Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-01-28

she raised her hand to heaven, and bathed
in that crimson light, she reminded David
of martyr in the flames. He thought
that she had never looked so noble, and
that he had never loved her so well. but
he answered not word. He walked
home with her in silence, and refused to
enter the house.
When the news of the broken engage
ment spread through the yllage-as it
soon did, for David made no secret OF the
affair--it was tho occasion Of much won
der and not little gossip. Sallie's course
was applauded by the few, and condemn.
ed by the many-but the few were those
whose good opinions were most to be de-
sired
That she could Danish from her heart a
love of so long standing. without strug-
gle, is not likely, but on this subject her
lips were silent. She grew a little thinner
and paler, but went into society rs usual
and neither seemed depressed, nor as
sumed an artificial gaiety. On this ac-
count some called her heartlcss.
isn't it shameful to see her wear them
pink ribbons-for all the world rs if she
gloricd in what she'd donc?" said Mrs.
Burdock, which remark was duly repeated
TO Sallie.
Il didn't know they expected me 10
put on mourning" she answered, smiling
a little bitterly.
When Mr.. bearing heard what had
happened. he said, "Our Sallie was al
ways a good girl" and then seemed to
forget all about it. He had received n
paralytic stroke few years before, and
! his mind had never been quite the same
since. so that nothing made lasting inn
preston upon him. Mrs. bearing. on
the contrary. begged her daughter not to
sacrifice her happiness to them.
My happiness vii! not be sacrificed,
mother" said Sallie. quietly.
Still it was not without pang that she
saw David riding by with Jeannic Burns,
| he on the white.iaced horse she knew so
well, and she on her pretty pony. They
| saw her, too, and nodded and smiled two
/ or three times, and he looked back. still
holding his hat in his hand, till they turn
| ed the corner.
! Mr.. Burch, besides being owner Of the
mills, was an amateur farmer. lie took
| delight in drives and breeds of animals,
and rare specimens of plants. He seldom
visited the mills. leaving the care of the
business almost entirely to his foreman.
Beyond these facts, the towns people
knew little of him. for he lived in great
scclusion at his place, Riverbank, which
was u mile or two out Of the village.
Having heard that his foreman was
about 10 be married. he had offered him
the prettiest Alderney heifer on his farm
as present, and invited him To come and
select il himself. David thanked him
very heartily ut the time, but had never
availcd himself of tho offer. Mr.. Burch
supposed this might be owing TO dillidenco
and one day rallied him on the subject
lin not going to he married sir-at
least not at present. said David looking
glum.
Indeed hope nothing serious has
occurred" said Mr.. Burch.
ats all Off" said David, shaking his
head
"A lovers quarrel, perhaps. If that's
all. don't despair. Young ladies like to
! be coaxed"
/ Not Sallie, sir, said David.
81 suppose then she has taken some
new fancy. They are fckle creatures,
these womenkind. What suits them to.
dav, olfends them tomorrow. Well,
cheer up, my lad, and learn to get along
without them. rs do" said Mr.. Burch
smiling, and laying his hand lightly on
Dayids shoulder.
I'm certain, Sallio never loved any
one but me-" answered David decidedly.
land since you are so kind as to take All
interest in the affair, | will tell you the
truth about it. She was unreasonable
enough to expect to saddle me with the
care of her old father and mother"
And you couldn't afford to take such a
charge. Well. I'm glad you told me,
for that is easily settled. Rather than
two young people should be disappointed,
I'll raise your salary"
1T was not just that, J." said David. 1.-The
bearings have little property of their
own-but she had some fine spun notions
about the matter, and wanted to take
them into the family"
oh" said Mr.. Burch, and paused alb
ruptly. seemingly intcntly occupied with
punching little holes in the ground with
his gold headed cane. "Onc shouldn't
be hasty in affairs of so much importance,
said he at length. Perhaps you may
vet induce her TO reconsider"
at would be Of no use to try" said
David, "lor you might as well attempt to
move the sun, as to move Sallie Dearing
when once she gets set upon anything
she fancies to be her duty"
VERY unreasonable truly said Mr.,
Burch, but there was touch Of sarcasm
in his tone. "Ahd you couldn't think of
yielding, yourself?"
Never, sir, neuer."
"Well, you shall have the Alderney all
tha game for | suppuse yuu won't sell