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

How drcary and meagrc it all looked I!
the few cheap dishes. the scanty table
cloth, the half covered floor. tho faded
wall paper, the worn out chintz on chairs
and lounge.
''rm dreadful tired, mamma; let me
lie down, she cried in a suppressed voice,
and threw herself on the creaking old
lounge.
"What is the matter. my darlingP see
she didn't pay. Of course; and not 4
stick of wood in the house. Oh the
heartlcesness Oh! the wickedness of
those who are rich II thought"
A loud rap. Laura hid her face. Her
mother answered the call. and In strobe
Bart Hayden. almost deiiantly.
"At least you will welcome me, Mrs
Stetson.n he said, the fine old ring in his
voice.
Laura sat up. calm and cold again.
"Anne sent this by me-" he said. and
laid sealed envelope on the table.
when did you get home?" asked
Mrs. Stetson, rs soon rs she had recover.
from her surprise.
"Only few hours ago." was Barl's re-
ply. II brought Cousin Jacks wife with
mo: she was ordered home for health,
and Jack couldn't leave, so took Matte
in charge. Poor girl! am afraid home
is not going to help her much, or in
deed anything else"
Laura made IN almost inipcrceptible
movement She was far from cold now !;
her very temples burned.
"Wcll good night :" he said, stealing a
glance at Laura. rs he arose, after an.
swering Mrs. Stctson's inquiries. I've
done my orrand. and Mrs. Stctson, you
at least. will lot mo come. sometimes,
and talk with you won't you, for the sake
of old times ?"
The mothers reproving eyes were fast
encd upon Laura. What did the girl
mean by acting in this way?
TO be sure :" was her quick answer,
''if you will come TO so humble a place.
You see how the wheel has gone round
with US. Poor Mr.. Stetson-" But the
L. 49,, ii 10 a.
Yes heard" said he pityngly. long
ago. Anne wrote me. But am not of
the fckle kind, Mrs. Stetson."
This with reproachiul glance At
Laura.
Good night" he said, in the next
minute, and bowed to both women.
He had reached the door. when n faint
voice called.
Bart :"
Yes, it was Lsura's eager cry. She was
ashamed of what she had done, and
heartily repenling.
He came back with half suppressed
eagcrness in his manner, his glance wary
but anxious.
II was just little rude tonight" she
said, looking dangerously beautiful i'll her
humility. "Pleasc forget it,"
Indeed will :" and he seized her
pretty hand, his eyes radiant. 81 under
stand-you were always such sensitive
little creature So you forgive me, ch ?
he blundcrcd
1T was you who were to forgive me,
believe" said Laura, demurely, her lips
quivcring, ready TO cry and laugh too.
Mrs. Stctson. will you allow me to
whisper ?" said the straight forward Bart.
Certainly" said the old lady, her heart
beating quicker What was agoing to
happeno Had poverty done its worst for
them? Was there indeed bright hope for
the future?
Bart put his shining beard close to
Laura's ear, and the second time sail the
mystic words, that had SO long fingered
in her memory.
Laura did not repulsc him. He felt
then that her heart belonged to him, and
that it had never gone out 10 another.
So it happened that, after that evening,
Bart Hayden kept calling, and that the
widow invariably left the two young
people together; and the end oi it was
brilliant wedding in less than a year.