Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-12-09
PARIS, MAINE, FRIDAY,
much" she added as she stepped into n
chair and took il down.

clair and took IL down.
had not a word to utter. l felt that |
was killed by kindness; and yet after this
| | ondeavored To maintain that reserve OF
manner that had determined should ever
characterize my department towards her.
The time for the closing of the school
arrived, and asked papa to get me an
expensive set OF coral and gold orna-
ments TO wear.
al will think of it," ho said, but when
We were alone he said To me:
Ellen, il you will call my wife mother
will get those things for you. do not
like TO hear you call her Mrs. Gordon"
especially before strangers"
Very we'll" | returned. II can do
without them; they arc not absolutely
necessary to my happiness"
The morning OF the exhibition day
ton, saw Mrs. Gordon come out of the
jewellers and walk hastily towards home.
followed. vexcd and almost angry.
said to myself:
"If call her mother ut dinner papa
will notice il. and get the ornaments
while am dressing; can wear them nj
the exhibition this afternoon and the party
this evening. wonder what Emma An
drew would say if | should, rs | told her
never would while | lived and | won't,
so that's decided"
Dinner over went to my room 10 dress.
for the exercises were 10 commence al
two. As ! stood by the table noticed n
small kid case, with slip OF paper upon
it. opened the paper which bore my
name on the outside. and read. "Will
Nellie accept this from her friend Alice
Gordon9" In the box lay the long g.coyet-
ed ornaments on their satin bed. This
last act of forbearancc was more than
even could endure, and sobbed bitter
ly while conscience upbraidcd me for The
past. did not wish 10 GO down, and rs
Florie was dressed, wrote on piece Of
paper. accept the thanks OF your daugh-
ter Ellen" and sent it up to mother, rs |
then determined to call her.
In few moments heard footsteps mp.
preaching, and, turning | laid my head
upon her shoulder and murmured. "For.
give me. mother
Gently she smoothed back the heavy
bands of hair from my forehead.
Il did not do this TO buy your love,
Nellie, she said. II hope you would have
given that without this testimony of my
affection
From that day the most perfect conf
dencc existed between us, and | ever
found her a true iriend--a faithful adviser.
But now, though decade of years have
passed away, still remember the look OF
satisfaction that rested on her face, at the
result on HtE lapOT OF iONc-- " HtH L ItlN-
cd to the dictate of my better nature, and
gave her daughters love and respect.
A little child. whose lips have loarncd
TO speak that sweetest OF all words
mammals sleeping in her tiny couch ut
my side, and when think of the future
of that little one God had committed to
nv care, pray to the Great Disposcr OF
human events that if be called 10 leave
her while her feet are in the thorny paths
OF childhood and youth, that she may find
as faithful a friend, though stepmother,
as she whom in my early years learned
TO call that name.
The wide and unbounded prejudice
against the class referred TO has caused
much unhappiness in many families.
Let all who have the care OF children
do all in their power to disabuse their
minds of such a feeling.
Experience has taught me that one may
find true, faithful andloying friend even
in the person of n step mother.