Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-12-09
Stlttt Storp.
MY STEPMOTHER.

Il wonder what papa has gono to Glen
vile so soon again for. Do YOU know,
Mrs. Allen ?" asked of the lady who
had acted as housckeeper in our family
for the four years We three children had
been written "motherlesS."
IL did not ask him, she replied.
Her eyasiye answer increased my sus-
picion. and after twirling my napkin a
moment, said:
well, we sometimes know the reasons
Of things. and therefore, are not obliged
to ask tor information.
After moments silence she replied:
mo Nellie DO not know for what
purpose your father visits Glenville."
"Rut you strongly suspect" ! persist.
ed. land so DO |, Do YOU not
If so. | do not think it best to say
anything about it"
Two days after, papa returned, and
aNer tea we gathered in the parlor, for
papa is lawyer, and dill not stay in the
office evenings. Mrs Allen took her
knitting, Florie was embroiiering, and |
took mp magazine. bnt not TO read.-l
told Florie that the next time papa asked
me 10 sing should stag the piece called
Il cannot call her Mother" aud, rs was
momentalily expecting such n request, |
was trying TO get my courage to do so.
Papa sat back in his easy chair, with his
head thrown back and his eyes closed. !
stole a look at him and whispered to
Florie:
Doubtless papa is thinking OF the
fascinating lady who is to be the future
Ms Gordon"
Before Florie could reply, papa opened
his eyes and asked me to play, and |
arose with little futteying OF the hear!
to 10 So.
I;ook up pile OF music and looked it
over, in order to gain time; then laying
it down on the music stand, ] struck the
first note to the prelude of the piece | had
said would sing Before began the
words Mrs. Allen left the room.
She knew what it was. and thought il
might lead TO remarks that she would
not like to hear. My voice never once
faltored rs sang it with As much feeling
rs | could throw into the words.
When had finished there was per-
feet silence in the loom for a few mo-
menls. finally began live march, but
papa interrupted me, and said in pleas
ant tone;
You need not play any more this eve
ming. Nellie, for me. hope you did not
sing those verses because they expressed
your sentiments, did you?"
II do not know what difference it can
make to any one whether those lines e1'
press my feelings or not" replied rather
coldly.7
at will make some difference with
your future happiness" he continued
Il am to. be married soon, and of course
it will make the lady your mother. Arc
YOU not prepared to receive as such, any
one may select, and give her the affec'
ton OF daughter?"
Florie burst into tears, and though J
felt choking sensation in the throat,
replied with some spirit.
"Oh, Of course shall treat the future
Mrs. Gordon with respect, il she shall
command il; but have a mother, though
she is in her grave, whom | cannot for
Get. ii others can with such apparent
ease"
Nellie, you forget yourself if you
mean 10 insinlale that have forgotten
YOUR mother. l have not, nor ever shall; /;
YOU could no: understand my feelings il
| should explain them to you; therefore
say no more. You can act your pleas
ure about loving her, but you must not
forret that she is mistress OF the house.
How is it with you, my daughter =
turning to Florie, and his voice had II
tenderer tone than when he spoke to me !;
do YOU share your sisters feelings?
"Oh, papa! do not want new
mamma"
why do you care, Florie?"
because she will spoil all our plans,
and make US do just what we do not want