Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-09-23

cd Laura, Tor the girl was nurse maid al
at the Haydens, and Benny, the young ST
hope of the house whats all thisp"
decd, Miss, he's orful," said the girl
nearly crying. when he makes up hi.
mind, it's tiger he is, Miss. Just sec
him now"
Laura spoke few words TO the boy in
low tone. and he ceased struggling g
moment.
Were all skies and sevens," said tho
nurse, "and the Missis is ortul nervous
Mr.. Bart just returned from California
without no warning. and brought beau
tiful young lady with him. | do suppose
it's his wife, from what hcaid-and il
quite upset the Missis, and made such s
time Now, Benny there's that pleceman
so you better come"
Laura heard. and for 4 moment street
and house whirled round, so that she had
much ado to keep herself from falling
The words rang in her ears-"I do sup,
pose it's his wife" The strange and
sudden revulsion Of feeling passed, how.
ever, leaving her deadly pale. Certainly
Bart had perfect right TO get married
n perfect right to forget her-of course
he had Men had done such things ever
since the flood, and would, probably, to
the end of time. Over and over again
she said he had never committed himself,
and yet her heart answered that he had.
Those words he had whispered. had dared
TO whisper. she said to herself, with Il
flaming cheek. What tingling memory
it was, She saw herself as she stood At
that moment, attired in the most eXquiS-
ite fabrics, the acknowledged queen OF
the fe,e, and he. handsome and poor, had
brought an answer to his question on her
very checks, in her very eyes.
The blood burnt her face now; but, rs
she came in sight of the noble dwelling,
it rcceded, leaving her pale and almost
faint.
She stormed at herself for being so su
premcly foolish but the tears were very
near her ,irel eyes. for all that.
Huge trunks blocked up the hall. A
loud CHEEKY voice sounded, that struck
wofully against her heart; and the first
she saw was stalwart, handsome Bart
Hayden. just coming forward rs he issued
his orders 10 the men who were taking
the boxes up stairs. What right had he
to look SO suddenly radiant ?
"Laura-my dear Miss Stet,on!" cx-
claimed the young man hurrying toward
her.
But Laura's face was like steel. She
made a cold, little bow; and did not
choose to see tn hand hc extended.
Welcome home, Mr.. Hayden" she
said. in se:, cold voice. II came 10
bring some-' she could not say work,
something for your sister. | generally
go to her room. Is she therc?"
lie fell back little Strange how the
light went out of his face.
IL rather think she may be cngag-
cd" he said, in blundering, confused
way; there might have been little an
ger in the voice; "but-yes. perhaps you
had better go up" and then he turned on
his heel.
He didn't like to speak of his wife,
and no wonder" half sobbed Laura, to
herself, choking sensation in her throat.
1t was queer how the stairs bobbcd
about; but, perhaps. the thick drops on
her lashcs might explain it.
What in the deuce makes her act so
oddly P" muttered young Hayden; then
in tendcrer voice, poor little thing. It's
a pride suppose; but she might have
seemed just the least glad to see me,
think; and then he kicked box out Of
his path, and went moodily to the door.
Anne Hayden was alone.
$50 glad yoa brought it," she cried:
land oh doesn't it look beautiful? what
a fairy fingers you are!' and she shook
out the creamy satin with exclamations
of delight.
"Sit down, won't you? I've so much
to tell you. Bart he's como home."
"Yes, know it; but | can't wait-nol
moment 1t will be getting dark, and
and" She grew desperate with the fear
that Anne should see the tears and the
tren bling mouth; and STOPPING, snatch.
ed up the bill, and placed it in the hand
of her patroness.
"Oh, so sorry Suppose you won't mind
waiting for the pay till next week ?"
1--WE are out of coal and WOOD" said
Laura, her cheeks crimson; and, in fact,
we need the money"
Dear me Dear me! was so thought
less TO spend every cent had. But stop,
I'll 60 down and ask Bart"
Laura felt as if sne could sink to the
floor.
Stop" she said, OBTAINING Anne by
hold on her arm, her face quite white and
proud again. Il can waii-nevcr mind.
OF course, can depend upon you by
Wednesday?
Eyes. I'll run round before, perhaps.
Must you go? You don't know how much
I've got to tell you. Well, then, good
night"
Laura had not worn her veil. The
tears were running down her cheeks as
abe hastily descended tho steps of the