Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-06-11


Tilted him for wealthier rival. The ex-
psrience had somewhat shaken his faith
in women in general; at least it had
given him a distaste for their society.
He had two married brothers, but their
matrimonial luck was not of kind TO
make him envious. The vile OF one was
very high-bred woman. model of
elegance and propriely in externals, but
with The temper of n demon; the other
was an amiable'fool. SO. on the whole,
Harvey was content TO remain as he was.
Unfamiliar with women. he was, as a
rule. rather unobservant of those with
whom ho might be accidentally thrown.
and indifferent to what they chose to say
or do. So it was, in fact an unusual
thing that he should be listening now
with interest 10 the talk OF these two. one
OF whom was evidently no better than a
pariah, and the other of standard and
culture SO inferior to his own. He OBJ
served how tho latter. though evidently
comprehending the truth with regard to
her new acquaintance, showed no shrink.
ing or hesitation. She saw only her
need. not her fault, and gave her all the
advice IN her power in tone OF grave
but respectful compassion.
They rumbed and joltcd along, the
road growing more difficult with every
mile. tili' indeed. II was nearly impassa.
BILE. The old lady with the baskets grew
eso"ser aud more frightened Mt every
JOLT She scolded The driver necessarily.
rs 1t he were somehow responsible for
the State of The roads. and seemed cut OF
patience with all the rest for not being rs
much terrified rs herself. Her wretchcd
husband slept continually, but managed
To lurch forward every moment against
the youth in front Of him, ill the latter
very nearly lost his temper under the
afflictiou, The baby fret,od and cried /;
and rs Tor Harvey, he grew 80 tired that
he began TO think he could go no further
But discomfort and annoyance only
seemed to bring out Lymp Tucker in
greater strength. She laughed merrily
at each fresh mishap. rallied The old lady
out of her fears. and helped her 10
straighten out her smashed bonnet, which
had come to griei from the jolting stags
she oked away her brothers. i'll humor,
and produced from her satchel an grange
which quieled the crying baby, and gave
It's weary mother briet rest. Her un-
iaiing good humor and cheerfulness had
an effect upon all; even Harvey partly
forgot his WEAKNESS in the lively talk in
which she engaged him. She chaited
with perfect ilankness and some di.re.
gard OF grammar rules; but the quick
wit and the shrewd common. sense she
displayed made amends for much.
Al last, in going down long hill, the
catastrophe which the old lady had been
looking for came; the stage sank with n
certain lurch into deep rut, and one Of
the Hhools snapped like reed. For.
lunately the vehicle was not upset. only
stuck fast; but they could go no farther.
Here WAS cheerful state OF things The
nearest house was halt mile away, and
they had the alternative of walking to il
through the MUD or of waiting there in
the bleaa March wind for IN indefinite
time till another conveyance was found.
The former course was plainly the wise
one, and all scrambled out accordingly.
Lymp Tucker drew up the skirt OF her
gay silk dress. thereby making a liberal
display OF ankles and under gan mcnls,
but the comely shape of The one and the
spulIess ueatncss OF the other made il
excusable. Then, taking possession OF
the kicking baby and bidding her brother
give his assistance TO Middleton, she led
the WAY across the fields, the whole COM
pany taking up their line OF march be.
hind her.
Arriving, after considerable difficulty,
ut the farmhouse, they had the satisiac'
ton of learning that they must wait al
least two hours for The repair OF the
broken wheel. and tha. they were still
five miles short of the halfway house
where they had expected TO take dinner
OF course they were all nearly famished
after riding so long in the cold. The
good. woman of The house seemed well.
disposed to supply their wants, but she
was alone and her lardcr snmewhat lean.
81 don't suppose you'd want fried pork,
she said obviously. 81 might kill q
couple of pulleis."
That would take too long altogether,
said Lymp Tucker. 1--WE should cat the
baby before they would be ready"
"Well, l guess Jones's wife, down tc
the corner, would letme have some ham
but I hain't got no bread baked, then"
"Oh, never mind that. Give me the
things to do it with. and I'll have the
bread made by the time you arc back
from Jones's."
LA, now,' said the hostess, looking
doubtiully at the fine apparel of her
guest. "do you suppose you could ?"
"You bring me the things and see,
replied the other, laying aside her velvet
cloak and light kid gloves. The woman
obeyed at once. Miss Tucker turned uE
the silken sleeves from pair of large
and handsome white arms and tied on &
big check apron, while the hostess fune