Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-09-23

MATCHED ON BOTH SIDES.
4 STORY FOR you.

have q cousin John. wish mi ght adt
that he has always been An ornament to
society, and honor 10 himself and the
'nower Of The family" A good regard
for veracity-it answers my purpose upon
the present occasion-forbids any such
observation on my part. | am obliged u
say this masculine specimen OF ouI
ancient race was absolutely The lag END
OF our characters. Seemingly he was
the recipient of what was left after fur
nishing the heads and hearts OF all the
others. Whenever the granddames,
aunts or unclcs desire TO illuslis ate any
particular vice. John was held up rs the
ltighIful example. Not that he was an
assassin, highwsyman. or a politician
He was simply n maelslrom OF impulsvc.
ness. carelessness and generosity. Ii it
had not been for the good luck which
always followed him, he would have
made first class vagabond. AS it was.
he made out to DO well dressed. hand.
some, good fellow" That was the
entire truth-."goOd JeliOiG." Beyond that
he could not be trusted. and then only
whom ones eyes were on him.
was sitting in my solitary parlor one
morning. in momcntary expectation OF
receiving nn appeal from sister Jane to
hasten 10 The Naples" as the twins
were down with the measles; n summons
from aunt Hannah To bid her last linger.
ing nrewell--IIHgermg is the proper
word. as | had been through the cere.
nony seven times. and an Invitation from
cousin Susan 10 run over and turn her
black silk. Besides that ! had my own
sorrow. My Tabby had been Cultivated
Tor two days. The evening before she
di,appeured she had refused the fifth sau.
Ger OF milk iOr her supper. and appeared
pensIyo. feared she had committed
suicide or wandered out inlo this unfcel-
ing world. because neighbor Browns
Tom had Tilted her Tor Mrs. Rey's green
eyed black ugly feline. she had the
audncily 10 call "Beauly"
Just as | was bitterly regrelling that !
had not taught Tabby from my own ex-
/ peIience. something OF the hckleness Of
the world in general and mankind in par
/ uculnr. who should come laundering in
/ but John. or course he upset chair.
overturned my work basket. Knocked q
book oil the table. stepped on my weather
oracle toe. and tumbled into my best
chair with crash. Then he reached
/ over to the stand beside me, and taking a
pin he began 10 draw figures upon my
rosewood writing desk.
Good morning. john | remarked.
Say, SeLrina.' he replied. iabbing at
his forehead with pin. IL am to be
married next week"
You surprise me. John"
doubtless. but it's Il settled fact.
have purchased that little c0ttagc on the
hill yondel; il is prepared for the bride.
! Now | want you 10 20 over and make
the place homclikc. Have II Jolly supper
/ next Thursday night when we come.
/ You can. Sebriua, YOU have no husband" "
John n cried, "it isn't for me to say,
might have had dozen husbands. q"
with touch ot pride.
"And all died OF broken heart r. he
laughed. "5ut will you go,"
Having survived the companionship OF
my own cosnomen until had arrived at
a respectable age. was accustomed to
being II convenience. think our family
had u habit oi considering ii charity to
make ne useful Therefore did not say
may" to John.
In due time went over To the cottage.
il WAS cosy and pleasant. save the var.
nishy odor which always cings TO new
furniture How the relatives did run
over that place! What comments they
made ! They ended the siege at last by
declaring, nov that John was to be
married. he would entirely be lost unless
his wife had sufficient decision 10 insist
upon the turning ot new leai in his
conduct. And as he had been so neglect.
lul MS to consult none ol them. probably
she was an unsuitable person.
They came. John introduced me to
My wife. Matte" with great flourish.
My heart nisgavc me. my wife,
Matte" was tiny. pink and white doll.
topped with prolusion of light curls
and frizzles. When l looked into her
large. laughing blue eyes almost cried
as thought how sad they would grow
under Johns treatment. l promised 10
remain with Them until Matte should be.
como acquainted with the place. She
had left an immense number Of sisters
and brothers-John was sure TO marry
into large family-and would be lonely.
For whole fortnight everything was
lovely; John was devoted. punctual, and
altogether d model husband; Matte was
perfect pattern of housewife. loving
and happy. II was "John DEAR and
"Mattic darling" until was fairly wild
for good healthy snarl from my TabbY.
who had returned to her home.
But when John was month married
hc was more lawless than ever. He for
got 10 order the repast Tor dinner until