Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-07-29

was induced by bis companion to com
into the bar of Calthorpe Inn. aud hav
something hot before walking back L
the iarm through the darkness and th
driving snow. which had begun to fal
again. Talking in the lighted bar. an,
drinking his brandy and water. so be
guiled viii Drayton into forgetfulness
that eleven O'Clock had struck before h,
entered the yard gate al the Oak farm
again. and saw 10 his dismay that all the
lights in the house were out. and only
glimmsring blaze from the kitchen fir,
gave hope that any of the family wer,
astir
He Knocked softly at the door. which
was unbolted and opened AS softly By
Nellie Drayton. who crept back instantly
within the warm circle of the fire.
Willie fastened the door behind him,
aud then taking off his hat. shook the
white snow from il rs he neaIed the
hearth. where Nellie stood. looking
silently down upon the blazing embers.
while the glow of tho burning wood
shone on the siIken glossiness OF her
hair and lighted up the subtle soltness OF
her eyes.
She turned 10 him as he approached
with little smiling nod. bul her lips said
nothing.
80 you ale all alone. Nellie ?" Willie
began. by way of breaking ground; for
Nellie's little nod had coy reticence in
it which lured Drayton more fatally than
a (recr welcome. Where are my aunt
and Jessie?"
Out OF the mellow brown eyes shot a
glance half smiling. halt lsughing.a as she
answered with demure gravity:
They're gone to bed an hour ago; so
if you want Jess. you won't be likely to
see her till to morrow"
"Bul don't particularly want Jess.
Nellie"
She gave her head II coquetIish little
tos,.
"Iiow am | 10 understand your Lon.
don ways of asking for people You don't
~ant?' she said. looking away from
Drayton's face into the fire.
There for moment in the silence OF
the leaping tirelight the two stood word
less, until Nellie raising her hand to
brush the hair back from her forehead. +.
he glitter of golden bracelet on her
upllted wrist struck tho young mans
delighted eyes.
You're brave little cousin. Nellie"
Willie cried eagerly, "to wear my gin on
your arm. instead Of locking ii in a box
like Jessie
Nellie's eyes fell on the cleaning
bracelet on her left arm. and she half
laughinsly covered it over with her right
hand.
II only wore one tonight" she said
primly. half inclined TO make play for
herself with the young mans eagerness,
yet half abashed and touched by il, "just
10 show TO friend"
Your friend was Mark Wilton. Nell"
Willie suggested. What might Mark
have said. il it's fair question ?"
To this Nellie. twining the bracelet
round. and looking at it wistlully. out Of
her dropped eyes. answered slowly;
"ile said it WAS foolish iinery for such
as me. who was to be working mans
vile"
Was it the witchery of the purple fire
light, or the girls eyes. or her wistfnl
downward look upon her present. which
made Will Drayton blurt out un.
guardedly-
"Only say word, Nell, aud there will
be no need for you 10 be II working mans
wife"
But Nellie either did not OF would not
see the dliltlof her cousins rash remark.
aud went on demurely:
$50 Mark bid me give you your pres
ent and tell you il was too grand tor y
poor girl"
Willie's face flushed red
And do you mean to say you'll do it ?"
he asked sharply.
The downward eyes glanced upward TO
his face.
"No. | said | wouldn't. because.
though your present was TOO good Tor
me, Id wear it now and again for sake of
the kindness that made you give it."
Even when you are Marks wife ?"
And when Willie put the question the
soft eyes w.vcred in their glance, and a
flush came to her cheek.
Mother and Jessie like Mark" she
said, in guileful evasion. Hes steady
and careful. and has some money put by.
so they talk of his leaving my lord, and
taking farm and--and-"
Her confidence stammered and halted
now, and Willie filled up her sentence.
Marrying you and settling down in a
home"
Something like that. Willie, only I'm
young yet, and it's time enough TO think
about it,"
"And il another man came for you that
my aunt aud Jess liked as well as Mark,
what would you do then. NellieP"
But Nellie, instead of answering, look.
ed from his eager eyes back again to the
glowing wood fire.
"What would you do. Nellie?" he
urged.
..There I hear Jessie callino.n she