Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-12-26

II came over me, what an insignificant
little thing | was, any way and if /
did really make trouble. rs Bobsoy said,
how many absurd, thoughtless things !
had said tonight, that were enough to
irighten away the spirit OF Peace and
Good. will forever. Then jays cousin,
Paul McCrillis, came and told mo very
quietly and briefly, that "he was going
away from Hartland, and goodbye"
You know Paul has always been very
good to me, and I've liked him better
than the other boys, but wasn't | going
to be very wise and sensible. and hadn't
decided TO slight the boys OF our set ell
tircly, and give my influence to the EN-
couragement OF manliness and industry
rs Jay said? SO | bade him goodbye
very coolly. Only when he said laugh
ingIy, "such youthful follies rs these tab
leaux and our winter iroIics were over
for him, as he was going to work going
to work for father in the Westm (Wasn't
Father Meers funny not to tell rs p
was 80 pleased and surprised, that |
couldn't help saying oh Paul I'm glad!"
But when he thought meant glad to
have him 60, and said gloomiIy Yes, he
knew people did get tired of other peo-
pie who had been their devoted friends
ever since they could remember, and now
were going out into the world TO try to
make lhcmgc Ives worthy OF thci: friends.
The spirit OF mischief got into me
again, and remarked that girls liked 4
change, Away should probably see
more of Ben Dayton now. He was a
fine fellow, and had proved himself to be
so talented and industrious "
Paul just flushed at that and said, al
most bitterly, Yes, it is the proving HIM
self that was noble after all, little Bleth-
en-
Then had TO 20 and sing my Little
Ellie song, and kept wondering if
was going to be SO weak and silly as to
like Paul, after all my grand determine
tions was singing the last lines
Unto him will discover
That swans nest among the reeds
and the yellow light was on. There was
a broad side-wing with tree pain ted on
it, Just 4 few steps from me-; and the man
was burning the phosphorus behind it.
Oh mamma, wouldn't you have been
frightened to see the wing blaze up
as quick rs a flash, and come tumbling
over on TO you? | couldn't move for the
life OF me. Just shut my eyes, and put
out my hands. didnt faint away.
know ought to have. but didn't, for |
heard them shout, and heard Paul come
in, Q don't know how | knew it was
PauD and snatch the wing rs it tell; and
then looked up and screamed, for | saw
that the heavy frame had pushed him
down under the burning canvas.
After the confusion was all over, | was
in Bobseys little room, and sent for Paul.
1t had al come clear to me then. | did
not think of it in that dreadful minute on
the stage, like they DO in books didn't
think then single thought except . 0!
. but it all came clear to mo afterwards,
that |, the poor little butterfly, who never
had been, and never could be very much
to anybody, had.no right to sit in high
and mighty judgment against somebody
who may have been gay and indolent, and
yet have been better than |, and who cer-
tainly might be noble and brave, II he
chose
While was binding up his poor burnt
hands with nv softest handkerchief, Paul
asked me, mamma. if Elle's knight had
anything TO recommend him, ut first, but
his promises and his love, and said No,
very meekly, and then he said-well, OF
course YOU know, mamma, what he W0utd
say about Blethen's knight, and what l
said Don't you think was right ? Tor
wanted everything peaceful on Christmas
Eve, YOU know. Now mamma. my con-
science is very quiet, so | must go TO
sleep.
VIII YOU please put your hand on my
head and ask God to help Inc grow
worthy to send the pardon if he comes
to take my love- There, thank you..-
Now good night and Amen. Not y very
long one, you know. for tomorows
Christmas day"
And Blethen's dreams, with all the
tired worlds echoed the Goodnight
and Amen. Not a very long one, you
know, for to-morrOw's Christmas day"