Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-11-18

CIn Sait IVA uiS aS w iVi = o"i o"s "'s
sure can make you happy"
They hal reached the garden gate by
this time, and Mildred leaned back on ii
to answer Him.
People IAN be very wicked for three
thousand year, Fred"
perhaps so-what do you mean7"
"IIas il ever struck you that you are
tempting me very much, even if | cared
for any body else? have to work hard
Tor my living, and you will bn rich
man"
al never thought of it like that" he
answered simply IL have too much
faith in you. Mildred, to think that you
would marry me for money. knew
you wouldn't dear
ut would bo very pleasant--very
pleasant to marry you, and Tor your sis.
ters to 60 back to Lancashire" e.
II would make everything pleasant
TO you. you would marty me. Mildred. "
There was moments silence between
the two. The night wind whispered in
the boughs above them. the quiet moon.
light fell on the churchyard and the 81.
leat fields Suddenly, with gesture vi
pain. rs though she tore something from
her heart and cast it down. Mildred an
swered"l will marry you. Fred"
He would hare ciasped her in his arms,
but she stepped back, shutting the gate
between them.
Go NOW. | am tired. and have to
practise the organ for to-morroN
When shall | SEQ you again ?" he
asked. eagerly.
III don't know Oh | am So tired.
Why won't YOU go''
II am going. Good-by, dear" She
went up the path and left him.
In the parlor the fire burnt brightly
Rollo sprang up 10 meet her. wagging
his tail in ecstatic JOY She took him up
in her arm, IL. ii the touch OF some
warm living thing could ease the throb-
bing OF her heart.
Bought with u price" The words
were echoing in her thoughts ~ she laid
her brow on the cold chimney. piece,
with 4 strange sudden memory OF whose
arm had rested thele the night before.
The Sunday morning dawned bright
and clear. Mildred was up early-she
was orgauiSt at the church opposite, and
generally praciised little before the
service began. With her music in her
hand she came across The road aud open.
ed The wicket by the large gate.
A tall figure WAS standing in the shad-
ow oil the porch. In dull surprise Mil
dred found herself shaking hands with
Mr. Briton.
II came down this morning. | could
not resist the temptation oil spending
another Sunday here. and | have some
news TO tell you, Mildred
She suddenly sat down on The porch
seat. hardly speaking.
II am SO happy he said. eagerly; Il
came straight down here to speak to yon.
Mildred, you Won't be 50 cruel to day. |
love you dearly
"Ilush," she said, picking up her mu,
ic aud smoothing out the leaves with
trembling hands. You mustn't speak to
me like that-l have never given yoh
any right 10 do So
Mildred :"
Il haven't" she returned. in u stuffed
voice; Il am very sorry, but"
What do you mean" he asked.
slernly.
81 am engaged, she said. almost in
whisper. why do you look 1T me like
that? have done no more than girls
do every day"
lie took her music from her hands and
put il on the seat, and held her trembling
fingers in his tight clasp.
What do you meau?" he answered.
harshly. What are you talking about,
Mildred?n BY violent effort she re.
gained her calmness, and stood up.
II am engaged" she said-his look
forced her 10 add despite herself, ito
| Fred Harold"
A look OF The most intense contempt
aud disgust CLOSED his face.
"A worthy rival" he said scorniully.
at has hall cured my love for you to
know you would choose thing like
that. with no mind of his own" His
anger and disdain made her quite calm
again.
1--WE won't discuss his character" she
said. Cant we he friends still. Mr.
Briton ?n
"Friends !" he repeated, without
touching her hand-"you arc strange
woman, Miss Hugo. to think that l can
feel any friendship for you"
IL am very sorry-wont you tell me
your news9 | shall be 50 glad TO hear
you haze prospered in anything" Her
manner was so simple and unaffected
that il soltened him.
ali it had only come q week ago 1t
might perhaps. .havemade dilferencewith
YOU" he answered The chancery suit
that has been an heirloom in our family
is finished most unexpectedly, and the
LAWYERS have kindly left two thousand q
year, which belongs. am told, TO me-"
Mildred did not speak-she leaned
back against the porch. looking across At