Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-10-06

| loss-only Knowing the lecture over by
the tumult OF applause that burst forth
and the noise OF she audience rising to
90 out Bot once in the street. II was an
unexpected relief that Marks launched
out into an animated criticism OF the
speakers opinions, being altogether too
eager himself TO notice the abstraction OF
his listener.
Before the dawn of The morning that
followed that slecpIess night, the first
tlmultuous surges of grief had passed,
and Ralph looked his trouble in the face.
resolving TO bear ii like the brave fellow
that he was. He did not reproach Eta
now, though the temptation bad been n
sore one at first; no doubt she supposed
the fact of her engagement TO be too
widely known to have had \ thought of
caution. Only foolish blindness could
have mgde him mistake the kindness
which her noble heart prompted toward
all alike. for something moro personal
and tender. Then how could she know
how nc loved her? lle had never told
her so. he thought. bitterly, although in
those few months she had so grown TO be 4
part OF all his life, that ~ yet he was too
/ weak 10 think OF the dcSOlalc years that
seemed TO stretch aimlos>ly before him
without her. Life was made of moments
he could bear thcm. one by one, until,
maybe, strength would come with cndur
ancc, bringing peace.
Flint, senior. was waiting us he went
in.
"a lew minutes conversation with you,
If YOU please. Mr.. Field" he said.
pleasantly.
Ralph followed him into tho Office
What new leaf in the book ol fate was to
be turned this time, hc wondered.
gloomily.
Mr.. Flint was 4 man OF few words. and
the expression of warm commendution
with which he grasped Ralphs hand and
drew him into chair beside him meant
very much. coming from him. There had
been letters by the last nights steamer
the Paris Agency was vacsnt-some one
must 90 on Immediately. There was no
oliu whom he conld trust more implicitly
than Mr. Ficid-aO one oi whose success
he should feel more proud. Would Mr..
Field take the place ?
Poor Ralph's check flushed FOR one mo-
mcni with glow Of honest pride; then,
with hitter Pnug he ihought,-"llow
much this would have been worth to ne
Yesterday. bat now"
II am very grateful Tor the honor you
pay me. Mr.. Flint" he said. Il have
iticd To do my duty-I viii Try still.
thank You very much. aud viii 30"
Aud 50 ii Was settled
Busy in his rooms that night with
preparation Tor his journey, Ralph took
from his desk i litilc packet, tcuderly
and sadly touching ii. rs one MY ht gather
flowers uH grave. y wiIhercd rose or
two. the pretty handkerchlel-that was
all. Was he e,s manly that a few tears
tell silcully,-poor drops that could bring
back no fresh bloom 10 the faded bios
sons. farming with a sudden impulse
he took up pen and paper. /; was y little
letter. The last will of q sweet. fading
hope.
"ErrA-my Eta, had thought to say.
but The time for that has gouc Oy-God
forgive me il should write a needless
word Ia pain the lrucst heart that ovci
beat. hove you too truly not 10 rejoice
,hat you are happy, and would not nave
one sad thought OF mo come in to cloud
your perfect sunlight. | heard last nig hi
for the tirSt time, OF your engagement Ia
Captain Tileston. May Ged bless YOU
both now and forever.
write because | am going away, and
fear | cannot come in person Ia sag
good by. The firm sends me TO Paris.
God knows if should ever come back
again. Four graves in iule valley
among the New hampshire hills. are all
there is len me Of the home Of my youth,
aud | shall never know another.
Eta. my hic. my darling. forgive me
it is Tor the last lime. Good. bye.
RALPH FIELD"
Going TO mail hi. note the mex, mora
inc, he met Frank Evans at the door,
enthusiastic over a Watching party that
was TO go out that day
Cant you get away. Ralph? Hal sent
you an invitation. It's a glorious day,
aud just our set invited. I'm going back
10 the house 10 tell the girls and Captain
Tileston- hes stopping with us-t1 take
the eleven o'clock car for The Point. Ot
course you'll 80. my toy?"
"No, Frank, | can't. Thank You, but
it is impossible"
"Pshaw Ralph, d,nt be drudge. Do
come"
Rape saw that his friend had heard
nothing OF his prospective change in
business, but he was in no mood for
confidence.
IL would like to 60 il it were best, but
it is noi," he said quietly. "You were
on your way home, l think you said?"
YES"
"Wil you give this to your cousin. y
Ralph asked, handing Frank The note he
had written.
"Yes, certainly" and Frank thrust it in
his vest pocket. Good. bye, my boy,
you'll regret staying on shore to day"
III - l.. ......l p,lnI, EinII Snilnh