Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-06-08


ter.
50 bowed to fate; cherished Mary's
image in my heart; aud used to COM
fort myself in the intervals OF business
by reciting mentally Shelly's lines about
"The love orthe moth for the STAR
Besides this 1 had but one delight - that
of collecting foreign stamps for her.
She happened one day 10 ask for one
that was lying on the oilice.ledge; and
kept watch for them ever afterwards.
How grateful | was TO the mania | had
once scorned and despised
This humble passion of mine had exist
ed now nearly two years under these not
highly favorable circumstances, and
what is more. instead oil diminishing ii
was increasing. Meanwhile Chauudy
and went on rs two sub clerks rolled
into one postmaster. and no appointment
was announced.
Early in December there was always q
great ball at Cowford, whereat all classes
met, and wero supposed 10 iraternise.
II was the event of the season in the
county. Mr.. DArke was one OF the pat
rors, and occasionally honored the ball
with his presence and that OF "his lovely
and accomplished daughter as the
local journal gushingly styled her. This
year he had not announced his Intention
OF going, aud it was generally supposed
therefore that he would not be present.
he had lust made fierce raid on the
/ poachels; and WAS reported to head his
watches nightly in person, being deter
mined to put down the gang, two OF The
riug'eadess of which had Just been sen
tcuc,d to long impri.onmcn;s through
hi, iasirumentality.
One afternoon, about three days before
the ban, WAS looking out of the win-
dos. Ny desk was just =, the Junction
of the un,c in which letters we've
received, orders issued. and transactions
with The public generally conducted,
with The little room in which the sorting
was d.nc, aud The internal Affairs OF The
office were arranged These two rooms
formed two side, OF the small curt or
vesubuic, which was open To the public;
and lhe window where sal was lust in
the angle, lighting the inner office, SO
that, Oy looking over tho ground glass
with which The window was glazed bali
way up, could see in profile all appli-
cauts at the ouler Office.
The other clerks were at tea-a meal
| did not clle for; and had, Just as an
occupation, cleared the box and sorted
the letters. and then returned to nv desk
As mounted The stool sdw one OF Mi.
Darke's servants.
lie was only stable help and had but
lately entered MIR. Dnke's service, Yet
know him. lor IL was silly fancy oi
mine to watch all Mary's surroundings
with minute care, and picture 10 myself
whelc | should have made alterations
and Improvements. suPposing had
been rich enough to make her mine.
noticed lhat the fellow pecred around
a. il anxious TO see ii he were observed.
Not noticing any face at The window, ow'
IN ~ the deepening twilight. lie seemed
reassurod and slipped . letter into the
box. There was something so odd about
this that at once went 10 the box and
took it out; perhaps | hall expected ii
was from Mary. Il was in i wrelched
| scrawl. probably the fellows own, ad-
dressed J NJ, PoStolice, Cowlord, (to
be called tori hurried 10 u window
which gave a view OF The street. and
just caught sight OF the man climbing IN
to cart which was Standing outside the
/ poulterel's, few doors of. knew 1t
to Je the game -keeper's cart, in which
game was brought into The town Tor sale.
! As watched, | saw the keeper come out
Of the shop. mount the cart. and drive
off. The help had evidently taken adj
vantage Of his absense to steal of and
post his mlssive.
don't know why took any further
notice OF the letter. Having ascertai0ed
it was his. ought to have dismissed all
thought OF it. But somhow did not. |
watched anxiously 10 see who would
claim IT,.
The claimant appeared next day {:
a couple OF rough looking ieliows-lai
way laborers to llappearance--came in
and one oi them asked ior letter
tor j. NJ" Having obtained it. they
drew aside into corner and opened III
and the corner happened to be the one
where my window was. With the ut
most precaulion against making any
noise to alarm them, raised the sash
about an inch and listened.
The fist words caught were, will
90 to the ball. and he won't return iii
latish."
"Tha.'s the time for me. That's the
time as he's comm back agin." remarked
hhe listener in y hoarse whisper.
"There'll he none with him but oung
miss. for there's none stopping here.
Vilis"Ohat was the coachman's name. |
lknewO will drive the chesinuLs. This
!, AL know; shall post ii when I'm