Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-06-25

ner VOICE Neau!, Dut lower tnSn usual, sc
low that some who were listening, did
not catch the words at all. "You can
understand that II is not pleasant for me
to do this, but my rule must be respect
ed.n ia la 1sasn-{ so .iei
For an answer he bowed aud held out
his hand. They We're counted out faith
fully--twelve strokcs--no more, no less.
Did he know how every one hurt her
Perhaps be did for his eyes were on her
face all the while, and when the last one
was given he walked back to his seat, a
little graver than before, that was ALL
And the rest of the scholars opened eyes
of a,naSement. They had expected high
words and open defiance at the least
This new gentleness was not fear; they
knew that well. Fear and Scott Goldrick's S
name never went together. IL it was
voluntary submission to discipline. why
they might as well all yield too.bsea
Miss Burnett heard him talking to some
OF the older scholars outside the door af-
ter the roll was called and the school dis
missed. "What resist a ladyp You'll
never see me do that. Besides, deserv-
ed the feruling for breaking rules. I'm
going away tomorrow TO my uncle's
counting house in c." Then the
door closed. and Mss Burnett heard no
more.
Going away! She said the words over
and over to herself, sitting there with her
head laid down on the table before her
Going away! Why. that was worse than
all. What would she do, missing day by
day the bright face in the corner. and
the voice that, spite of ofaggravations with
out number, was still the pleasantest
voice in all the world to her. What
should she do' The great pile Of copy
books there on the table were still un-
touched, when, half an hour later some
one opened the door and came in; some
one whose step she knew so well. Scott
Goldrick had come back for his books and
slate. But she did not lift her head. He
stood before her presently with the books
on his arm and his hat in his hand.
II am going away, Miss Burnett, to
stay. Will you bid me goodbye ?
Still she did not look up nor speak. He
persisted. gently.
.'Have offended you beyond all hope
OF forgivenesspn
She gave him her hand at that.
mo, but--n
"But you are sick. Miss Burnett!n rs
he saw her face plainly. You are really
sick What can | do for you ?"
She tried to smile.
1T is only headache have had ii
all day-and a touch of fever with it, per-
haps, nothing more
"You have been sick all day, and l
have been aggravating the life out of
you," he said ,remorsefully,i in his earnest
ness kneeling down on one knee beside
her chair with half bold, half shy grace.
Il have made you trouble constantly. not
to-day only, but ever since YOU came
here TO teach What brute you must
think me. Ii was un-manly and coward
ly TO net as did No, you must let me
make full confession now" kissing the
hand she laid over his mouth TO stop him.
But, Miss Burnett, You are rery i'll" seri-
ously alarmed now at the sight of her
white face and closed eyes; for the SELL
control maintained by main force all day,
and up to this moment, had given away
suddenly. and weaker than child she
sat there, her breath coming in little short
gasps.
Unused to womsn's moods and ways" "
he was ut u loss what to do. He had II
idea, though. that when lady tainted.
cold water was the thing, SO he sprinkled
her face with the cup standing on the ia
BILE within reach of his hand, and, man
like, he drew her head down upon his
shoulder.
She was not altogether unconscious, for
she made weak movement to withdraw
hers elf from his arm, but he whispered.
Trust me and lie still, will you not, till
You are better?n concious the while Of
an odd, pleasant thrill ut his heart as her
face lay SO near his own that he could
have touched it with his lips.
he had been dozen years older, he
would have most likely have yielded 10
the temptation and kissed the roses back
to her cheeks, but there wasjust the least
bit of boyish timidity about him; and be-
ssdss he could not forget that he had dbeen
in part the cause OF this very illness, and
his heart smote him regretfully every
time he looked at her.
She sent him away by-and-by- as soon
As she was able to situp without support.
She would not let him go home with her,
either, though he begged her to let him
do so she would do better by herself she
said. But seeing the troubled look in his
ayes as he turned away, she relented so
far as to say: ao ~
II trust we part friends"
He came back TO herat this, saying ear
nestly: a'H
"Can you be my friend after what you
have known Of me the past two months?"
"T can bel am sincerely your friend
"Thank you for that. Knowing it, l