Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-07-22

come up and introduce him. So We ar,
here you see."
Our poor seamstress. pale. thin mel
ancholy widow of about forty-five, color
cd deeply. but stitched on rs if nothing
had happened. ''Then VIC will with
draw from the room and give an oppor
tunity for conversation, said Aunt Deb
orah, rising and leading the way to th'
kitchen, followed by the captain, Mis-:
Pccksniff and myself
Hooked back just as was crossing tn,
threshold, and in the simplicity OF my
heat wondered what was the first pre-
liminary flourish when man was about
to pop the question. My curiosity wa,
Immediately gratiiied, for Mr.. Cantelopc
produced bandanna pocket handker
chief and perfected his programme by &
sonorous blast from his nose. which near
ly sent the landscape paper from the
walls.
As'wc stood shivering over The stove il
which the fire had nearly gone out, Aunt
Deborah made some inquiries of the cap.
tain respecting Mr.. Cantelopc. He knew
very little of him. had seen him years
ago in passing through Norton. small
town OF the mountain some twenty miles
off. Guessed he was n good sort of 4
man, In general, liked the principle oil
doing these working people to a
kindness when it came in his way. Mrs.
Cricton, poor soul, had 4 tough time Of il
since she lost her husband and children.
He was sorry FOR her. She would have
him to thank for this piece of good for.
tune.
1t is my opinion that she is enough
sight better off rs she is, than to be tying
hel self to any such green eyed man as
that arc one in there" spoke up Miss
Pecksnif. She was my aunt's house
keeper and general factotum, and had oc-
cupied the same position Tor over forty
years. She had grown important latter
". and held herself in high esteem among
women on account OF her superior wis
dom in all things relating to the Trini-
dad family.
We were all surprised to see Mr.. Cante-
lope standing before us.
I'm through" he said, with little
chucklc. "rm much obliged for your
kindness. You can come back into the
sitting room now"
What is the news ?" asked the captain
quickly.
"Oh, she's mittened me. he he ! he !
Don't want to marry. Think she's satis-
fed with her present condition. That is
what they all say. have asked Ia dozen
or more, Don't any of them know what
is for their good"
You don't tell me-" exclaimed Capt.
Hughes. with undisguised sstonishment.
"She doesn't mean il, though. Women
never say 'yes'.a first. You mustn't think
of giving it up so. Court her while
longer and then ask her again. That's
my advice
"lt's terrible Storm" said the old
man, looking from the window into the
white no,hingness without, Then, after
a moments hesitation, he added. "ii
these good people would only let me
stay all night think | could manage to
drive my new yoke Of oxen ahead of me
tomorrow, aud break the roads | could
not get through the drifts at all now."
You are quite welcome, sir, respond
ed my aunt. You will find \ place in
the barn. dare say for your horses. Our
men folks are away, 50 YOU must wait
upon yourself"
Captain Hughes protlered his assistance
before going home, and the two men
went 10 extend the h, spitalities of the
stable to the patient but half frozen
animals. While they were thus employed,
Dick came home from school, and was
not slow in giving him an account Of the
little episode.
II wish'you would stop your gabbling
about such nonsense" said Miss Peck
sniff, in her snarlng voice, rs | tcetered
all her mending out of one of the kitchen
chairs, and Dick stepped on it while
hanging up his cap.
You may he sure that this man is a
in disguise, responded Dick, al
only wonder at his choice"
"Rebecc;, Trinidad, 60 into the other
room and stay there"
1t was an order not to be disobeyed, for
no matter by what Whit OF fortune Miss
Pecksnif had been blown into the seat OF
government, she was undoubtedly there.
SO went muttering: That Is what |
get for being small in stature. She would
not dare to speak to me in that way if |
was as tall as Aunt Deborah. lam fifteen.
There is Dick only three years older than
|. He is never sent out of the room, and
would not go if he was"
"What is the matter?" asked Mrs.
Cricton, as dropped into chair beside
her.
30, nothing much. wouldn't sew any
more if were you. How nice it must be
to have beau"
never shall forget the rcproachiul
look she cast upon me. as if she was
trying to see clearly through forest of
sorrow.
"Rebecca, l think it would be much