Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-05-30

round TO the fascinating strains ot Strauss
ran up stairs to see how Fred was cn.
joying himself Tho gas was TUNED
quite low. but the CRATE sent on, cheer
lul light which illuminated the centre Of
the room leaving the sides and corners in
deep shadow.
What II sight met my eyes!
Miss Griffin, supposing herself TO he the
sole occupant OF the room, had taken n
seat upon the carpet in front of the fire; !;
and there her quaint little head bent On
one side, canary fashion. she sat mulIcr-
ing 10 herself. | stopped and listened;
| couldn't help it to save my life
"Why, ism; this Jolly This seems
homelike don't believe like parties.
Ola ! forgot my boot hurt me. Thut =
my excuse Tor running away from that
horrd waltz. wonder what dreadful
creature first conceived the idea oi waltz.
ing? II had my way he should hop
through all ages. and on one loot too
lleigho nice fire; how cheerful Our
library used to be something like this he.
lore papa died. Oh, dear, There isn't
bit of happiness in the world unless one
has somebody 10 love one :" aud then
knew the little creature was sobbing
Now, that was too bad. What could
do. Nothirg evidently What would
Fred do? Keep very quiet, and allow
her to depart in total Ignorance of his
presence. But that this little episode
would leave deep and lasting impress
sion, |, who knew Fred So thoroughly
perfectly understood.
How much plcaSantcr to spend an
evening here than with all those stupid
folks down ,tairS!7 md the little one
arose from her low seat, and began Il
survey ot he apartment. knew it WIS
all up then. In Il SccoEd more, u >mulh.
cred >hrick,a quick II beg pardon, sir; |
thought was alone :" wa, waited Ia M
ears
Please do not feel distressed about IT,
| should have spoken when you first enter
ed. but ioolishly imagined YOU would be
able TO leave without observing mo. If
ii does not make YOU feel ananycd, shall
be very glad it has happened. as it has
afforded me a glimpse of something mt.
ural and spontaneous"
knew il was wrong to stop there lis
ening, but was actually rivctcd to the
spot. Women alway, have some excuse
Tor prying, and "riycted is rs good as
any for me.
Are you i'll, SIT? ?" she inquired, draw
ing little nearer.
Not very" he replied; although
probably IN invalid for life"
The end of this episode is not yet. thot
|, and was right.
"Mynamc is Miss Griifin--Margarct
Griffin Most everybody calls me Mag
gie." she went on by way of introduction.
And my uame is Travers-Frcderiek
Travers. Most everybody calls me Fred
replied hel companion; but | knew by
the tone of my nephew's voice that, for
the moment, he had ceased TO think OF
himself and his inirmity. II am Mrs.
Andrews nephew, at your service"
Let US be frien Is she said sweelly {;
and knew then just rs well rs | know
now that Maggie Griifin's hand lay in that
Of the invalid
IL don't want 10 say | am sorry for
YOU. she continued, "becauSe think
there are few who like to be pitiod. 1t
don't seem to me that should care much
about walking; hat is. if had plenty ol
money, and somebody to care for me,
and lots of books"
But the tremulant in the girls voice be-
trayed her. and the next moment She was
sobbing convulsively, Quick steps AS.
cended the stairs, and | moved away
very much like one caught il the act Of
stealing What occurred subsequently |
did not know until some time after. |
tried To conceal my abstraction and APP
pear rs usual, and was somewhat amused
when few minute alter, Miss Griffin
took seat ut the piano. and with bill
liant sweep of her little fingers commenc'
ed the Laughing Song" How she did
laugh, and how she did sing! For n week
after, the echo of those bcwilching
strains seemed to meet me in the far cor.
ners of the house. and only ten minutes
before she was sobbing rs il her heart
would break.
II never heard Maggie sing so well"
observed a lady friend.
"She really excels helsef."
Didn't know that she was singing for
Fred Didn't know that her voice was
laden with love and heavily laden too
The poor child had not yet begun to feel
/ ttS weight
Heaven help her" | said softly to
myself.
How did you like the singing, Fred p
asked the next morning ut breakfast.
at was delightful. OF all the contral-
tos [ ever heard, that was the richest.
But who was the fair vocalist ?-for OF
course she is lair"
"A stranger, Fred, answered care
lessly glancing at his handsome face.
"A Miss Grifin-Maggie Griffin. be.
lieye they call her.
His face was like that of an angel for
Il moment; inexpressible satisfaction was
depicted on every lineament; but it