Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1872-04-30


for you"
1t seemed 10 him that he would have
turned upon her, but that he felt so bro.
ken by the thought of losing hi, place,
and resented her gaicty, her secreces-
all that made him SO miserable through
this long year But had not the spirit
He went 10 dress, as she had asked
him. When he returned to the parlor
Stephen Halliburton and his wife sat up
on the sofa, side by side. 1t was rare
indeed to SEQ Georges fair face so
illuminated. Her cheeks were glowing,
her eyes sparkling.
As for Mr.. Halliburton, he was always
the quiet gentleman, with no sense of be
ing out OF his place, no apparent suspi.
cion OF what was ranking in the heart OF
his employee.
What nice little supper George had
ready yet nobody ate.
Finally it was over. They went back
to the parlor.
George disappeared for moment,
and returning, approached her husband,
glancing shyly, at the same time, at her
guest, whose face Frightened beyond its
wont as he caught her eye.
I'VE meant to make 1t all very formal,
John, but Mr. Hnliburton thinks | might
Is well tell it at once in my own way
She paused, aud sober palor over
spread her husbands face.
"lYhat was coming ?" his eyes asked.
with no faith that it vas anything TO
tighten his secret burden.
George folded and uniolded neryously
y 0p of paper she held
That is for you, John" and she held
1t shyly toward him. My anniversary
gift. have been working for Mr. Hall
burton, too. this last Year. And | have
thirty guineas here-the plice of the de.
signs have made for the -caicoes-"
"Georgien'
You never suspected it? | did not
want you to till knew whether l could
succeed
John Randall had no voice in which to
word his amazement or his gratitude
gratitude lor his restored faith, which,
though his wife did not suspect ii, was by
far her most precious anniversary gift.
She went on, II could always use my
pencil nimbly, you know, John, and it
had occurred to me one day. why |
couldn't do something with it for profit.
spoke to Mr. Halliburton, and he was so
kind-you must thank him, John-hs
took SO much trouble with my crude at
tempts, he did so much to encourage me.
And now am fairly in the way OF work.
shall work better, too, now that you
know Of it iwant to design for carpets,
by.and-by. rs well rs prints; tina. pays
SO weil-a percentage Oh the sale
Il have my little surprise, also, for you,
Mr. Randall ~ added Stephen Halliburton,
quietly. II hope it, too, will prove agree
able. The universal testimony of the
mill officials, rs TO your efficiency and
trustiness. makes me feel that am not
showing you u proper appreciation, and
| desire to give You n somewhat more re.
sponsible position, with an increase oi
salary"
The very glory of the heavens seemed
to be opening way 10 John Randall, out
OF all his troubles. II am too happy, Mr..
III aliburtoD, to talk much. " he said in his
straightforward, manly way. II have
been depressed lately this removes all
cause Tor low spirits-'
He stopped short. Two big tears rolled
down his cheeks. Stephen Halliburton
alone perceived what George had never
suspected, that her secret had made her
husband jealous. He grasped Johns
hand
my dear fellow, it is too bad fear
ed it little, once or twice. Oh course |
could not hint to Mrs Randall"
"What, John? What. Mr.. Halliburton ="
Nothing. George, that you ever will
know"
They were alone together, by-and-by
with their new found happiness. Per-
haps Georgio was equally relieved that
there was no more need OF mystilication.
"What made you ever think of it,
George ?" her husband asked.
why, John, it was that day about the
gloves. set myself to considering why
you should have all the toll, and | all the
indulgence. pondered how | could
make or save something"
IL am happier than l ever thought |
should be again, dear.
''Do you know, | have Gancied you
were unhappy lately, John, because you
thought was longing for things you
could not give me P Icould hardly wait
for to night TO come, to tell you all"
.My darling !"
And he folded his arms about her, and
laid his head ON her shoulder; and. in
the brightness and silence of the room,
with its odor of flowers and glow o
leaves, they felt their way through
the future, safe, confident, out of the
reach of any bitter trouble, since they
| loved and trusted one another.
RsTilIery.