Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-06-17

jamie, and she is dearer than dozen fine
ladies. Austin and Clara will como to
morrow. and he will tell us about his
travels in foreign lands, and you will be
far happier then you would be up at tho
house tonight, amid dancing and contu-
sion.
II suppose so grandma" and Janet
took her seat by the fire and went on
knitting, with peaceful face.
The elder sister came home with
rumpled plumage, but in high spirits.
Austin Bosworth had returned, q hand-
scme, polished gentleman, and had lirtcd
desperately with Lottie.
"Why, grandma, he almost proposed
to herr laughed Margaret, who was en-
gagged to Judge Lenard's hopeful son.
and, therefore had no jealousy. "Morc
than one OF the company predicted that it
would be match"
Don't count your chickens before they
are hatched," called grandma from her
pillow. "Mr. Austin Bosworth is no
fool, l can tell you"
What All old croakcr!"
They were entering their chamber
across the hall, but grandmother's ears
were not dullcd by age, and she clearly
heard them.
Don't mind them, grandma. !" whisper
cd Janet, who had waited 10 help them
lay aside their iinery.
mind them! Do you think | shall,
Janet Leeds ?"
Next day Austin Bosworlh came. He
was too familiar with the old house TO
stop for bell ringing, and he entered.
crossing the hall directly past the parlor
door, where Margaret and Lettic waited
in their tasteful afternoon costumes. and
walked straight on TO Grandma Leeds
room.
She was there with her work, her
placid face bcaming beneath the white
lace-bordercd cap.
A graceful girlish figure half knelt be-
side her, wreathing with deft fingers n
bunch of evergreens into frame for a
mantcl ornament, and her eyes were lifted
smiling into the old lady's face.
He entered and closed the door, before
either saw him.
"Grandma Leeds, :"
why bless my heart, it is Austin !!
Come here my boy"
And the fine gentleman came and gave
both hands to her in his delight.
jamie, my little playmate, too! What
a happy meeting Clara came down,
dressed for a call, and declared she would
come, but told her no! knew the
amount of gallantry should feel obliged
to use. and preferred that my first visit
should DO like the old ones"
You are right. We are better pleased
TO have it so, are we not, Janet ?"
His call heightened itselfinto two hours
and during the time he told pleasant
stories. and chatted ike the boy of by
gone days, but not once did Mergaret's
or Lettic's name pass his lips.
When he went away he met them COM
ing with disappointed faces from the
parlor, where they had been waiting for
him; but he only lifted his hat and passed
out. Then grandma and jamie received
a sound scolding such rs only these two
knew how to give, and the shadows OF
discomfort again fell on Janet's spirit.
All, that long, chccrless winter What
a story Janet couldtellyou Of disappoint'
ment, of happy parties of which she had
no share, of moonlight rides, of JOY and
merriment She had only that one
comforter, kindpatient grandma for now
that Austin Bosworth had come the way
was harder than before.
He came and escorted Lettic to parties,
and sometimes chatted with grandma,
but nothing more. She saw nothing
more-she did not catch the good-natured
smiles he gave her from the sleigh as he
rode ay-and Lcttie never told her
how often he asked for her.
Alone with grandma, Janet wished for
better things, and wondered why she was
so harshly dealt with.
AT last even the society of her aged
comforter was denied her. and in her bed
the old lady gradually faded away. Day
and night Janet sat beside her, with the
knowledge that she was beyond earthly
help-waiting upon her, yielding to the
childish whims, ard shutting out every
thing youthful and beautiful from her
sight
Playing household angel, Margaret
said.
Working for grandma's fortune of old
shoes and worsted stockings" Lettie
cruelty added.
Doing her duty by the faithful woman
who had taken the three motherless
children into her heart, and filled the lost
ones place, so far rs God permitted.
her own heart said, and steadily she
worked on.
The first Of May brought invitations to
the last ball at the Bosworth house, and
while the two elder sisters laid out the
tinery, Janet folded her tiny missive, and
hid it away next to her heart as sacred
bit of paper bearing Austin's firm broad
ob;roora nhv unnn II