Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-04-01
Snisttllanp,
MRS. STEVENS LAST FllRTA-
TlON.

The morning sunlight Streamed cheerily
in through the dining-room windows, its
golden beams playing elfn games DER the
delicate seyres and glistcning silver COM
posing the dainty breakfast-seryice.
well, Mary have you decided" in-
quired Mr.. Stevens. ine.looking man,
some forty years old, sitting down to his
cup, of untasted Mocha. and glancing
over to his wife, whose dimpled, pouiing
face was almost hidden by the massive
coffee urn.
II decided some time ago to attend the
soiree this evening with Major Hunter,
and assuredly shall not alter my decision
a, this late moment
But, Mary, he is no companion Tor
one like YOU. and
"Oh. spare me- interrupted pretty little
Mrs. stevens, with amartyred expression.
Major Hunters demcanor TO me has al
ways been that Of a gentleman. Because
my husband. whom acknowledge as my
rightful escort, has become surieited with
saiety. must needs settle down into the
humdrum existence only congenial to
those whose age renders more trivial
amusements unbearable"
he waited until she had finished, then,
with sad, stern smile, said calmly,
Good morning, madame, y and left her
presence.
"Oh. dear" sighed the wife As the door
closed softly. How strangely he looked
not angry eNactly-not aS ever saw
him before; but hurt. Ii was wicked In
me to speak so-wicked, wicked anc
her words were now accompanied by
choaking sobS. when | know HI:
seusitiyeuesS upon that subject, knew Sc
well of his many misgiyings in re gard Il
my love for him, simply on account o
the difference in our ages, how could
+ have been so cruei:"
Her reverie was interrupted by the en-
trance of u servant, bearing tho card o
Major Hunter, who WAS waiting in th'
parlor. With an impatient gesture sh,
read the name, and entered his presenc,
after a short time, with eyes aroun'
wlich-notwithstauding numerous ap
plica,i1nS ut roSe.water-traceS OF tear
were still visible.
The Major rose with a complacen
smile. and complimentary greeting, bu
Mrs. Stevens was in no mood for tlattery
as he had tact enough to perceive.
AT what time shall call for you?' N
inquired, rs conversation began to flag.
oh, how she longed to excuse herself
and refuse to attend, but pride, our omni
present enemy. rose up in her arms, am
with apparent nonchalance she appointe'
the hour.
Mrs. Stevens" began the Major, il
low, earnest tones, ''you appear sad
harassed. Excuse my seeming imperti
nence, for when one has but few friends
he is apt to discover any signs, howeve
slight, serving 10 indicate their unhap
piness."
His voice had assumed slightly sent
mental tone. which grated unpleasantt
on Mrs. Stevens ears, and she looked u
in amazement rs he continued:
"Since my withdrawal from the army
have met you often, and the emotio
which compelled me to seek an introduC
ton at our first meeting has not grow
cool in the many weeks of our acquain
ance; and although have not been a:
sured of reciprocity of sentiment. you
evident pleasure in my society, and az
ceptance of my protection upon differeI
occasions, give me courage to ask you
whose interests are far dearer TO me tha
, nv own-the cause of this sadness"
Mary Stevens was thunderstruck. Coul
this insulting rascal be the man over who'
she and her husband had but an hour ag
quarrelled? But without waiting for an
contempt from his auditor. indeed, givin