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

Middleton did not smlo; ho felt re.
buked. Even the velvet clock aud dress
hat in the stage coach became respecta-
bio 10 him in connection with that cheer
iul, courageous, unselfish spirit. II the
girl had pleasure in these things, why
should she not enjoy them? The driver
went on. lowering his voice to a tone.
still more confidential:
"7hey say don't know how true
'tis--that Squire Danvars is kind o. hank
erin round Lymp. He's widowsr, well
of, and got n nice placs. But Lymp
don't take shine TO him. She told my
wife she didn't fancy secondhand goods
no way. She reckoned matrimony was
best fresh; she'd rather not take hern
warmed over"
Middleton's laugh was almost as hearty
rs that which had SO annoyed him But
the drivers gossip was here interrupted.
The coach stopped TO let of the four
log drivers. and Middleton gladly avail.
ed himself of the seat they vacated. 1t
being more sheltered from the cold wind
than the high one he had bsen occupying.
This movement brought him lace to face
with the owner OF the laugh, and he
could mol help surveying her with n
glance OF curiosity. He had heard of
the genus iactory.girl, but perhaps had
never hcIole beVn knowingly in company
with specimen There was nothing
rude in his look; and the girl. observing,
returned IL with u sieaty, unabashed gaze
in which there was no shadow of bod.
ness. Ii was more as one man regards
another; and Harvoys seyes WAS lha hr.t
TO tall.
Inc road Was ,n frightful condition
oomH.,imes the wheels OH one side sank
TO The hubs In soft mud, while those on
The other were tilted up on snow.driit.
The jolts and lurches were rs painful as
alarming, aud Harvey in his weak state
could hardly endure them. He leaned
back and closed his eyes, bul the deadly
pallor OF his lace betrayed bis suffering.
In a moment a pleasant voice addressed
him. 1t was the tactory.girl, who said.
You do not seem well. Sir. Perhaps
it is disagreeable TO you TO ride back
ward. You are welcome to my seat,
il you like to change"
You are very kind" said Middleton,
surprised The scat IS very well, | DO.
Iieve; only have been i'll. and The road
is rough"
"Why, Il Is dreadful for sick person.
Ppy take this thick shawl OF mine |
am sure you could make yourself more
comfortable with It,"
"Thank you very much but ! would
rather not deprive you oil it"
81 do not need it. Sir, my clock is
very warm; and you can make youi selt
spillow oi 1t. Please lnke II )" and she
leaned forward aud arranged the shawl
herself In II manner SO comfortable as to
be ITS own recommendation. He had
not energy TO demonstrate further, but
leaned back and again closed biz eyes,
thinking Tho white b"-S very handsome
he's wef" and what gentle touch she
lad He lay thus for some time, paying
little heed 10 any thing; but alter II
while his attention was attracted by the
ak OF those in front OF him The pale
woman with the baby was questioning
Miss Tucker concerning Lowell and its
factories. She had timid, nervous
manner, and spoke softly. rs ii freight.
cncd ut the sound of her own voice She
had been pretty once but now her tace
had 4 weary, hopeless lrok, which touch
ell hiddlelon's sympathies. Miss Tuck
CT answered her questions with read,
good nature. soon drawing from her the
TACT that she was on her way to Lowell
in The hope OF finding employment.
Have you any friends in that city P'
she presently asked.
mo"
but what will you do with your baby
if you work in the mills ?"
"I thought perhaps l could get some
one to look after him, if had the luck
to find work.
Haven't you any friends where you
come from that would take him-your
own folks ?"
"No"-rather hesitatingly. 81 haven't
any iolks-at least they don't care for me
now"
Where is your husband ?" was the
next abrupt question.
A fiery blush spread over the woman's
face, and her lips contracted us if with a
sharp spasm of pain, but she made nc
answer. Miss Tucker regarded her for
IN instant with surprise; then sudden,
swift lifting of The eyebrows showed that
she comprehended the case. She leaned
forward and said, in a low tone. II un.
derstand: your husband is not living.
am sorry | spoke of it. What fine
healthy baby yours is !"
There was gentle, womanly accent
in her voice, which did not escape Har'
vey's ear; and the ready tacl with which
she had covered the poor creatures EN-.
bsrrassment, turning instantly from the
painful theme TO that which would nat
urally be most consoling, pleased and
touched him. He looked at the over
| dressed lOud vOicod cactory uirl with