Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-09-15


orrands for you"
Here Nelly stopped Tor breath. and th'
others fell TO discussing what they would
"go as.n Their fellow -boarders were
taken into the secret, and in an houl
Marin Wolsey's whole establishment was
in n lerment. Notes of invitation were
dispatched, and replies on birch lark
came pouring in with most agreeable
promptitude.
The campers accepted TO man. anu
were soon seen ravagins the little town
for red flannel and fshermans toggery
or shouting with laughter in their tents
rs they fabricated horse.hair boards. In
dian wampum and Roman armor.
Next morning Nelly departed. charged
with sundry very important commissions
and the rest foil to work decorating the
barn and overhauling their wardrobes,
while good.natured Marin cheat the biz
oven," and made cake till the air smoll rs
il gale from the Spice Islands had
blown over the Point.
AT four the boat came in. but no one
saw Nellie arrive, for the whole hock had
gone over tho rocks 10 get hcnlock
boughs in the grove.
When Mary and Kitty returned. they
ran to the big room, where they held
their combinations, and they found
Nellie looking over bundle Of old bro
cades. Something odd in her iacc and
manner, made them both say al once -
Whats tho natter Has anythin 6
gone wrongP"
"rm afraid you will think so, when |
tell you that have ordered NO supper,
got no pretty candles or flowers, and only
spent two dollars OF my money" said
Nelly, looking both amused and anxious.
Lost your purse p cried Kitty.
"No.n
Thought better OF it. like wise child'
said Mary.
al brought something down that you
didn't ask Tor. and may be sorry 10 have;
but couldn't help it. Look ou, there
aud see ii it isn't better than boubons or
linery.'
Nelly pointed to rock not far from
| The window, and both her friends started
1 in surprise. for all they saw was strange
girl sitting there gazing out over the sea
with AN expression of wordless light
in her tired, white lace. and hungry eyes.
WHO is ii ?" whispered Mary.
MY little scamstress." answered Mel
| ly. | went to get her to iix my dress,
aud found her looking SO pale and used
up. my heart achcd All the while she
WAS fitting me. and | WAS telling her
about our Iun down here. she kept saying.
with little gasp rs il for fresh air
"'lIow beautiful it must be. Miss Nell
lyl I'm 80 glad YOU are enjoying 50
much aud look so we'll"
Then what you once said. Mary.
came into my head. and my money burnt
in my pocket till l broke out all of II
sudden saying:-
'Wouldut you like TO 60 down with
me for week aud get rested and fresh
ened up little, Jane3"
Girls, ii had asked her TO go straight
to heaven. or do sny lovely thing, she
could not have looked more amazed, de.
lighted and touched.
80, Miss Nelly. you are too good.
I'm afraid ought not TO leave work. Il
seems too splendid to believe"
Il wouldn't hear a word. for my heart
was set ON doing it when saw how she
longcd to go So | said she could help
US on our dresses, and | must have her
come on that account if no other.
Then she said she had nothing fit TO
wear. and | was so glad to be able To
tell her that none of US wore nice clothes.
and hers were quite fit. lust made her
put on her bonnet. brought her away in
the twinkling Of an eye. and there she is,
enjoying rest. fresh air. sunshine, and her
first view of the sea-"
Nellie you are an angel " and Kitty
hugged her on the spot, while Mary
beamed at her with tears in her eyes, as
she said, quietly
al did not think my little sermon would
be so soon and beautifully taken to heart.
The sight of that poor child sitting there
so happy is better than the most splendid
supper ever ordered shall always love
and honor you for this, dear"
Nely's face was pretty mixture of
smiles and tears as her friends kissed and
praised her. Then she said, brightly:
Now we have nothing but our cake
and lemonade for the supper we have
| lost. Flowers will do Tor tavors, and
tallow candles will help the moon light
Up our hail. See my Bo. Peep dress.
and here are lots OF things for you. To
morrow Jane will help us, and we will be
splenditerous."
Three happy faces bent owe r the old
brocades, three busy tongues chattered
gailv of trains and founces. and three
pairs OF friendly eyes peeped often Mt the
quiet figure on :he rocks. finding greater
satisfaction in that sweet little tableau
than any they could plan.
Merry times they had next day. for
James skilful fingers worked wonders,
and gratitude inspired her with all man
ner of brilliant ideas. She was intro