Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-06-24

w nat, perlect stranger skiu
mother sharply. "Nevcr talk 10 me.
child; Toms not capable OF that"
was silent, for l did not want to
worry her; but that was my opinion all
the same.
That same evening it was rather more
than week since Tom had hurled that
thunder bolt at us,-motber began about
it openly.
"When are you going to introduce
your wife TO us, Tom? suppose you
have come to an understanding by this
by this time ?"
"Oh. there's no hurry" Tom said, as
he had said before; but this timo he did
not speak quite so cheerlully. The fact
is." he continued, with little hesitation,
"there-there's rival in the case"
"a rival?" repeated mother with un.
feeling briskness.
"Yes, young iellow-younger by
good deal. than am" and Toms iace
assumed an absuIdly doleiul look. "He
is always there now. | confess | don't
see my way clear. I'm waiting for her
TO make up her mind"
And she's waiting most likely TOR YOU
to make up YOURS" said mother in her
propensity TO right matters, not realizing
that she was playing the enemy's game.
There's something in that that never
occurred to me- said Tom. his face
Frightening Mother saw her mistake,
and made counter move at once.
"But the ways Of my time are old
fashioned now. Young ladies. nowadays
take matters into their own hands. II
she cared for you, you -mzy be sure she
wouldn't have waited ill this time to let
you know it-that is, judge by the girls
am in the habit oi seeing; but il this
one is stranger 10 me" (here mother
riveted her eyes on Toms face; oh dear.
my unfortunate wordsD "if she is an
entire stranger. cannot pretend to form
any opinion OF her OF course
"Oi course" repeated Tom sbsently.
Not that | have any such idea,' re-
sumed my mother, growing warmer; al
have said and say again, that to bring q
perfect stranger under this roof is not my
opinion of you, Tom"
felt mothers words like pins and
needles. for Tom was looking meditative-
ly across Mt me, and though that was
just way of his, ii seemed now as il he
wa, reading in my face that the opinion
was mine, and that | was meddling in
what did not concern me. felt myself.
for very veIation, getting redder every
moment till it grew intolersble.
1T is so warm here" said for an ex-
cuse, turning 10 oward the French window.
~ am going out to get II breath air."
went out into our little strip of gar
den ground. Tom followed. | thought
| should never have better opportunity
to say what l had in my mind 10 say. so
| waited for him by the bench under the
old pear tree. "Sit down here, Tom." !
said, 1--we something TO say 10 you
"Hsve you?" said Tom; that's odd,
for well never mind that, just yet.
What is it, May"
Tom" | said. still surer now, he had
misjudged me. and more resolved to set
him right, ~ want u place"
"A place ?" repeated Tom, puzzled, as
well he might be, by this sudden and in.
definite announcement; "what kind OF Il
placer"
81 don't know" | said. for indeed, my
ideas were OF the vaguest. IL thought
you might. being in the way of those
things. Now. pray. Tom went on
quickly. "don't fancy that ! am discon
tented, or-or anything OF that sort; the
truth is, ever since | left off school have
wanted something to do. and l have had
it in nv mind to speak to you about it,"
With this / looked at Tom. fearing he
might be vexed; but he did not look vex-
cd, only prooccupled.
81 do know place. rs it happens" he
said. after while. "only 1 am not so sure
how it would suit you"
That's soon seen. said !. What is it
like?"
"Well. it's sort of-of general use.
fulnsss-"
"Why. it must be to run errands." l
said, laughing. And where is it Tom p
WELL" said Tom, hssitatipg again,
sits with me-"
rHow very nice !" exclaimed. How
soon can have it?"
The sooner the better, SO tar as ain
concerned" said Tom. and with that he
turned round and looked at me, l knew
somehow, in a moment. what 1t was be
meant; and knew too. both that ! could
not have passed all my life with Will
Bromley, and '0hy l could not.
am sure Lefty Walters. who interrupt
ed US Just then, must have thought my
wits were wandering that evening. and.
indeed, they were; for / was completely
dazed with this sudden turn things had
taken. Tom. who had the advantage of
me there. took it quite coolly. and laugh
ed and talked with Lefty just the same as
ever till she went away.
1t WAS pretty late when we went in.
Mother sat where we had left her knitting
in the twilight.
Wasn't that Lefty Walters with you
while ago ?" she said. as we came up.
Eyes" said with "A confused feeling