Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-11-26

went forward rapidly. The lovsliest of
flowers were selected for conservatory
Jennie was in eestacies at being allowed
to choose oil the things for her owa room
guest chamber was prepared according
to Cora's taste; nursery was arranged
for Eddy, and before Thanksgiving all
was ready, and the master of the house
issued his invitations for family dinner
party, requesting as n favor, that his lady
guests would put aside their mourning
for that day. Still tho momentous words
were not spoken.
Henrietta was in her own room, mr.
ranging her soft brown hair. aud contem-
| plating the glories Of new black silk
dress. with rich blue satin trimmings. soft
lace and pretty ribbons, VIXEN Cora tap.
ped at the door.
"Let me come in; am all ready and
the children have already started. The
carriage will come back for you and me.
Jennie looked very pretty in her crimson
dress, and Eddy is a picture in his new
suit of velvetesn, and crazy over his first
pair of pants
Your dres. is becoming, too"
1t was silk OF the most beautiful viU.
let color, with great deal OF soit, white
lace about it. In the golden curls the
young girl had twisted violet ribbons. and
the color suited her tair beauty admirably.
But the ladies were very pale, and had no
holiday smiles; they spoke but little, yet
in each heart there was deep unexpress
ed fear and sympathy.
They found their host waiting for them
in 4 handsome drawing.room, and the
children wandering about. admring ev.
crything, especially their own reflections
in the long mirrors.
But they could scarcely believe their
own eyes when they looked at Mr.. Jane.
son. Dressed with care and taste, his
hair cut to the usual gentlemanly length,
his beard gone, he Looked like another
man. Tho disproportionate size OF hi.
head seemed diminished one. half by the
loss Of his enormous mass OF hair, and
his kindly smile had lost nothing of its
charm, As he advanced to meet tie Ia
dies.
1T is time my masquerading ceased,
he said, in gentle. courteous tones. "Co'
IN, my dear, will you read This letter."
This !" cried the astonished girl, "this
is 4 letter wrote to Uncle James Reed
when mamma died"
Exactly this is the letter that brought
me from San Francisco and that you
thought so unkindly lett unanswered"
"And are you Uncle James -
IL am your uncle, my dear. and now
plead for me that the lady who has SC
long given you an aunt's love and care
will in truth become your aunt. Can you
Henrietta, love this queer little man ?"
Could she love him. lie must have
read the perfect happiness in her Dyes
Tor hs bent over her hand, and raised il
to his lips.
"My whole lie shall thank you" he
said, and Cora took the children to the
other end OF the long room TO tell then
the wonderful news
There were no pale cheeks or sad oye'
in that group gathered around the table
loaded with Thanksgiving luxuries. Co
IA was full of gleelul mischei-a new
element in her conversation-and Aun
Henrietta full of blusbing confusion
at the new emphasis the children
gave the familiar name. Jennie, now q
young lady, declares to this day that from
the very first, she suspected there wai
some secret reason tor the extraordinary
Kindness OF THAT Queer Little Man"