Ruth felt
Charles Trevor's loving glance resting on
her face, and The little hand stole softly
into his with an unconsciously confiding
movement.
Charley" said Ruth, in soft, stiilcd
voice. IN try and be a good wife to
your
And thcn-oh. strange, inscrutable
heart of woman,-Rnth Murray cried just
because she was so happy.
And the next day, the gay country
house coterie broke mp, all the guests
going their several ways. and owning .one
to another, that they had delightful
time, and the next chapter in their book
of fashionable dissipation, while Ruth
Murray went home TO house with a
shop. where plate bore the words, Miss
Mackenzie, Dressmaker."
The bright January sunshine was turn
ing the crusted snow to diamonds, and
making Miss Mackenzie's shabby carpet
look half q dozen degrees shabbier than
ever-the clock had just struck eleven,
and Ruth Murray, in blue delane dress,
and trim linen collar. was tacking to-
gether the bread,hs of = goldcolored
glace silk, with her rosy mouth full OF
pins. Miss Mackenzie stood watching
her, with skirt-lining depending from
her bony arm.
Ruth" said the old maid, obviously,
u don't understand YOU at ALI"
Don't you, Hetty? Well, that's not at
all strange, for halt the time don't un-
derstand myself"
mo, but-Ruth, this arrangement
seems to me SO unsatisfactory-so un-
suitable"
Don't my work give you satisfaction
"Inever had an apprentice learn half
so quickly. those little fingers of yours
seem gifted by magic"
Thank you." said Ruth, sewing
demuredly.
The yellow silk. please?-Didnt YOU
tell me that Miss Trevor was coming here
at eleven to try on her dress?"
80 she said-and there is the carriage
dashing up to the door now. It's fine
thing to be rich. Are you sure the dress
is ready. Ruth?"
Quite"
Perhaps Ruth Murray's cheek was n
iriiie pinker than usual as Miss Trevor
rus;led loftily into the room; but other
wise there was no shade of difference in
her manner or demeanor.
I'm afraid I'm little behini time.
began the imperious young lady, throw
ing off her costly ermine cape; but
why. Ruth Murray, this surely cannot be
you?"
1T is |, Miss Trevor"
Maria Travor started.
"Oh, you've come TO have a dress
itted-Miss Mackenzie has such success
oh" said Ruth, quietly; Il am Miss
Mackenzie's assistant"
Maria drew herself up haughtily.
This is very strange" she said rigdly
may it is quite unaccountable.
thought YOU were a visitor at Wardley
Place."
al was"
And did Kate Wardley know"
"Who was? Perfectly"
Maria tossed her head.
"Upon-my-word, this is really too
graluitous an insult TO her other guests
Kate Wardley shall know my opinion on
her conduct"
Ruth had grown pale and then red but
thh next moment score of laughing
dmples broke out around her mouth.
1t was dreadful TO admit dress,nakel
into the circle of her aristocratic friend
and it uas unhcard of audacity in the
dressmaker to venture within the charmed
limits.
"Wnl you allow me to try on youi
dress. Miss Trevor"
Maria stood haughtily silent in the
middle of the room, while Ruth, mount
ed on a stool to bring her nearer to Miss
Trevor's height, put in pins here and
there and laid little folds and basted
refractory seams.
''She is pretty" thought Maria, as the
sunlight glanced athwart Ruth's golden